Page 49 of A Virgin for the Beastly Duke

Harry did not slow to allow her to win because her victory was in racing with him, and he loved everything about their game. He reached the castle a full minute before her and folded his arms across his chest as he waited for her and Cato to arrive, tilting his head to enjoy the view before him.

As predicted, her face, neck, and chest were prettily flushed, and his thoughts had run away with his wit.

“You look satisfied,” she breathed.

“And you look lovely.” Harry swept her up into his arms and walked into the castle with her, Cato on their heels.

Bridget took special care in her toilette this evening, choosing a dress as blue as Harry’s eyes, with a long train, and ivory satin gloves. This was their first ball together and she wished to look beautiful for him.

Her efforts were rewarded when his eye widened and his lips parted as she descended the stairs to join him and Belinda in the front hall. But he was not the only one in awe because her breath caught when she saw him in his new black evening coat. His hair was immaculately tied back with a leather strap, and if she were possessed of a lesser constitution, she was certain she would swoon.

He bowed and held his hand out to her. When she placed her hand in his, he kissed her knuckles, lingering as his gaze traveled over her once more. Belinda giggled behind them and he straightened, proffering his arm to guide her to the waiting carriage.

The ride to Dilworth manor was shorter than she remembered. Perhaps because Harry was with her. But the moment the carriage stopped, she felt a shift in him. His body tensed, and even though his expression remained calm and unchanged, she knew he wished he was not there.

Still, he stepped down from the carriage and helped her and Belinda down. Bridget elected to hold his arm instead of looping her hand through his arm, and the look he gave her conveyed his appreciation of the gesture.

The butler showed them to the gardens where the soirée was being held. The guests’ murmurs ceased the instant their presence was noted and every head turned in their direction. Some ladies concealed their mouths with their fans as they whispered to one another, while others looked on with unabashed interest along with the gentlemen.

Those decent enough lowered their eyes after the first look, but they were very few. Bridget wanted to look up at Harry but there were already enough eyes on him. Instead, she squeezed his hand and smiled ahead.

Lady Dilworth hurried over to them, offering a deep curtsy. “Your Graces, my Lady Belinda, how delighted we are to have you join us this evening.”

Harry inclined his head with a polite smile but his hand gripped Bridget’s tightly. Lord Dilworth joined them then.

“Your Grace, we are very happy to see you,” he said to Harry after they had exchanged greetings. The guests had returned to their business but there were still several curious eyes lingering on them.

“Thank you,” he murmured, just as Gerard and Drew came to join them.

“You did not tell me you were coming to the ball,” Gerard said.

“You owe me ten guineas now, Belmont!” Drew chortled.

“You bet on my attendance?” Harry asked, his grip on Bridget’s hand loosening a little. She smiled, glad his friends’ presence was helping him.

“Should we not?” Drew asked before bowing to Bridget. “Pardon my manners, Bridget. Your husband provokes me to forget them sometimes.”

“You have never had any good manners, Drew,” Harry said, then looked down at her. “Care to dance with me, my dear?”

“Yes!” Bridget accepted too quickly, causing herself to blush at the realization, but rejoicing nonetheless at his use of an endearment. It was simple but it went straight to her heart and melted it.

Gerard asked Belinda to dance while Drew complained about being abandoned. Harry led her to the dais that served as the dance floor just as the orchestra played the first notes of a waltz.

“Excellent choice, Harry,” she said as he positioned them, placing his hand at the small of her back, and sending a shiver through her.

“I only want to dance with you,” he said softly, drawing her close. “A waltz is perfect.”

Bridget floated in a dream once the dance began. It was better than she imagined, and their eyes never left each other’s as they glided across the floor. The guests faded, and even the music, for all she could hear was the song in her own heart. His eye was bluer tonight, and every time his mouth would curve into a smile, her breath would catch.

“You did not tell me you dance very well,” she said with a wide grin.

“You did not ask,” he murmured, a glint in his blue eyes. “Aunt Belinda plays the pianoforte well. Perhaps she could play for us while we dance some time.” His hand moved from the small of her back to languidly stroke the back of her neck. He did not appear to be aware of what he had done but she closed her eyes for an instant and relished the touch.

“Is that another dance request?” she teased, biting her lip when his hand stroked a line down to the small of her back.Oh, he is aware of his actions!

“Yes, it is, darling.”

Her heart danced again at the endearment. “I look forward to it,” she said, trying to contain her excitement. “With pleasure,” she added breathlessly.

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