Page 9 of A Marriage Most Convenient

“You could entertain me a bit longer while James is preoccupied in the billiard room,” Willow said.

“Oh drat,” Charlotte murmured.

“What’s the matter?” Willow asked.

“Winthrop,” Charlotte said through her teeth. “I believe he’s going to attempt to woo me properly tonight with a dance and I simply do not have the patience to endure him.”

“Find another partner,” Edmond suggested as if the solution were blatantly obvious.

“Excellent idea,” Willow said.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Or I could take my leave and get some fresh air on the balcony.”

“That seems like a terrible idea,” Willow said. “The weather could turn at a moment’s notice.” Then she grabbed her brother’s elbow. “Edmond, dance with her and save her from Winthrop and his wandering lips.”

Charlotte once again found herself looking up into Edmond’s honey-flecked eyes. His jawline ticked, but he held his elbow out to her and she took it right as Winthrop would have reached their group.

“Miss Reed,” he called.

But Edmond swept Charlotte into his arms in a graceful and elegant move she hadn’t been expecting.

“This is a waltz,” she said dumbly.

“I am well aware. I believe I might even recognize the composer of this particular piece.”

“I meant no offense. It’s only that I don’t think I’ve ever seen you dance.”

His hands mold perfectly to the small of her back, the other holding hers aloft. His movements are effortless as he guided her among the other dancing couples.

“I refrain from dancing by choice, not by lack of skill,” he said.

“I can see that now. You’re quite talented. Elegant even,” she said, then met his gaze. Why was she complimenting him? And why was she suddenly feeling so awkward and flustered? More than likely it was simply because she knew that Edmond did not care for her company. And she was accustomed to men going out of their way to flirt and flatter her. Not scowl at her.

“My apologies that politeness forced you to dance with me.”

“I believe it was my sister rather more than anything else. And your apparent dislike for Lord Winthrop.”

She wasn’t going to give Edmond any details regarding Winthrop. “Still I know how much you dislike this kind of social frivolity in general. Not to mention your general dislike of me.”

“Why would you assume I dislike you?"

“Oh, Edmond, there is no need to pretend. I am not daft, nor do we need to stand on pretense. Did you think that I wouldn’t notice how you make your leave every time I approach a group? Or how, when you cannot easily get away, you scowl at me the entire time we’re near one another?”

“Am I scowling now?" he asked.

“As a matter of fact, yes. You are.” Only, as she stared up at him, she realized this wasn’t his normal scowl. Yes, his expression was serious, his gaze dark with some unspoken emotion. But he didn’t seem annoyed. He seemed…brooding. And attractive. Dangerously attractive. She swallowed thickly.

The song came to an end and they stood there facing one another.

“Perhaps that is simply my face.” His lips quirked and she could have sworn he was hiding a grin.

A smile tugged at Charlotte’s lips. “Did you make a jest, Edmond? Are you ill?”

His honey-colored eyes lifted heavenward. “I do have a sense of humor, Charlotte. Perhaps you don’t know me as well as you think you do.” He took her elbow and steered her back towards where Willow stood.

He leaned down and kissed his sister’s cheek. “I’m afraid I must take my leave.” Then he reached for Charlotte’s hand. “Charlotte, always a pleasure,” he said, then he placed his hot mouth to her hand.

Well, not so much her hand, but the naked flesh at her wrist right above her glove. The warmth of his breath singed her skin and she nearly closed her eyes to enjoy it. But it was gone so quickly, she’d missed the opportunity. Still, her skin remained heated as if his kiss had permanently marked her.

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