Page 27 of When the Viscount Seduces
“There’s my mother,” Miss Price said softly. “She looks so happy.” Turning her head toward Lazarus, she met his gaze with warm gratitude. “Thank you.”
She couldn’t know what he’d done to ensure she was queen. “You deserve this,” he said.
“I don’t know if that’s true, but I deeply appreciate it. This is something I never dreamed of.”
“And now, we shall recommence the dancing,” Lord Lucien declared. “A waltz led by our king and queen.”
Now he was to waltz with her? Lazarus groaned inwardly even as his body thrilled to the idea of holding her close.
He stood and offered her his hand. “My queen,” he murmured.
She put her bare hand in his, and the connection was a strike of lightning. Somehow, he managed to keep from physically reacting. However, unlike lightning, which would have driven him to the ground, he wanted to pull her close and put his lips on one of her delectable collarbones.
As he guided her from the dais, she put her foot down onto the first step. Then her other foot caught her gown, and Lazarus clasped her hand more tightly, holding her upright. “All right?”
“Yes. I am not used to this type of gown. The skirt is a bit too long, and there’s a train. It’s a hazard, if you must know.” She flashed him a smile, and Lazarus nearly tripped himself.
When they were safely off the dais, he led her to the center of the dance floor. “How is your waltzing?” he asked.
“As accomplished as you think it is,” she said with a wry smile as they assumed their positions.
Lazarus pressed his hand to her back. “Just keep your eyes on me and hold tightly. I will guide you completely.”
“What about my feet? You can’t lift me and carry me about.”
“I would if I could.”
She laughed, and he couldn’t help grinning. “I’m bound to step on you, so I’ll apologize now.”
“Don’t think too much. Take small steps. I’ll propel us. And no one will see your feet, because, as you pointed out, the skirt is too long. So don’t worry what people might see.”
“You’ve an excellent point, except we’re the only ones here. Everyone is watching.” She glanced about at the empty dance floor. “Why is no one else dancing?”
“I presume it’s just supposed to be the king and queen for now.” Again, Lazarus worried this was going to ruin everything for Miss Price.
The music started, and Lazarus swept her into the dance. She kept her gaze locked on his, and it didn’t take long for him to realize he had to count the steps in his head lest he become completely lost in her eyes and her arms.
How had this happened? He hadn’t even planned to speak to her tonight, and here he was, king to her queen, holding her in his arms as the entire ballroom looked on.
Thankfully, other couples now entered the dance. He felt her relax in his arms. Then she stepped on his foot.
She blushed faintly. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Now listen, after the dance, I am not going to speak to you again. I’m going to flirt with other women and try to implicitly convince people that we are not courting.”
Her magnificent eyes rounded briefly. “Do people think we are?”
“I think some will jump to that conclusion since I have danced with you before, we promenaded in the park, and here we are king and queen of the medieval festival in matching costumes.”
“That does look…suspicious.”
“You must try to say things that indicate you are enjoying meeting a great many gentlemen. Anything you can say that will indicate you are not spoken for will help immensely. And if you can manage to see those two gentlemen who said they planned to call tomorrow, reiterate how much you are looking forward to that.”
She nodded. “I will.” Her gaze softened. You’ve been so incredibly kind and supportive. If I manage to receive any offers, it will be entirely because of you.”
“Nonsense. I may have helped, but once gentlemen see past what they think they know about you, they won’t be able to deny that you are a sparkling diamond, and they’d be fortunate to have you choose them.” Lazarus realized he was talking about himself. Shewasa diamond, and he never would have seen her if he hadn’t taken the time to do so.
He really needed to put distance between them. And yet he would be alone with her tomorrow when they met for another reading lesson.
