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Tobias frowned. “Yes?”
“I…I had asked a question.”
He was having difficulty following the conversation. His concentration was centered on her mouth. “A question?”
“Are you well, Tobias?”
Pleasure punched through him. He liked the sound of his name on her tongue. He would not mention her slip in referring to him with such intimate familiarity. “Will you honor me with the next dance, Lady Olivia?”
She favored him with her brilliant smile. “I…yes, thank you, my lord.”
The strains of another waltz commenced; he led her onto the dance floor and swept her into the rousing dance. She moved with energy and a hint of recklessness in her movements. It brought to mind the energy and passion she would bring to bed play.
Good God. He almost stumbled at the unwanted thought.
Not quite trusting himself to speak, Tobias made no effort to converse as he moved her around the floor. As he twirled her, he didn’t feel wooden or uninterested, like he had with Westfall’s sister. Olivia swayed in his arms, sensuous, yet innocent in her movements, a most appealing combination.
“So, my lord, what are your interests? I’ve been at Grangeville Park for almost eight weeks and I daresay the only thing I know about you is that you enjoy swimming and riding. You disturb the fishes every morning at seven…I have a clear view of the lake from my chamber,” she admitted with a rueful half smile.
It was Tobias’s turn to blink. When had a young lady ever asked him about his interests and seemed so genuine? He sent his mind into his past with alacrity and was flummoxed to find the answer to be never. And she watched him as he took his morning swim. The knowledge had a disturbing effect on his heart. It sent it racing in the most unwelcome and frustrating manner. “Must we converse, Lady Olivia?”
She flushed. “Why yes, it is polite and expected that when one is dancing, some polite discourse should take place.”
His lips twitched. “I see.”
“And it’s quite wonderful we are not…sniping at each other, isn’t it?” she asked tentatively.
It was. Although, Tobias did not think it was prudent to admit to such a notion. If they were pleasant to each other, might it not lead to other things? Because even now, the interest that glowed in her eyes as she stared at him was not innocent, and it stirred a primal desire in him to see her stripped and laid bare before him. “It is quite refreshing.”
She beamed at him approvingly, then the audacious lady winked. Winked. He suppressed the smile, for the last thing he wanted her to believe was that he approved of her audacious behavior. They spun in silence for the remainder of the waltz and he was grateful for it. The dance came to an end, and he bowed. “Thank you, my lady. Please enjoy the rest of the ball.”
Disappointment crossed her face before she attempted a smile. “And I thank you, Lord Blade.” Her curtsy was elegant and unfortunately gave him a peek into her décolletage. The soft expanse of thin flesh stretched over her chest and collarbones begged to be kissed. It was disquieting to know it was his lips Tobias imagined pressed there, inhaling her scent and introducing her to pleasure.
With a tight smile—and tightening front trousers—he walked away. As he turned, he spied a shock of almost-white blonde hair that belonged to only one woman of his acquaintance. His mistress. Tobias froze, scanning the graceful lines of her neck and shoulders. He moved through the crowd intent on reaching Lady Arabella.
The lady turned and their eyes met across the span of the ballroom.
God’s blood.
“Lord Blade, I have been seeking an opportunity to speak to you about the housing project you are working on with Lord Westfall and my husband. I am keen to hear of the progress of its development and what precipitated the idea,” the Duchess of Wolverton murmured at his side.
Impatience bit through Tobias, and he strangled the useless emotion instantly. “Are you interested in contributing?”
“I am. I think it is wonderful you and Westfall have taken such a keen interest in championing the poor and suffering children of London. I understand the marquess has a vested interest, but what is your motivation?”
The duchess was daring to so boldly hint at Westfall’s bastard daughter, whom he had rescued recently. She completely distracted Tobias from his intention to pursue his mistress and demand an explanation.
“Shall we take a stroll on the terrace and discuss your charity work, Lord Blade? I’m sure Wolverton will join us,” the duchess said with a smile.
“It’s best if we retire to the library.”
With a nod, she acquiesced and they departed the ballroom. Tobias signaled to the duke, and he made his way toward them. Half an hour later, Tobias had secured the added patronage of the Duchess of Wolverton, and she assured him she would bring more support from other members of the ton as a fundraiser. Westfall would be pleased to know she was interested in building a school for the orphans, and she was bold enough to want them to receive a tailored education that would allow them to obtain respectable positions and advance their prospects.
Tobias reentered the ballroom and scanned the occupants. Though he searched for his mistress, his eyes found Olivia first. She was dancing a quadrille, and she was smiling. Satisfied she seemed contented for the moment, he did a quick search for Arabella. Through the crush he spied a flash of white blonde hair. He was wading through the crowd toward his mistress when a footman intercepted him and handed him a piece of paper. Tobias flicked it open.
My Darling Tobias. I am sick to heart at the displeasure I saw on your face earlier. I had to come, to see you. I’ve missed your lips, your touch, and your pleasures. I secured an invitation through my good friend, and I have been most discreet. Do you remember our scintillating adventures at Lady Beechman’s house party? I would have you in a similar manner tonight. I will either be in your bed, the linen closet on the second floor of the west wing, or the gazebo. Please let me make it up to you. I am your willing prey…hunt me, my darling, and claim your reward.
Your lady A
