Page 46 of A Duchess for his Family

“I am attempting not to tread upon you.”

Nathaniel leaned toward the twins. “A sensible precaution.”

Marjorie nodded gravely. “He looks very difficult to tread upon.”

“I can hear you,” Benedict told them.

“We know,” Amelia replied.

Sophia’s smile threatened again. Benedict tightened his hand at her waist, correcting her position. The touch ought to have been no more than practical. It was practical, entirely proper, visible to three witnesses, and required by the lesson. It nevertheless made him acutely conscious of the warmth beneath the pale muslin of her gown.

“Your hand should rest more firmly upon my shoulder,” he instructed.

“It is already resting there.”

“It is hovering.”

“I was taught that ladies ought not cling to gentlemen.”

“You are not clinging. You are scarcely touching me.”

Sophia’s eyes lifted to his. “Is that a complaint?”

For one unguarded moment, Benedict forgot the answer. Behind them, Nathaniel coughed into his fist.

Benedict ignored him. “It is an observation.”

“Your observations are remarkably personal for a dancing lesson.”

“Your dancing has made them necessary.”

Her brows rose. Marjorie whispered something to Amelia. Both girls dissolved into quiet laughter.

Benedict drew a slow breath. “Look at me.”

“I am looking at you.”

“You are looking at my cravat.”

“Your cravat is less severe.”

Nathaniel made a strangled sound.

Benedict turned his head. “Do you intend to remain for the entire lesson?”

“More than ever.”

Marjorie sat cross-legged upon the carpet despite repeated reminders that young ladies did not sit cross-legged upon carpets. Amelia occupied the chair beside Nathaniel, with her hands folded primly in her lap, though her eyes shone with amusement.

They had become an audience. Worse, they were an appreciative one.

Benedict returned his attention to Sophia. “Again.”

She sighed. “I know the steps. What I do not understand is why you are turning them into an examination.”

“The steps are not what you lack,” he retorted.

She lifted an angry eyebrow. “What is it I lack, then?”