Page 87 of Regency Whispers: Scandalous Matches

‘I think we need more punch,’ Lord Westcroft said, bowing to her and disappearing inside before she could object. She had only drunk alcohol a few times before, small sips of wine with dinner, and she didn’t know what was in the punch, but she was already feeling the wonderful warmth spreading out from her stomach around her body.

He returned with two more glasses and handed her one. As he walked back to her Alice was aware of all the curious stares they received from the other guests. No doubt everyone knew who Lord Westcroft was, and they would probably be wondering who he was spending all this time with. Alice tried to shrink into herself, feeling suddenly self-conscious.

‘A toast, to one final night of freedom before you are condemned to a life with vile Cecil.’

Alice smiled, raising her glass and then putting it to her lips. She had never met an earl before, but she had not expected one to be like Lord Westcroft. He was surprisingly easy to talk to and had a laid-back manner that reminded her more of the young lads in the village than what she pictured an aristocrat would be like.

‘How about you?’ she said after she had drained half her glass. ‘I’ve told you my deepest secrets. It is only fair I hear one of yours.’

For a moment she wondered if she had gone too far as his expression darkened, but after a second he placed his glass on the balustrade and leaned forward, looking out into the darkness of the garden.

‘Shall I tell you something I have told no one else yet?’ There was a sudden serious note in his voice.

Alice nodded, feeling her pulse quicken.

‘I have never danced a waltz in the open air before.’ He grinned at her and then held out his hand.

‘I thought you were going to confess something serious,’ she said, unable to stop herself from grinning at him in relief.

‘You are keeping me waiting, Miss James. May I have this dance?’

‘Everyone will stare at us.’

‘That is true.’

‘I am trying not to draw attention to myself.’

‘It is far too late to be worried about that. Everyone is staring already.’

‘How do you stand all the interest in you?’

‘You grow accustomed to it.’

He held out his hand, and Alice took it despite the sensible part of her cautioning against it.

Inside, the first few notes of the waltz had started, and there were a dozen couples on the dance floor, twirling and stepping in time to the music.

She felt a thrill of pleasure as Lord Westcroft placed a hand in the small of her back and, exerting a gentle pressure, began to guide her into her first spin. He was an excellent dancer; he made it look effortless, and once Alice had got her confidence she was able to lift her eyes to meet his and just enjoy the dance knowing he would not let her slip.

For a few minutes she forgot there were other people at the ball: it was just her and Lord Westcroft, dancing under the stars. Every time they spun she felt her body sway a little closer to his, and once or twice his legs brushed hers. As the music swelled and then faded, she felt suddenly bereft and had to chide herself for the romantic thoughts that were trying to push to the fore in her mind.

‘Thank you for the dance, Miss James,’ Lord Westcroft said, bowing to her, his lips hovering over her hand.

She thought he might leave her then. They had spent well over half an hour together, dancing and talking and sipping punch in the moonlight, and it was not advisable for a gentleman to spend too much time with any one young lady or rumours would begin to circulate. The sensible thing for Lord Westcroft to do would be to bid her farewell and go dance with another young lady.

For a moment she saw him contemplate doing just that. He glanced over his shoulder, looking at the ballroom with an expression of trepidation. Then he turned back to her with a smile.

‘Would you like to go for a stroll?’

‘A stroll?’

‘Only along the terrace and back. Perhaps a few dozen times. I find myself reluctant to let you go just yet, Miss James. I have this fear you will disappear as soon as I look away for an instant.’

‘You wouldn’t prefer to go and dance with someone else?’

‘No,’ he said simply.

‘Then, I would enjoy a stroll very much.’