“How very brave of you.”
“I try.”
“You did not answer the question.”
“I do not owe you an answer.”
“Actually, you do. I never asked my truth last night,” Jane reminded him.
“And is this what you wish to use it on?” Blake arched an eyebrow at her.
“Yes.”
“Why?” he asked without thinking.
“I do not know, I suppose I am curious.”
Her answer caught him off guard.
“You know what they say about curiosity—that it killed the cat,” he replied, knowing that he was stalling.
“But satisfaction brought it back,” Jane said, without missing a beat.
“Is that how that saying goes?” He frowned at her. “I have never heard that part before.”
“It is. Most people just leave off the end because it is more convenient that way,” Jane explained. “People do that with rather a lot of sayings.”
“Ah, the hypocrisy of the ton.” Blake shook his head, unable to keep the disgust from his voice, though he tried to keep his words light and playful.
“You continue to avoid my question,” Jane pointed out.
“Fine. In truth, I imagine my life will go back to what it was before,” Blake said, an odd feeling in his chest.
“Which was?” Her eyes met his once more, and Blake was suddenly very aware of how close they were to each other.
“You know what it was. What it is,” he murmured.
“I suppose I do,” she breathed. “And is that what you want?”
“That is more than one question, Miss Pembleton.” Blake smiled at her. “And you have already used your truth.”
“Then I shall have to win another,” Jane replied.
The moment seemed to stretch out between them, and as Blake tried to find the words to fill the silence, the music stopped. The world seemed to slip back into focus, and Blake let Jane’s hand slip from his grasp.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Jane curtsied to him.
They were still standing so close that her forehead brushed against his chest as she curtsied to him.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her voice was slightly breathless. Blake’s heart seemed suddenly too large for his chest. He felt an odd sense of loss where her hand had been moments before.
He swallowed and forced himself to take a step back, though his legs seemed hesitant to obey him.
“And you, Miss Pembleton.” He bowed to her.
“What, do you not wish to dance again?” Emily sounded disappointed.
“I think one dance is all I have in me tonight.” Jane smiled at her. “I think I will retire for the evening.”
