“Miss Snow,” Rowan repeated, “stop.”
“Why?”
“Because I am going to kiss you.”
She furrowed her brow, confused by the turn of events, and pleasure immediately started blooming in her core as she noticed that the lobby was empty.
He pulled her to a darkened doorway, holding her wrists against the wall firmly as he kissed her with more urgency than ever. She was practically seeing stars once he had pulled away, and she could not help the giggle that escaped her lips.
ChapterNineteen
Alice and the Duke arrived at the ball at the same time, and he waved through the window of his carriage at her as they drove past one another, making her giggle.
“You and the Duke have gotten much closer.” Grace raised her eyebrows, making Alice’s cheeks flush.
“We are just friends, Grace. He is practically the only person at these events that makes them bearable. Besides you, of course,” Alice added, smiling at her maid, who pretended to be offended.
As they stepped out of the carriage, Rowan greeted them, grinning. “Good evening, ladies.”
“Good evening, Your Grace,” they said in unison.
Alice knew their usual drill. She held her arm out for him. He took it, and they strolled inside, the usual jealous gazes lessening each time they were seen together.
It was becoming usual to see the courting couple, and most were just waiting for the Duke to make a move and propose to the Diamond.
I wish he would. Perhaps, after everything we have been through, he has changed his mind about marriage. He has opened up to me more than I could have imagined. What if I can be the one?
“So, I believe the plan for tonight is a dance, of course. You know I must teach you how to do the Brighton waltz properly.” He smiled. “And after you help me obtain Mr. Melbrooke’s business, I think I should treat you for a stroll in the gardens. Hopefully, it will be as interesting as our last time.”
“Your Grace,” she said breathlessly. “Be a gentleman.”
“How can I, when you taste so delicious?” he whispered in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
“Are you cold, my dear?” Grace asked, walking behind her, and offering her a cape to cover her arms.
“I will manage, Grace. Thank you.” Alice gave her a sweet smile, before glaring at Rowan.
“Let us find drinks,” he said quickly, darting inside before Alice could complain.
She politely curtsied to the hosts at the door and nodded to everyone who met her gaze, which was becoming tiring. She knew that these events would soon be over, but they just made her crave her usual quiet nights with a warm bath and a novel.
The Duke handed Alice a flute of something bubbly, and his dark eyes beckoned her to take a sip. She felt a blush grow on her cheeks as she brought the glass to her lips, taking a drink of the crisp alcohol. It tasted like roses.
“It is infused with the roses from the Duchess’s garden outside. I remember my mother used to rave about it when I was a child.”
“It is delicious, Your Grace. Oh.” She pointed inconspicuously. “Mr. Melbrooke. Shall I go over first? Perhaps I can get him in a good mood.”
“Wonderful idea. I will join you in a moment.”
She watched Rowan scoot away from her side and disappear into the crowded ballroom. She took one more sip of courage from her drink before lifting the skirt of her dress with determination and marching over to Mr. Melbrooke.
He was tall, with a large silver mustache adorning his face. A monocle was perched on his face and his eyes were a piercing green behind the glass. She caught his eye, and he nodded to whoever he was speaking with and they shuffled past her politely.
“Miss Alice Snow, you look stunning tonight. How is your brother?” he spoke in an almost monotone voice, somehow sounding so disinterested while his eyes observed her every move.
“He is well. I will tell him you asked after him. You know he will be happy to hear from you.” She curtsied before standing beside him, attempting to chat with a man practically two heads taller than her. It was intimidating. “Are you enjoying the event?”
“As always, booze and dancing. It does get a bit monotonous… do you not think so?”
