“I don’t mean to be cruel to your sister, but I’m sure she realises we aren’t a good match,” he said.
The other dancers formed a circle around the ballroom among mutters and whispers since the music didn’t start. The maestro was waiting for Anthony.
“You don’t mean to propose to Helen, do you?” Isabella whispered.
“No.”
“Why?”
“She’s beautiful and graceful. My grandmother adores her. But I find her lack of honesty disappointing.”
Isabella’s delicate eyebrows drew together. “Lack of honesty?”
“She never says what she thinks. She only says what she thinks will please me. I’m surrounded by people like her. I need a wife who shares her true thoughts and feelings with me.” And whose happy energy was contagious.
“Becoming a duchess is everything for her.” She gripped his arm.
“Exactly.”
“So do you wish to propose to…”
“You.”
She stumbled. “Anthony, I’ll break Helen’s heart.”
“Her dream is to become a duchess, not to marryme. She doesn’t care about me. I doubt she likes me.”
“But we…we don’t really know each other, either.”
“We’ll spend time together to know each other. I won’t force a decision on you. I won’t talk to your father unless you want me to. I want you to be completely free to make a decision. All I’m asking is to give me the chance and the honour of courting you. You’ll have plenty of time to think. I won’t rush you.” He dipped his head. “For now, will you dance with me?”
The other couples got ready to begin the dance, craning their necks at the maestro.
“I need a wife who understands me when I talk about the parliamentary bills, the constant disagreements between the Tories and the Social Democratic Federation, a wife who can help me in my decisions.”
“I’m not an expert.”
“I’m not asking you to be one. I don’t want you to be one. I’m surrounded by experts in politics. I only need your honest opinion.”
“Do you think I can be of help?”
“You’re more clever than you think.”
A few sweet notes came from the orchestra as the dancers grew impatient. He coiled his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Her rose scent covered that of the other ladies’ perfumes.
He wasn’t being completely honest because, while he needed all those things in a wife, he also liked her because she made him laugh and because she was kind and compassionate. When they were together, the world was less dark, and a little flame of life sparked in his heart.
He leant closer to her and whispered, “Dance with me. Please.”
“With pleasure.”
Relief overwhelmed him. He led her to the middle of the ballroom, ignoring the glances. He nodded at the maestro.
The music started. He took the first box steps, and she followed him with hesitant movements. He had to slow down to guide her through the next sequence.
“Is everything all right?” He made her twirl.
“My shoes are a tad tight, and my toes are crushed and sweaty.”
