“Only a couple of weeks. I cannot say it has changed much in the intervening years.”
Rupert knew he shouldn’t pry, but she had already let slip some information, and he couldn’t help himself. He needed to know more about her. “Did your husband not like London?”
“My”—she pressed her lips together in disapproval—“latehusband came quite frequently.”
It was the way she emphasizedlatethat made him understand even more what her feelings were. “You didn’t get along.”
In his arms, Vivian stiffened. “Let us merely say that there were too many people in our marriage and leave it at that, shall we?”
Feeling easier than he had since he’d discovered she’d been married, he led her through the turn, holding her tighter. “We shall. Have you been anyplace interesting since you’ve been here?”
“Not really. We’ve spent a great deal of time shopping and making morning visits.”
“If you’ll allow me, it would be my pleasure to show you around.”
Finally she smiled, and her face lit up. Rupert made a mental note not to discuss herlatehusband again. “I’d enjoy that very much, my lord. Thank you.”
“Tell me what you remember about London from before, and I’ll fill in the gaps.”
They spent the rest of the dance planning outings for the next couple of weeks. Then her brows drew together. “Would you not rather be squiring one of the young ladies around?”
“No. I’m perfectly happy to dance attendance on you.”
Her shoulders dropped as she relaxed. “Thank you again, my lord.”
“It is entirely my pleasure, my lady.”
Rupert fought the urge to tug her against him. Perhaps it was fortunate most of the fathers in Town believed he was too young for their daughters. It gave him the perfect excuse to spend more time with Lady Beresford, Vivian. To him she would be Vivian, until she gave him permission to use her name. Something, Fate maybe, had drawn him to her. Now he wanted to see how it played out.
“May I have the supper dance? It is also a waltz.”
He almost lost himself in the blue of her eyes before she replied, “I’d like that exceedingly.”
Vivian could hardly believe how divine a waltz was when dancing with a gentleman who wanted to stand up with her and not someone else. She did not stop herself from tightening her grip on his shoulders. Where did Lord Stanstead come by his muscles? The rest of him must be as solid. Which meant he would not be at all interested in what her body had to offer. She was so repulsive to look at no man would be tempted to bed her. She was too fair, and dark hair was in fashion. In short, there was nothing right about her. No matter, she would enjoy his attentions while she could. She wasn’t going to re-marry in any event.
He’d drawn her closer during the turn and his shoes brushed the hem of her gown, coming perilously close to her leg. Sensations she had never experienced before almost overwhelmed her, and she could feel the heat rise in her chest and face.
“I’m sorry.” He loosened his arms. “I should not have held you so closely.”
Oh, how she’d love to say he could hold her how he pleased, but . . . “Thank you.” Their gazes met as she looked up. “As I said, I am not used to dancing.”
His eyes seemed to warm. “It won’t take long before you’re standing up for every set and dancing until dawn.”
“I shall leave that to Miss Corbet. I have more sedate plans.” Such as finding a house she could call a home, and dancing with Lord Stanstead once more.
A few moments later the music ended, and he dropped his arms, releasing her. Suddenly she was slightly chilled. “Thank you, my lord. I have rarely enjoyed a waltz so much.”
“The pleasure was entirely mine, my lady.” He returned her to her cousin just as if she were a young lady. “I shall see you for the supper dance.”
The warmth she had experienced before returned. “I look forward to it.”
He strolled off, but was quickly waylaid by Lady Beaumont and introduced to a young lady. Vivian tried not to feel disappointed. Naturally he would stand up with ladies who required partners, and although he would honor his appointment to dance with her again, she refused to allow herself to want more. That was not the reason she was in Town.
She glanced around the ballroom. At least Lord Beresford appeared to have left, and she would not be subject to him again this evening. She might be better served by writing to him and informing him that she would not entertain another offer of marriage. If he wished to fill his nursery, he had better look elsewhere.
“Vivian?” Clara’s voice brought Vivian back from her thoughts.
“What were you scowling about? If anyone were to see you they’d think you were not enjoying yourself.”
