Page 22 of Sin and Serendipity

Freddy, however, did not seem the type who liked moments of companionable silence, or long, meandering conversations about art and music and the mysteries of life.

She nibbled on her bottom lip as a spark of doubt flared to life in her mind. Did they have nothing in common?

The music drew to a close and Ellie cleared the frown from her brow as she and Freddy vacated the dance floor.

“Thank you for the waltz, Miss Wrencroft,” he murmured as he escorted her back to her mother. “It was a true pleasure. I had no idea you were such an accomplished dancer.”

Ellie met his gaze and smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Darrington. I must admit, I do enjoy dancing.”

“So do I,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling warmly. “Especially with such a lovely partner.”

Flattered by the compliment, Ellie bowed her head in a sweetly humble display of feminine gratitude, but as they approached her waiting mother, she came to the startling realization that flattered was all she felt.

Freddy was complimenting her, flirting with her, and she could barely muster a smile. She wasn’t charmed or astounded or delighted by his attentions—she wasn’t even blushing, for heaven’s sake!

Why wasn’t she blushing?

She should be thrilled right now! Her heart should be pounding in her chest, bursting with hope and happiness…

Instead, she felt nothing. Not a single flutter. Not even a twitch.

She frowned. What was wrong with her? Where were the butterflies?

Why did she feel nothing?

Chapter Eight

Robert leaned his back against the smooth stone wall at the side of the Henleys’ townhouse and turned his gaze up to the muddy, starless sky.

“Bloody, bleeding hell,” he growled, and scrubbed a hand down his face.

Forget her, damn it all. Let her go.

He tipped his head back, letting it thud against the wall, and shut his eyes as if to exile Ellie from his mind. But the image of her on Freddy’s arm, her gorgeous smile so soft and sweet, would not leave him be. She’d looked so happy.

A humorless laugh rasped from his throat. Happy? Hell, she’d looked positively radiant.

Pain gripped his heart, swift and sharp, and he rubbed a hand over his chest as if to ease the ache. Why did it hurt so badly? He’d only known Ellie for a handful of days, yet it seemed so much longer. It seemed he’d always known her, like he was meant to know her for the rest of his life.

And yet, she wanted someone else. He hated it, hated that he could do nothing to change it, but there it was. He would have to get used to it. He would have to get over it. There was nothing else to be done.

Drawing in a deep breath, he set his jaw. He would get over it, damn it, and move on with his life, just as Ellie would move on with hers.

And if Freddy found he liked her, and they decided to marry, Robert would accept it. He would wish them happy, and eventually he would be happy for them, but until then, he would simply have to keep busy, keep away, until his feelings weren’t so raw. Until he could conceal them better.

A viscount’s duties were numerous, after all, and his obligations would keep him well-occupied.

He would make sure of it.

A shuffling noise drew his attention, and he looked up to find Ellie walking toward him, limned in shadow, the sandy path crunching softly beneath her feet.

His heart wrenched at the sight of her, and he looked away, shoving his hands into his trouser pockets as irritation prickled at his nape. What in blazes was she doing here? What did she want?

Turning his face up to the sky once again, he watched her from the corner of his eye, saying not a word as she drew up beside him and leaned her back against the wall.

“Good evening, Robert.”

Her voice washed over him, low and husky, and his eyes closed briefly. “Miss Wrencroft.”