Page 66 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

Erin sighed. “I suppose, but I am tired.”

“You would feel like dancing with the right partner. I am certain that gentleman is looking at you.”

“Who?” Erin twisted and looked in the direction Alison stared.

“Do not look,” Alison said with a laugh.

Erin faced her. “You are making that up.”

“I have never lied to you, Erin.”

“There is a first time for everything. Oh, look, Mrs. Jameson has seen us and is headed our way with her horrid son Lucas.”

Alison groaned inwardly. “Lord, she wants me to dance with him. I am not in the mood—” She broke off at the warning look in Erin’s eyes.

An instant later, Mrs. Jameson stepped into view from behind Alison.

“My lady,” she said. “I am so pleased to have found you. You remember my son, Lucas.”

Alison angled her head in acknowledgement but didn’t offer her hand. “Mister Jameson, it is a pleasure to see you.”

The short, stalky man bowed. “My lady.”

“The minuet is about to end,” Mrs. Jameson said. “If you are free, Lucas would love the honor of a dance.”

“I am afraid Lady Weston has promised this dance to me.” A tall, handsome man stepped into view and stopped beside Lucas. He winked at Alison, then looked at Mrs. Jameson and said, “Mrs. Jameson. Miss Lennox. Lucas.” Without waiting for a reply, he said, “Now, if you will excuse us, Lady Weston and I have a dance.”

He winged his harm toward her and Alison silently cursed, for she couldn’t refuse and risk a scene. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm and allowed him to escort her toward the assembling dancers.

Once out of hearing, Alison said, “I am accustomed to being introduced to a gentleman before dancing with him.”

They reached the dance floor and he brought them to a halt a few feet from another couple. The orchestra began the first strains of a waltz. Alison jerked her head in the direction of the musicians. A waltz? Her partner stepped close and placed a hand on her lower back. She automatically lifted her right hand for him to clasp and placed her left hand on his shoulder.

He stepped into the music with flawless precision as he said, “John Napier at your service, my lady.”

“Mister Napier?” she blurted, then realized her response gave away…what?...her fear? “I—that is, you must forgive me for not knowing you, Mister Napier. It is a terrible lack of etiquette not to know one’s host.”

He smiled and Alison wondered how many women he had charmed with that smile, only to throw them into a carriage bound for a brothel.

“Do not give it another thought, my lady. I am simply pleased to see you. Your husband said you wouldn’t be attending tonight’s party.”

Alison resisted the urge to make excuses and immediately leave the party. She had known she might encounter the man, but with some many people in attendance, she’d hoped to avoid him. Never in a million years would she have dreamed she would end up dancing with him—and a waltz, of all dances. If Cameron discovered she’d danced with him, he would be furious.

She started to tell Mister Napier that she hadn’t been feeling well earlier, so had declined to attend the party, but realized she didn’t know the excuse Cameron had given. Illness was the most likely excuse, but if she were wrong…

“A woman is allowed to change her mind,” she said with a smile.

His own smile broadened as he maneuvered them around another couple. “Indeed, she is. And I am delighted you did. You are a wonderful dancer.”

Alison angled her head in acknowledgment. “Dancing is a must in etiquette class.”

He laughed and a chill threaded through her. The man was a charmer, all right.

“Hunter is a lucky man,” he said. “Tell me, how did you two meet?”

Alison narrowed her eyes. “I feel certain you know the answer to that question, Mister Napier. We caused quite a scandal.”

“Ah, yes, I do believe I heard. Are you well pleased with how things turned out?”