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“How wonderful.”
He smiled. “You looked like a goddess up there on the stage. You might have been resting on a cloud.”
She flushed with pleasure and stared at her hands. “Now you are flirting.”
His eyebrows rose. “Is that so unwelcome?”
“No, but it means little.”
“I should like it to mean something to you.”
Bella could not think of a thing to say in response.
The other couple went inside, and they were alone.
He took her hand, and she gasped when he drew her into the deep shadows. “You are lovely.” His eyes on her mouth, he lifted her chin with a finger and brought his face close to hers. His hands slipped down to bracket her waist. He was going to kiss her. She stiffened. He was amusing himself with her and, like a blind fool, she had let him.
Pulling away, she said, “I am growing cold. I should like to go inside now.”
“But of course,” he said politely, taking a step back.
The footman opened the door, and they stepped through into the noise and smokey warmth. Reluctantly, Bella shrugged out of the cape. She held it out. “Please thank your sister.”
He bowed and left her.
Alone in the busy ballroom, Bella chewed her lip. Why had she spoiled it? She wanted him to kiss her. What would it have cost her? Her self-respect, she thought. It was a constant battle to be taken seriously, and she wanted that from him more than she had from anyone. But it was all a game with him. Bitterly disappointed, she went in search of Carrie. Finding her, she asked, “Is it almost time to leave?”
Carrie slipped an arm through hers. “You must be tired, dearest, but what a marvelous night. Come, we will find Nicholas and thank our host and hostess.”
“Yes, I wish to thank them, too.” She put a hand to her chest and touched the cold spot which had settled there.
Once in the carriage beneath the carriage rug, Carrie searched her face. “You seem subdued, Bella. Are you not thrilled with the way it went?”
“Naturally, I am very pleased.” Bella rested against her sister. She didn’t want to discuss the evening. She would rather be alone to make sense of it.
“Your composure was astonishing.” Nicholas smiled at her from the opposite seat. “You played flawlessly and with such emotion for one so young. Everyone remarked on it. I am very proud of you.”
“I’m glad, Nicholas.” She yawned behind a hand.
“Oh, you look exhausted, Bella. It will be very late when we arrive home.” Carrie pulled the carriage rug over her. “Why don’t you sleep a little?”
Bella closed her eyes, although she was sure she couldn’t fall asleep.
“I have invited the count and countess to Elm Park to spend a few days with us before leaving for Austria,” Nicholas said.
Bella’s eyes flew open, and she almost stopped breathing. “Baron Holstein, too?”
“I included him in the invitation. But I’m not sure if he will come.”
“I hope so,” Carrie said. “He is most charming. You enjoyed his company, did you not, Bella?”
Her astute sister watched for her response. Bella found sympathy but also uneasiness in her gaze. “I found him entertaining.” She hoped she sounded casual enough to put her sister off the track. She leaned back and shut her eyes again, hoping to put paid to the conversation.
In the silence broken only by the regular pounding of hoofbeats and rattle of the carriage, she concentrated on a review of her music. She was her harshest critic. It was useful in distracting her, but this time, it failed. The baron’s handsome face intruded. Would he come to Elm Park? She had practically snubbed him. He would most likely consider it because of her maidenly modesty and be amused.
Oh, but she still wanted him to come. If he didn’t, she would know she was never anything more than a light flirtation to him. And if he came? She mustn’t allow herself to fall in love with him.
*
