A Dash of Scandal(52)

“I would wager you’ve said that to all the ladies you’ve had a promenade with this evening.”

He looked at her curiously. “What makes you say that?”

She lifted her eyebrows as if to question him. “Could it be your reputation of knowing just how to charm young ladies into thinking you are madly in love with them, but only calling on them once or twice?”

“So, we’re back to that. I fear my reputation will always be between us.”

“Something has to be. I need armor, Lord Dunraven, when it comes to you, for my will alone doesn’t work.”

There was a contrite lift to the corners of his mouth. “I thought I was the one who was in need of help from your charms.”

The threat of a smile fluttered at the corners of her lips. She didn’t want to be bewitched by him tonight. “You jest, my lord, and I am serious.”

“Don’t be serious. Not tonight. Let’s enjoy the dance, the evening. It must have been wonderful at the Dovershafts for you to have been there so long this evening.”

“It wasn’t that we tarried. We had a late start to the evening.”

The music started and he took hold of her hand and firmly placed his other hand, open palm, to the lower part of her back. He felt her warmth even through his gloves and her clothing, and it soothed his temper. In one long, fluid step he guided her backward, which led her sweeping into the box step. She faltered once, but he easily covered for her mistake. Something was wrong with her. She usually danced as if she had air between her feet and the floor.

“You seem a bit stiff this evening, Miss Blair.”

Without looking at him she answered, “Perhaps that is because I have come to my senses.”

“Did you lose them?”

“Dreadfully so.”

“We shared a few kisses.”

No, it was more than kisses.

“That is all, Millicent. There was no harm done to your reputation.”

Millicent wasn’t so sure it was only her reputation that she worried about. She now feared her heart was also in danger of being lost to Lord Dunraven.

His impassive attitude caused her to look him in the eye. “I suppose I’m not shocked you take such a cavalier attitude to such inappropriate behavior.”

“I don’t look at what happened between us that way.”

His fingers constantly moved over her gloved hand, rubbing, caressing. It was as if he couldn’t get enough of touching her.

“That is because you are a scoundrel, sir. You have done such things on many occasions with many different ladies. It is as natural to you as breathing.”

“And that was established before our intimacy this afternoon.”

“You would not have been shamed out of Town had we been caught, but I would have.”

“Millicent, look at me.” When she met his eyes, he continued. “I wouldn’t have let that happen. When as a gentleman I take a risk, I’m fully prepared to accept any consequences that might arise from my actions. You must trust me on this.”

“Your eyes and your expression are so genuine for a moment I could almost believe you. But I can’t. To how many young ladies have you said the same thing?”

“Not as many as you think. You don’t know how badly I want to pull you into my arms and kiss you again, Miss Blair.”

She looked over his shoulder past him again and said, “I must admit that I am not sorry that we kissed yesterday or today.”

“Or the way we kissed so thoroughly?”

Her gaze met his and, for a moment, he thought he saw a hint of a smile on her face. “That’s correct. I found it most pleasurable.”

“I wonder if you could possibly know how saying things like that affect me? I’m not even sure I’m still following the steps of the waltz. I’m pleased you are not overwrought by what happened between us.”

“There will be no shame between us. Not now. It’s too late for that.”

“Not ever. May I call on you tomorrow?”

“No, sir, you may not.”

“Miss Blair, you are driving me mad. After what you just told me how can you still deny me? It’s clear you don’t find me offensive. Why won’t you allow me to call on you?”

Millicent’s loyalty to her aunt forced her to remain unbending and say, “I am not here in London to be trifled with, Lord Dunraven.”

“I hear it in your voice and see in your eyes that you are serious. Trifling is not my intention, Millicent.”