Page 62 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
Warner nodded.
“Then let them do it. So that you might give your wife the attention she deserves.” Lady Cora smiled and nodded to something behind Warner.
He turned, and his breath caught. Adele stood at the top of the stairs, a shy smile on her face as she walked down towards him. At once, all his thoughts of imperfect décor and music vanished. There was no room for that — only for her.
He was barely aware of Lady Cora joining Lady Verity and Lady Rowen and walking into the ballroom. He had not even noticed the other women arrive. Nor had he noticed that he had taken a step towards Adele until his foot touched the steps.
She was beautiful. Her russet hair was done in an elegant style with delicate curls that framed her pretty face. Her gown was the same blue as his coat with embroidery in silver across it that matched his own. It was made of a rich velvet, and she wore white silk gloves.
The gold necklace she wore drew his eyes to the pale flesh of her collarbone, and he caught himself reaching towards her. He stopped just in time and swallowed hard.
“You are beautiful.” His voice was hoarse.
Her cheeks flushed with colour, but her smile was radiant. She held out a hand, and he took it, unable to take his eyes from her. “And you look rather handsome yourself. I suppose we make quite the pair.”
“I suspect all eyes will be on you tonight, Duchess. There is not a woman around who could hope to match you.”
“I see you are already getting into character.” Adele gave him a sweet smile. “I suppose we should make our entrance.”
“We should not keep them waiting,” Warner agreed, and together, they walked to the ball room doors.
He was scarcely aware of being announced. His focus was entirely on Adele. The gentle sway of her as they walked into the room together. The shy smile as she acknowledged the guests on her way through them. He could feel the eyes upon them, sense them tracking their every movement.
“They are watching us,” Adele murmured, spots of colour on her cheeks. “It is rather intense.”
“Then let us give them a show.” Warner left her side though he kept hold of her hand.
He swept into a low bow, his lips lightly grazing the knuckles of her hand as he did. He looked up at her intake of breath, a flicker of emotion crossed her face too quickly for him to read. “May I have the honour of this dance?”
She nodded and they made their way onto the dance floor. The musicians began to play a lively waltz, Adele canted her head towards him, her eyes widening.
Warner grinned at her as they began to dance. “You seem surprised, dear Duchess. I had it on rather good authority that this happens to be your favourite song.”
“It is. But how on Earth did you know that?” Adele shook her head.
“Lady Cora mentioned it when I was preparing the set list for this evening. She seemed to think that it would be a lively way to start things off.”
“It will certainly be lively, but I am surprised you chose to open with it.”
“Why would I not?”
“Because a waltz is considered rather scandalous.”
“I am aware.”
“But what will people think?”
“I did not want them to think that you had been tamed. While I wish for them to think well of you, I have no wish for them to think I have quenched your spark.”
“Some would say that such a thing would be a good thing.”
“And they would be fools.” “Besides, in the scale of scandalous things you and I have done, a waltz is rather tame.”
Adele laughed, a beautiful sound that filled the space between them. “I suppose that is true. And it is one of my favourite dances.”
Warner dipped Adele. “And it gives me a chance to show you off. And you are truly a diamond tonight.”
“It seems you have been practicing your compliments, my dear Duke.” Her cheeks did not colour, but again there was that look he could not quite place, disappearing too quickly for him to understand, replaced by a smile.
