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“Lovely. Because I was wondering—”
His gaze was once again drawn to Dani. This time their eyes met.
She winked.
That one gesture was like a release valve on everything pressing against his chest. He didn’t know how she had the power to make him feel better, but even across a table her influence was palpable.
Smiling, he turned his head and found his grandmother staring at him. Her eyes flicked briefly to Dani and though her expression never altered, a cloud of displeasure formed and hovered overhead, before she looked away and began talking to Carl Page, an entertainer Prince John had loved.
Dread tightened in Jameson’s gut.
That wasn’t good.
AFTER DINNER, THEYheaded back into the East Gallery, where the orchestra played and several couples took to the constructed dance floor. Out of the corner of his eye Jameson noticed shimmers of gold. Turning, he saw Cooper escorting Dani out amidst the growing crowd.
Beside him, Imogen sighed. “They make a great couple.”
Though it pained him to admit it, she was right. Dani and Cooper looked great together. In the same way that Dani wasn’t dressed like any of the other women here, Cooper looked completely different from the other men. He wore a royal blue tuxedo with a black satin shawl collar, a striking contrast to his curly blond hair. Together, they were magnificent.
They were from the same world and understood the same challenges. Maybe Cooper was a better fit for her.
“I didn’t even know who she was,” Imogen said. “I don’t listen to her type of music. But when I saw her videos I worried that she might turn up here dressed like that! I guess we should be thankful she didn’t. I actually heard a few of the guests say she was very charming.”
Jameson pursed his lips. The snobbery of this crowd sickened him.
“Now, this is the music I prefer. It’s Strauss. And perfect for dancing...” She trailed off wistfully.
The protocols and traditions of the British aristocracy. Imogen wanted to dance but she couldn’t ask him.
Dani never had a problem telling him what she wanted.
Jameson held out his hand. “Would you care to dance?”
Imogen beamed. “I’d love to.”
As the orchestra moved into the next song, he led her out onto the floor and pulled her into the proper hold. He may have been able to forgo most of his royal duties, but his attendance and attention had still been required behind the scenes. He’d endured years of lessons in dance, etiquette, and comportment. He may not have as many opportunities to utilize his skills—fortunately!—but the movements were ingrained in him. He maneuvered her around the floor with ease.
When the song ended, Lord Croft approached them. “Your Royal Highness. Lady Imogen, may I have the honor of the next dance?”
Imogen looked at him, but when Jameson tilted his head, signaling it was her choice, her smile tightened, and she turned back to the other man. “Certainly.”
Jameson bowed. “Thank you for the dance, Lady Imogen.”
Unable to help himself, he searched for Dani, and found Julian stalking toward her like a heat-seeking missile.
Knowing what might happen, Jameson hurried across the floor, beating Julian by a couple of seconds.
“Dance?” he asked, slightly breathless from the exertion.
She stared at him, her eyes wide. “What are you doing?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m asking you to dance.”
“I thought we’d agreed to keep our distance in public.”
He glanced around. Several people were covertly watchingthem, including Julian, whose eyes had narrowed and face had reddened.
“At this point, it would be easier for you to accept than for us to stand here and have this conversation.”
