I fear she might leave before I find the courage to ask her to stay.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Amelia felt as though she were floating several inches above the ballroom floor.
The orchestra played a graceful waltz as Gabriel guided her through the steps with effortless confidence, one gloved hand resting lightly against hers while the other settled at her waist. Every movement felt dangerously easy. His evening attire suited him far too well. The dark tailcoat fitted his broad shoulders perfectly, the crisp white cravat accentuating the strong line of his throat, and the candlelight caught in his dark hair whenever he turned his head. Amelia had never understood why women sighed over handsome men before.
I understand it entirely now.
She immediately regretted that realization.
“You appear troubled,” Gabriel observed, guiding her through a graceful turn as his gaze settled on her face.
“I am not troubled,” Amelia replied, lifting her chin and refusing to look away.
“No?” One dark eyebrow rose as he steered her effortlessly through the next step.
“No.” She offered a bright smile. “Merely attempting not to step on Your Grace,” she added, tightening her fingers around his hand.
Gabriel’s mouth twitched. “A noble goal,” he said dryly, drawing her slightly closer as the dance demanded. “Though so far, you have failed to injure me.”
“How disappointing,” Amelia murmured, tilting her head.
“I am certain you’ll find another opportunity,” he replied, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Amelia laughed despite herself. The sound seemed to surprise them both. For a moment, she forgot how nervous she was. Then Gabriel’s hand tightened slightly against hers as the dance carried them closer again. And suddenly, she remembered. Very vividly.
Good heavens. Why does the man have to smell so pleasant?
The faint scent of sandalwood and clean linen drifted toward her every time he moved. Combined with those infuriating grey eyes and that dangerously calm voice, it was entirely unfair.Amelia forced herself to focus on safer topics before she made a complete fool of herself. Preferably topics that did not involve his hands, his shoulders, or the fact that every unmarried woman in the room seemed determined to stare at him.
“This is a wonderful ball,” she said, glancing around the crowded room before returning her gaze to him.
Gabriel followed her gaze briefly. “It has only just begun,” he replied with a faint shrug.
“I know,” Amelia said, smiling. “But Valerie looks magnificent.” She nodded discreetly towards the edge of the room.
“She does,” Gabriel agreed, looking toward his niece.
“She will be a success,” Amelia said firmly.
“You sound very certain,” he remarked, returning his attention to her.
“I am.” She lifted her chin again.
Gabriel studied her for a moment. “She is fortunate to have learned your confidence,” he said quietly.
The simple statement warmed her more than it should have. She looked away before he noticed. The orchestra shifted into another sequence of steps.
Around them, gowns swept across polished floors while candlelight glittered against crystal chandeliers overhead. Laughter echoed through the ballroom. Servants moved gracefully among the guests, carrying trays of champagne and wine. Yet somehow none of it felt nearly as important as the man standing before her.
Which was alarming. Deeply alarming.
“I should probably check on Valerie,” Amelia said, smoothing a nervous hand down her skirts.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. “Already attempting to abandon me?” he asked, guiding her through another turn.
“I am performing my duties,” she replied primly, though the corners of her mouth threatened to betray her.
