Page 15 of As the Earl Likes
“No,” he replied with a sheepish laugh. “I’d only conceived of the idea last evening before I took my mother and sister to Northumberland House. Then I saw you at the Siren’s Call. Watching how you handled the situation with my father, I realized you were the perfect candidate.”
“You must admit part of what makes me ‘perfect’ is that I don’t need to maintain a place in Society when this is finished.”
“All right, that does recommend you. If you want to back out, I won’t be angry.” Frustrated, but not angry.
“No, we shook hands, and to me, that makes this an agreement of honor. I will be your betrothed. Do you still plan to propose tomorrow?”
He waggled his brows at her. “Since my plan is to fall deeply in love with you tonight, I think I must.”
She laughed, and a warmth spread inside Sheff as he saw the woman from the dance floor.
The dance floor!
“Hell and the devil. Is that the music starting?” Sheff asked before tossing back the rest of his champagne.
“I believe so.” Jo tipped the contents of her glass down her throat. “Ready.”
Sheff stared at her, thinking she really was perfect. “Let’s dance.”
Chapter 4
It was a bloody waltz.
After dropping their glasses on a footman’s tray upon reentering the ballroom, Jo and Sheff rushed to the dance floor. Jo frowned.
“I’ll guide you,” Sheff said. “Do you know where to put your hands?”
“I can see what everyone else is doing.” Why had she never learned to waltz? Jo put her hand on his shoulder and clasped his other hand. “I’ve no idea what to do with my feet.”
“Count with the music. One, two, three.”
Jo stepped on his foot. “Damn. Sorry.”
“It’s all right. Stamp away.” He grinned at her though she was scowling.
“You’d better not be laughing at me,” she warned.
“I am not. But what would you do if I were?” he asked saucily.
She stepped on his foot again, but this time on purpose and with greater vigor. Blinking innocently, she said, “I’m so sorry, my lord.”
He laughed louder. “I deserved that. You’re doing well. I’d say you’re naturally inclined to move with the music.”
“I don’t know if that’s true, but permit me to concentrate for a moment.” She focused on her feet and the music and counting steps in her head. This isn’t terribly difficult, she thought. Relaxing, she became aware of Sheff’s hand on her back, of the gentle but firm way he clasped her hand, of how much closer the waltz brought them than any other dance. She felt an odd pull toward him, and she didn’t like it. Though, since she was going to have to pretend to be smitten with him, perhaps it was for the best that she was at least attracted to him.
How had she never noticed that before?
Because you’ve never danced with him before.
Jo decided her policy of dance avoidance was a good one and would be reinstated at the earliest possible moment.
“You’re doing beautifully,” he murmured. The rich timbre of his voice wrapped her in a seductive warmth. When was this dance going to end?
Recalling what he’d told her about being able to drink whisky upstairs, Jo resolved to make her way there when the dance was over. Aside from sampling fine liquor, she would hide from further dancing. She’d look for her friends and see if anyone wanted to join her.
“You’re a natural waltzer,” he said.
“That does not mean I want to repeat the endeavor.”
