Page 6 of A Countess Never Tells

When he’d danced with her, he’d sensed a spirit in her, a joie de vivre he’d seldom found in the young ladies he’d seduced, that would be completely wasted on the likes of her current partner. If she wished to marry, she might as well consider a fine young gentleman, such as himself, able to school her in the art of kissing—and other things—rather than resigning herself to the perfunctory attentions of an aging husband. As the old saying went, rakes made the best husbands—for obvious reasons.

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“Miss Tate, I believe you are promised to me for this next set?” Ash bowed low as he presented himself before the lady, who stood with Lord Haxby and his wife. Good lord, but this was not at all the reception he’d expected. Miss Tate was smiling and breathing so quickly her ample bosom was heaving with…could it be excitement? A singular boon as it afforded him an excellent view of her breasts, squeezed magnificently by her corset until they threatened to spill over her bodice. Despite the incipient danger, Ash found himself staring and holding his breath in anticipation each time the lady moved.

“And you are, sir?” The protective brother emerged as Lord Haxby stared him down.

Thank God the Earl of Haxby was not an acquaintance. Although, if he was truly giving up his rakish life, he should introduce himself with the proper name. Start out on the right foot so he could pursue Miss Tate further.

One look at Lord Haxby’s stern visage sent that sensible notion to the outer reaches of hell. He shot a look at Miss Tate then plunged ahead. “Lord Ashbrook, at your service, Lord Haxby, Lady Haxby.” He bowed again to them both.

“My lord.” Lady Haxby curtsied and grasped her husband’s arm tightly. “Enjoy your dance, Kitty. Come, my lord, else we will not get a place.” She pulled her husband toward the dance floor, leaving Ash and Miss Tate standing amazed.

“Good evening, Lord Ashbrook.” Miss Tate’s voice oozed sarcasm, but there was a twinkle in her eye.

Oh, yes, Lady Phoebe had been telling tales, but perhaps they’d not put the lady off.

“I’m so pleased you weren’t called home after all.” She lowered her voice. “Of course, Lord Ashwood has not been called from Town, has he?” The lady’s voice actually had a playful tone, which sent a thrill down his spine.

“I am also glad to be in Town, Miss Tate. I would not miss dancing with you again for all the cattle at Tattersall’s.” He grinned at her. “Thank you for not correcting me when I introduced myself to your brother and sister-in-law. I considered telling the truth, thought better of it, and so here we are.”

“The reason I did not give you away, my lord, wasn’t for your benefit, but my own. I feared my brother would not approve my dancing with a rake.” She crossed her arms over her chest, which did perilous things to her bodice. “And I will have my second dance with you, my lord.”

Ash turned his gaze from the lady’s chest and looked at her askance. “That is rather bold, Miss Tate. You are not afraid of what I may do to your reputation?”

“Just by dancing with you, my lord? Very little, I expect. You may be notorious, but you are not beyond the pale, else you’d not be here in Lady Sutherland’s ballroom.” Miss Tate pursed her lips as though trying not to smile. “And what can you do in a crowded ballroom, with half the ton looking on? You must be on your best behavior else you will be censured.” She raised her chin. “So I am safe while on display here.”

“Indeed, you are, Miss Tate.” Ash offered his arm, and they started toward the dance floor. “Is that why you’re so insistent about a second dance? You believe yourself to be in the arms of a tame tiger?”

“Something of the sort, my lord.” A very satisfied smile curled Miss Tate’s lips. “I have never danced with a rake before tonight. And as I didn’t know you were one before, I didn’t have the chance to savor it.”

“And you intend to savor me in this dance, Miss Tate?” The lady was proving much more of a revelation than Ash had expected.

“I do, my lord.”

“Then do not be surprised if the tiger still has teeth.” Ash grinned at her. “I cannot vouch that he is completely tamed. Yet.”

Miss Tate laughed, though he’d been telling the truth—he wouldn’t be tamed completely until he was married. She shook out her fan and tapped his arm. “You are impossible, my lord.”

“Until recently, I was, Miss Tate. I confess it.”

She held the fan before her face so just her eyes could be seen then laughed again.

“I do hope, however, you will not allow my impossible nature to deter us from our dance.” More than anything, he needed this second dance with her. She was the most entertaining young lady he’d met in a very long time. Definitely someone he’d consider making his countess.

“I have no desire—”

“Then it will be my pleasure to instill some in you, Miss Tate. I am certain I will be able to encourage your desires in many ways.” Ash grinned automatically then registered the shocked look on her face. Slowly, he wiped the smirk away. If his rakish nature kept springing forth like a jack-in-the-box, the process of finding a young lady to court was going to be long and painful. Ash waited for the explosion.

“I suspect you would, my lord.” The amused look was back on Miss Tate’s face. “And I was about to say I had no desire to keep you from the dance.”

They reached the edge of the dance floor, and he turned to her. “In that case, shall we?”

Kitty gazed around the room, seeming to mark people taking notice of them, of which there were quite a few. Then she drew herself up and nodded. “Oh, yes, my lord. We absolutely must.”

“Good. I was beginning to think you preferred to dance with those stricken in years. Although I do admit Lord Quatford acquits himself tolerably well on the ballroom floor, I fear you might find him lacking in other ways.”

“Pray do not be unkind to him, my lord.” Miss Tate dropped all artifice and looked at him soberly then glanced away.