Even as Audrey smiled, she heard Robert chuckle.
“I quite like the woman your sister is turning out to be,” he said.
“As do I. Miracles truly happen.”
“Then I’ll keep hoping.”
She ignored him, pretending she didn’t understand what he meant. And then he took her gloved hand in his as the opening bars of the music swelled.
“You’re trembling,” he murmured.
“It’s not as if I have ever danced in public before.”
“You will master this as you master everything you attempt. I have never admired anyone more in my life.”
She knew he was exaggerating but could not stop her blush. “Robert, this flirtation will get you nowhere.”
“Speaking the truth is always to be commended. Now come into my arms, Mrs. Blake, and relax.”
As if she could possibly relax, with his gloved hand holding hers, his big palm in the center of her back, each subtle pressure moving her about. She stumbled over his foot once or twice, but he held her up so effortlessly, she wasn’t certain anyone would have noticed her mistakes.
“Relax,” he breathed. “Smile.”
A genuine one came to her, and he gave her hand a squeeze.
“Feel the music,” he said. “I’ve heard you play, and music is in your very soul.”
She did relax then, letting him sweep her away into a swirl of dancers. She felt the very movement of the air as the women’s swirling skirts passed her by. She was dancing, actually dancing, in the arms of the most handsome man in the room, surely. She felt like every other woman at that moment, no different, no better or worse. She was dancing, trusting in Robert’s every movement.
Until the music seemed to fade behind her, and a cool evening breeze raised gooseflesh on her bare arms.
“Robert, where are we?”
“It was overly warm in there. I thought you might appreciate a moment to collect yourself after your first successful dance.”
“But where are we?”
“The terrace. It’s lit with torches in the corners, but there are suitable shadows where an engaged couple can quietly … speak.”
“Quietly speak?” she echoed dryly. “And what would you like to speak of?”
“Are you enjoying the evening thus far?”
She put her hands on the stone balustrade and tried to imagine the dark night, and perhaps the moon peering down on them. It could be a peaceful scene—but she did not feel peaceful with Robert’s sleeve brushing her.
“The evening is lovely, and my new neighbors are gracious and understanding. But you? You are not taking rejection well.”
He gave a low chuckle. “And I don’t plan to.”
Now his hand touched hers, side by side on the balustrade. She moved hers away, and when he followed, she gave up with a sigh and allowed it.
“You are being childish,” she said.
“I am courting you. If you let me kiss you, we’ll return to the dancing for the next waltz.”
“Then kiss me and be done with it, for your skill will not persuade me.”
“Skill? I am flattered.”
