AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So, you see, I was mistaken.”
Despite the serenity of her expression, the sigh he heard her utter sounded almost despondent.
“Why do you seem disappointed about this?”
“I’m not disappointed. I’m happy for my sister and her friend. Well, perhaps I am disappointed, but it’s more in myself. I should know my sister better than you do. And I should certainly be able to read her better than others can. Perhaps I’m just not that bright.”
“I think you’re far brighter than you are giving yourself credit for. And it’s something that can be learned or improved upon. The fact that you’re becoming aware of others’ feelings demonstrates a level of intelligence that many do not possess.”
“You’re being remarkably kind for a duke.”
James just barely managed not to laugh out loud over her words. She had said her reputation could hinge on whether or not she appeared to be enjoying herself during their waltz. He ought not to be seen laughing with her or she might be in trouble.
“Have you known many unkind dukes?” he couldn’t resist asking.
“I think I’ve probably met all thirty-one of them, and none of the others struck me as the sort that would go out of their way to make a girl feel comfortable.”
James couldn’t necessarily argue with her. He wouldn’t normally have even thought of it himself. But her sister had seemed all right, and there was no harm in being nice. Perhaps they both had some learning to do.
The sprite in his arms was graceful and light besides being a treat to talk to. He had never found a debutante easy to converse with before. But this particular one seemed to be pleasant most of the time. It was the moody occasions that made him leery. He needed to remember her strange behaviour of the afternoon. Besides the fact that she was a proper young woman and he couldn’t cultivate a friendship with her without raising expectations, if not in her mind, then that of her family. Thus, he was relieved when their dance finally came to an end.
From the very serene expression on her face and the way she avoided meeting his gaze, James was fairly certain she was relieved to see the end of their interlude together as well. He had never had a lady want to be rid of him before. Time spent with Lady Rosabel was sure to humble him. But he couldn’t prevent his appreciative stare as she dipped him a deep curtsy and left him with barely a murmured thank you.
∞∞∞
Rosabel knew herself for a coward as she all but ran away from Wexford. Of course, no one looking at her would think so, but she knew what she was doing. Dancing with the handsome nobleman had felt like what she imagined floating on a cloud would feel like. His hands didn’t sweat, his breath wasn’t revolting, and she knew instinctively that her toes were safe in his company. If not for the disconcerting flutter of nerves in her midsection, it would have been a singularly enjoyable experience. But she was afraid those flutters were indicative of her attraction to the duke. That was not good. She wanted to wed someone innocuous. Someone who would be able to provide her with a comfortable, secure life, but not someone who would place her at the center of attention for the rest of her days. The past three years had taught her that it was far from her favorite place to be. But how could a duke be anywhere else?
So no, she didn’t want to feel flutters in relation to the duke. She didn’t want to think about him or enjoy his company more than that of other gentlemen. And she certainly didn’t want to consider how she might be able to cope. She didn’t want to cope. She wanted blissful happiness. And she didn’t think that was too much to ask.
“That was beautiful to watch.” Bel actually felt her cheeks heat with her sister’s words.
“Thanks, Vicky. Wexford is remarkably skilled at the waltz. Have you ever danced with him?”
“I’m fairly sure you would know about it already if I had.” Her sister’s dry tone didn’t help Rosabel’s cheeks to cool.
“I suppose you’re right.” Bel kept her reply bland despite her pink cheeks. “Did Lord Sterling have anything of interest to say?”
Vicky grinned. “It would have probably been of interest to someone.”
Rosabel smiled at her sister’s wit but thought she ought to rebuke her.
“You need to be respectful toward the noblemen you encounter.”
“I can assure you, I was all that was sweetness and light. I doubt he had any idea that I didn’t find his conversation terribly fascinating. But I was under the impression I could tell you something like that.”
Bel felt lightheaded for the briefest moment as shame swept through her.
“My apologies, Vicky, of course, you can. The big sister in me won out for a moment. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that you aren’t a school room child anymore.”
Vicky shrugged and laughed. “That right there made you sound old. Almost parental or something. You should watch that.” She laughed again, indicating to her sister that she was teasing, but Bel didn’t laugh with her. It was hard being the oldest. Bel shook off the sensation. Lamenting the fact wasn’t going to change it.
“Is there anyone you would care to be introduced to?”
Vicky’s eyes were dancing with amusement as she met her sister’s gaze. “Now you’re going to be a chaperone?”
Bel lifted a shoulder in a brief shrug. “I can be many things at once. And yes, as your eldest sister, I can introduce you to anyone I’ve already been introduced to. So, is there anyone? Or would you rather I leave it to our mother to arrange your interlocutions?”
“Not in the least, thank you for the offer. Hilaria would certainly never think of it.”
