Lavinia rolled her eyes, trying to hide the smile that was threatening to break free. "You know, you can be a bit insufferable, Your Grace," she muttered, feeling a bit more comfortable.
Andrew chuckled. "That is music to my ears," he answered. "Our next lesson will be a dance lesson. I cannot count the number of times you have stepped on my toes, Lady Lavinia."
Lavinia couldn't suppress her laughter anymore. She giggled and shook her head. "Do you see what I'm talking about? Insufferable."
As the evening wore on, Lavinia found herself laughing more easily, her steps lighter, her mind no longer tangled in theworries that had once consumed her. Andrew's teasing, his guidance, and the easy company they shared had put her at ease in a way she hadn't expected.
Lavinia could hardly believe it, but it seemed as though something was shifting between them. She had started to see them as more than just two people locked in a battle of words. She could almost imagine a friendship growing between them. The thought surprised her. She had never expected to find any comfort in Andrew's company, but here she was, warming to the idea of it.
CHAPTER FIVE
"Lavinia, you're late."
Andrew's voice carried across the room with its usual commanding tone, making Lavinia flinch. Her pulse raced as she stepped into the room, her slippers soundless against the polished wooden floor. She shut the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment as she tried to steady her breathing.
"We cannot be seen like this, Your Grace," she whispered, her voice low and urgent. "We are guests of the Pembrokes. Couldn't this lesson wait until after the house party comes to an end?"
"Absolutely not," he said. "Time is of the essence, Lavinia, and so is your progress. Come."
Lavinia stared at his outstretched hand, her stomach knotting with a mix of apprehension and indignation. "This feels reckless," she murmured, though she didn't move. Her eyesdarted to the door again, her heart hammering at the thought of someone walking in.
"Lavinia, come."
"What if someone walks in?"
"No one is going to walk in," he answered. "Can we start? Or would you rather chase Lord Grove away with your poor dancing skills?"
Reluctantly, she shook her head. Deep down, she knew the lessons were important, but was it worth the risk of being seen with Andrew when rumors had started about her and Lord Grove's budding romance?
"All right," she finally said. Her body remained stiff and her movements jerky as she positioned herself in front of him. "But if we get caught together you better have a good explanation ready to go."
"Relax," he said, reaching for her waist. "This should be quick. I only have a few pointers."
Lavinia's breath caught as Andrew's hand settled on her back, his finger brushing against her in a light, almost imperceptible touch. Her eyebrows furrowed and she instinctively stepped back, confused by her own reaction to his touch.
"What is it?" he asked, searching her eyes.
"Nothing," she answered and managed to clear her throat. "I just...I wasn't ready."
He reached again, and this time, his hand stood firm around her waist as he guided her into the first step. The proximity between them was so intimate it made her stomach flutter, and when his finger brushed lightly against her back again, she jolted as though struck by lightning.
"Step here," he instructed, staring at her right leg. His voice was oddly calm considering the closeness of their bodies in the quiet room.
She did as he said, her foot moving where his hand indicated, but the distance between them seemed to shrink with each passing moment. She tried not to stare at him, to just listen to his prompts as he guided her. But it was difficult to ignore his effect when she could feel his breathing on her neck. His hand at her waist was firm, and she couldn't help but be acutely aware of it...almost too aware.
It had not been like this the day before when they danced at the evening ball.
"Your steps are too hesitant," Andrew said and paused mid step. "Try to flow with the music...I know there's no music right now, but you still need to flow. Watch me, and follow my lead. There is no rush. Relax your body."
She tried again, but the tension in her limbs refused to ease. She stumbled slightly, catching herself just in time. "Apologies, Your Grace."
His hand shifted on her waist, his grip more insistent as he guided her closer to him. Lavinia felt a rush of warmth at the proximity, her breath catching. "Footwork first. Keep your weight centered over your feet. The waltz isn't about speed, it's about grace. You must glide," he said. He moved his hand to her lower back, pulling her slightly closer, his touch firm but not unkind. The shift in position sent a ripple of awareness through her, and she stiffened, trying not to let it show.
"You're stiff again," he noted.
"I'm not a very good dancer."
He raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Clearly," he teased. "You've been attending balls for years, your moves shouldn't be this rusty."
