Words left her tongue the longer they danced, for she could only look into the duke’s eyes. He gazed back at her, something akin to her own wonder reflected in them. It made her nervous; it made her stomach flutter with anxiety that felt more giddy than nauseous. Her fears from when she first saw him melted with each step they took, crossing the expanse of the dance floor.
“What are you looking at?” he asked her, his voice slightly guarded.
I am wondering who the man is behind the mask of the Beastly Duke, she thought. Out loud, she answered, “your eyes remind me of the rich hue of coffee brewed in a quaint tearoom, like Delia’s Tearoom.”
She was not quite sure why she said it; her throat closed up as soon as she spoke, and she coughed lightly.
“Do you enjoy it there?” he asked, amused.
“Very much,” she said. “She makes very divine fruit sponge cake. Have you visited recently?”
“No,” he answered quietly. “I have not visited much of anywhere as of late.”
“I see.”
They lapsed back into silence, and yet it did not feel uncomfortable. Amelia did not feel as though she had to scramble for something to say. It hit her all over again how she was finally dancing at a ball—and with a duke, no less.
Heavens.
Of all men to notice her, it was the man rumored to be beastly.
So why did he look at her so kindly?
***
On the outskirts of the crowd watching the dance floor, where the Duke of Blackthorn and Amelia danced, Lady Eleanor, the daughter of theEarl of Fairfax, was approached by a man with loose, blonde curls. He looked angelic yet the broad curl of his smirk gave his confidence away, as if a hint of a mischievous gentleman lurked beneath a more refined mask. “Lady Eleanor,” called one of the matrons that Eleanor was acquainted to, as she approached with a knowing smile. “Allow me to introduce you to Lord Owen Radcliffe, a most accomplished dancer.”
“My lady, you are stood alone,” he said.
“I am,” she answered smartly.
“Is it by choice? Say only the word and I shall walk away to leave you in peace. But only know that I shall look from afar, forever wondering how the pretty young lady might have danced. How gracefully she may have taken to the floor and—”
“My lord,” she interrupted, “are you going to wax very forward poetry all night, or will you ask me to dance?”
He blinked, stumped. “I—yes. Indeed, I am. May I have this dance, Lady…”, he stuttered as his confusion was overwhelming.
“Eleanor,” she told him. “Lady Eleanor Fairfax.”
“Well, then, Lady Eleanor, will you do Lord Owen Radcliffe the honour of being his first dance partner of the night?”
“I shall,” she answered coyly. She was timid with her friends but there was something about that twinkle in Lord Owen’s eyes that made her want to come alive a little more. His hand reaching for hers, he took her to the dance floor, his attention never once lifting from her. Usually, she kept very collected when dancing but she found herself blushing beneath his regard.
“Do you dance as well as you profess poetry?” she asked.
“I believe you are about to find out.”
With that, he took her and glided her across the floor effortlessly. He was a very admirable dancer, full of grace and impeccable timing, as he guided their steps to match the rhythm of the orchestra. She whirled around Amelia and the duke yet did not tear her gaze from Lord Owen and those soft, green eyes, the broad grin, and his curls.
“You are a lovely dancer,” he told her. “Your skill is exceptional.”
Eleanor turned shy at that. “You are very capable as well, my lord.”
He continued to turn her about the floor, his tailcoat lifting with the gentle spins.
“My first learned dance was the waltz,” he told her. “I found it very elegant, although the only lady I had to practice with, aside from my tutor, was my mother. I believe it must have been amusing for her to have her young son lead her around the entrance hall at our estate.”
Eleanor laughed softly. “I can only imagine. I do appreciate thebeauty and steadiness of a waltz. However, I confess I have a passion for a country dance. It is ever so lively, and I feel as though it often brings out the best of a person’s personality.”
