“How many poor birds had their feathers plucked out to dress the ladies’ hair for this event do you think? I reckon all the birds in London are bald by now.” Her jest worked perfectly. The Marquess laughed wholeheartedly as they came to a stop. He released her hands as he bowed and she curtsied, smiling with triumph.
As they stood straight, he was still struggling to control his laughter as he offered her his hand.
“Well, bravo, Lady Emily. You are quite right. How could anyone not laugh at that?” he asked, towing her away from the dancefloor. She was looking around, preparing herself for parting from his company and seeking out her family.
It had been a pleasant dance indeed, and she wondered at what this sensation was that made her tingle every time he took her hand in the dance, but it would not last. He would no doubt ask the blonde-haired beauty to dance now, and Emily would have to part from that enchanting smile on the Marquess’ face.
“Well, thank you, my Lord,” Emily said with genuine gratitude. “I was nervous of my first dance, as you could tell well enough, and your skill made it not only free of falls, but greatly enjoyable.”
“I am the one who should thank you. In truth, I did not think I would dance at all tonight, but now, I am glad I did.”
“Why did you not think you would dance?” she asked. Yet he appeared not to have heard her, or at least pretended not to, for he was looking around himself.
“How about a drink, Lady Emily?” he asked. “Maybe we could find something to eat too?” He maintained his hold on her arm and began to lead her toward the refreshments table.
“You do not wish to dance with others?” Her surprise was evident, for she stumbled in her effort to keep pace with him, then blushed when she tried to cover up her trip.
“Have no fear, I will not let you fall,” he whispered to her, the deepness of his voice as he spoke made her want to wriggle with delight.
What is wrong with me? He is just a man. Why am I being reduced to a creature not in control of my own body?
He seemed to avoid answering her last question as they reached the refreshments.
“Wine or punch?” he asked, serving for her.
“Wine please. After your story of having a little too much punch, I think it best.” At her words, he chuckled softly.
“I believe wine is just a great a danger, but I will make sure you do not have too much.” He passed her a wine glass and then urged a plate toward her. The two of them were beginning to pile food onto their plates when Emily grew aware of the Marquess’ body going rigid beside her.
“God’s wounds. Not now,” he muttered, to himself than speaking to her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, looking up to him and earning his gaze.
“I apologize in advance for what you are about to witness,” he said hurriedly in a whisper to her, coming so close that it was an action the closest of friends would have done, than new acquaintances.
“Aaron?” a voice called to the Marquess. He grimaced, for Emily’s eyes only, before he pinned a false smile on his face and turned round, revealing two figures advancing toward them. “Brother, I do believe you are avoiding me.”
“I am doing no such thing.” Lord Tattershall adopted a nonchalant tone that had Emily watching him closely, aware how near he stood beside her as they greeted the two newcomers. Beside the Marquess’ brother, she was startled to see the blonde beauty that Lord Tattershall had been staring at earlier as they danced. “I have simply been making new acquaintances,” Lord Tattershall said as he gestured to her. “Lady Emily, may I introduce my brother, Lord Hugh Forbes, and this is Miss Jane Drew. His betrothed.”
Emily was so shocked that she nearly choked on the morsel of pastry she had placed on her mouth. She coughed a couple of times before swallowing and hurrying to curtsy as she looked up at the couple.
The Marquess was gazing at his brother’s betrothed?
“A pleasure to meet you.” Lord Hugh bowed to her, and Miss Drew curtsied too.
“And you.” Emily stood straight, feeling her eyes dart between the three people as an awkwardness settled between them.
“How have you been, Aaron?” Lord Hugh asked.
This is not how a brother talks to a brother, is it?
“Well enough.” Lord Tattershall answered quickly before turning back to the refreshment table and busying himself with his plate of food.
“Our mother tells me you have spent much time in your townhouse. Have you lost interest in our country home?”
“Somewhat, yes.”
What is going on?The thought plagued Emily as she looked between them all. Her gaze settled on Miss Drew, wondering why the young woman had not said a word. The lady sensed the awkwardness at the same time, for she turned her focus on Emily, finding some topic of small talk to partake in.
