AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Bianca was so far beneath the patronesses’ notice as to be a spot of dust on their hems, and there was no possibility whatsoever of her acquiring a subscription to the assembly rooms or direct approbation.
Which meant, no, she didn’t have “permission”. And she also didn’t give a fig about it. Besides, what could the patronesses do if they learned of this minor rebellion? Bar her from entering a building she was already prohibited from visiting? As Lady Regina had so blatantly pointed out, Bianca wasnota young lady of the ton. Neither their strictures nor their social punishments applied to her.
She was free to waltz with the Earl of Eagleton if she wished.
And,oh, did she wish! She took his arm with enthusiasm.
As he led her onto the floor, Bianca wished on every star up in the sky that Harry would be the one to give her her first kiss. Perhaps such a wish was impertinent, if he indeed intended to betroth himself to Lady Regina. Perhaps Bianca was no better than her mother, who had been head over heels in love with her highborn protector since long before the earl had wed Lady Quinseley.
But Harry wasn’t married yet. No vows had been spoken, other than the warning that he could make her no promises. Until he signed betrothal papers, he belonged to no one. Which meant, for the next twenty minutes…
He was hers.
Bianca tried to memorize every new sensation as it occurred. The Earl of Eagleton catching her hand in his. Harry placing his other hand around her back protectively. Her fingertips touching his shoulder. The swing of their hips and the whirl of the room as he led her into the waltz.
“You look ravishingly beautiful,” he murmured into her ear.
“Mmm, prove it,” she whispered back.
His eyes darkened with desire.
A frisson of power tickled over her skin, making her feel bold and feminine and seductive. The Huntsman was the most notorious rake of the ton. He could entice anyone he pleased. And it was her in his arms, smiling up at him with her eyes from beneath her lashes.
He pulled her a little closer.
“Tut-tut,” she teased. “One must think about propriety.”
“I cannot think about anything when I am this close to you.”
She trailed her finger across his lapel. “Nothing at all?”
“All right, yes. Several possibilities spring to mind, none of which would be condoned on a dance floor. For now, I must rein in my desires and console myself with holding you a few inches closer than is considered proper.”
“‘For now’,” she repeated. “Does that mean we’re to have a ‘later’?”
“I bloody hope so,” he muttered.
She grinned at him. “I have it on very good authority that the best way to achieve one’s desires is to wish it upon a falling star.”
“Have you seen any of the alleged falling stars?”
“I have not,” Bianca admitted. “Therefore, I have taken the alternative step of wishing upon each and every stationary star in the sky.”
“Oh?” Harry smiled wolfishly. “And what was your wish?”
“Ah-ah-ah.” She wagged a finger. “I’m assured it won’t come true if I tell.”
“Forgive me if I doubt the veracity of your advisor. Past experience has shown me that the easiest way for me to grant a woman’s wishes is for her to tell them to me directly.”
She arched her brows. “How presumptuous to presume my wishes are aboutyou.”
“They had better be,” he growled and hauled her a little closer. “All of mine are about you.”
“Allof them?” she asked pointedly.
He winced. “All that I would choose for myself of my own volition. There are paths I must take for duty, but believe me, I would not wish those circumstances on anyone.”
“Might I ask… ” She hesitated, then plunged ahead. “Just what are your circumstances?”
