“Oh, yes, we must ensure everyone knows how deliriouslyhappy we are,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. It wouldn’t be hard to convince the public of their connection. After their afternoon in the drawing room, there was no hiding that she hungered for her husband. The warmth of his touch on the small of her back and the caress his hand sent a renewed sense of need pulsing through her. This dance would be a declaration to all of society of his happiness with their marriage.
She recognized the beginnings of a waltz as he pulled her into his arms. Desire pooled low in her belly at the closeness. The intimate nature and sensuality of the dance would have made it forbidden when she was first introduced to society. Now, as a married woman, all sorts of physical touch were permitted.
A memory of his hands on her body as she leaned against the pianoforte flashed in her mind and a familiar ache began to build in her core. Every time he laid his hands on her, she melted. There was no resisting falling into his arms as she had once done so freely. No walls would ever be strong enough to keep him out.
“Are you well, wife?” His warm breath against her cheek sent shivers down her spine.
“It is marvelous to be able to dance together. We never had such an indulgence before, having been both engaged to others.”
Perry brought his mouth close to her ear. “Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight? I fear everyone is having a hard time keeping their eyes off you.” His deep voice unlocked something within her, setting her skin ablaze with the need to be closer.
“That is because I am a scandalous woman and they believe you have saved me,” she said, swaying and moving smoothly along to the music, avoiding his gaze.
Perry frowned. “It is you who has saved me. You have given me the greatest gift imaginable. A beautiful child to call my own. And a lovely wife who is the envy of every man here. How fortunate I am to be blessed with these riches.”
She blinked back tears at the words. Such words implied so much more feeling than she could ever hope to inspire in him.
“Then we are both scandalous, I believe, my lord,” she said with a smirk. “It is very unfashionable for a husband to harbor such feelings of affection for his wife. You’d best keep them well hidden.”
He gave his head a shake, a flirtatious grin at his lips. “Perhaps you are right. You’re looking a touch flushed, shall we go out onto the terrace for a bit of fresh air once we have finished our dance?”
After a few more turns around the dance floor, Charlotte was satisfied that most of their observers had enjoyed the show put on by the earl and countess. Incapable of keeping her emotions hidden, thetonwould know that she admired her husband very much. Judging by the barely hidden heat in his gaze, the same might be perceived in Perry. Though it was their plan to project the image of a happily married couple—madly in love—Charlotte suspected that their closeness was no façade. The way he touched her when they were alone, away from prying eyes, was no illusion. He wanted her as much as she craved him. When the orchestra paused the music, Perry took her hand and swept her off the dance floor. He changed directions when he noticed Viscount Witney signaling to them.
“It is lovely to see you again, my lord,” she said, giving Michael a small nod.
“Apologies for interrupting your evening, Countess, but I need a word with your husband,” Michael spoke quietly, his eyes surveying the area to ensure they were not overheard. “Please, let me introduce you to some of my cherished friends.”
Guiding Charlotte and Perry toward a cluster of women, her curiosity piqued as she took in the three stunning ladies, each unique in their beauty.
“Let me introduce you to Lady Katherine Waring, the daughter of the Covingtons.”
Lady Katherine reached out a hand and surprised Charlotte by squeezing hers. She was unused to any kind of familiar touch in such a formal setting. The lady shone in her sparkling cream dressthat could be compared to frothy champagne in the way it shimmered in the warm candlelight. Her dark brown hair was arranged artfully in big curls on top of her head, with a sprinkling of diamonds that shone like stars. Charlotte admired her lovely skin. The kind of smooth perfection her mother would love for her to have.
“Please, call me Kitty,” she said, her rich brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “I believe we shall be great friends, Countess.”
“You must use my given name, Charlotte. It is my pleasure.”
Next, Michael flicked his gaze to another stunning woman, who stood tall next to Kitty, with startling green eyes that stood out against her tawny skin. “This is Lady Annabelle Pensfield.”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, please call me Belle,” the woman said, with a tip of her head. Her apple-green satin dress shimmered, and she clutched her green lace-gloved hands before her.
Charlotte’s mouth curved into a smile as she was introduced to the last woman in the group, Lady Jane Starling. A shy smile curved the woman’s lips, her appearance rather muted with her light brown hair and hazel eyes. Lady Jane’s cheeks flushed as she nodded at Charlotte. Her stunning periwinkle gown with delicate inlaid flowers of lavender, pink, and light blue enhanced her curvaceous figure. Charlotte noted that Jane was afflicted with the same freckles as she. It somehow made her immediately connect with the woman. Society would have deemed them both rather plain, but Charlotte could see how Jane held an inner beauty that radiated from her. It was delightful to find some friendly faces among the strangers in the ballroom.
“Please, call me Jane. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Spencer.”
Michael introduced Perry, then whispered a message into his friend’s ear. Perry’s eyes widened. “Darling, I must leave you for a moment; you will be well cared for by these ladies,” Perry said.
Smiling despite her nerves, Charlotte nodded, watching her husband walk away.
Her face fell, the mask of serenity dropping for a moment, aware that she was being excluded their conversation. Perhaps this had something to do with the Viscount Witney’s mysterious reputation. Or he had information regarding Perry’s attacker. Eyeing the two men as they disappeared into the crowd, Charlotte turned back to the group of women.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Charlotte? I am told you spent a lot of time in the country,” Kitty asked, waving a delicate fan in front of her face.
“Oh, that must be a very quiet life indeed,” Belle added. “I fear I am addicted to the pleasures of the city.”
Charlotte gave a small smile. “Yes, I am not quite used to all the excitement yet.”
Tilting her head, Jane seemed to notice her nervousness. “I believe life in the country is sublime. None of the pressures we face in the city. Personally, I love it.”
