She broke her gaze from his, turning her head to the side. “There is no need for these theatrics, Mr. Yorke.”
“What theatrics?”
“You yourself admitted you have no real interest in me beyond how I can serve your goal to be elected, and asIhave made it clear that I am not to be swayed by flattery, your insistence on dancing together and flirting with me are wasted effort—particularly as Oswald is not watching at the moment.”
His brows drew together, at odds with the hint of a smile on his lips. “I believe you misunderstood me, my lady.”
“I rather think not,” she said with a smile that felt as brittle as frost upon glass. “I believe your words were that you are nothanging out for?—”
“I know what I said,” Mr. Yorke interrupted. “And I shan’t deny that Oswald makes the prospect of teasing him almostimpossible to resist, but”—he fixed his eyes on hers—“I never meant that myonlyinterest in you was in service of my goal.”
Caroline forced her breath to come evenly, though it revolted like a colt being saddled for the first time. “Oh?”
“I came here today with one intention and one intention only.”
“To make mischief.” She kept her voice as light as her thumping heart would allow.
The steadiness of his gaze made her pulse gallop and rear as the music drew to a close. “To dance with you.”
10
FREDERICK
The words hung on the air like mist over Trelowen’s harbor.
Frederick almost wished he could take them back.
Perhaps it was because they were true, something he realized as he met Lady Radcliffe’s unreadable gaze. He had told himself he needed to come to Trevenna for the election, but that was not true. He had come for her.
Whether it was the challenge of winning her approval or the unparalleled energy he felt in her presence, he had come for Lady Radcliffe.
And when he had heard her defend him, of all things…he had felt a hope unlike any in his life.
Not a hope that he would win the election.
A hope that she might be coming to respect him.
She broke her gaze away and looked around.
They alone stood together in the middle of the floor. The others had returned to their places across from one another to end the dance.
Frederick and Lady Radcliffe retreated to their places, giving a quick bow and curtsy.
The quiet that followed the end of the music was soon swallowed in conversation. Frederick walked over to her, unable to keep from watching every shift and flutter of her expression.
“Well,” she said, clasping her hands together, “now that you have accomplished your purpose…”
“I must go.”
There was a flicker of surprise in her expression.
“I have matters to attend to before my own party begins.”
“Naturally,” she said.
“Will you come?”
She gave a soft but incredulous laugh. “No, Mr. Yorke. I shall not.”
