Warmth heated her chest and cheeks.
“By esteemed company, do you mean the elderly matrons who fan themselves and pretend interest while I speak? You’re quite right. Can’t have them all fainting at once, tripping me as I make my way out, though I’m sure Lady Trent keeps an ample supply of smelling salts and has trained her staff accordingly.”
Honora smiled up at him before drawing back, stopping at the sight of her small, gloved hand resting on his shoulder. There was no mistaking the roll of muscle beneath her fingertips. Southwell had not an ounce of padding inside his coat. Unlike Culpepper, who used whatever means necessary to make his form more manly. Once, when he’d paid a call, the padding on one shoulder had slipped down to his elbow.
“I enjoyed your talk on India.” She slowly relaxed as they danced, the ease with which they conversed putting aside her fears. Here was a place Honora had sure footing. Most of the things society considered important—marriage, dresses, the weather—Honora cared very little about. Her interests lay in a different direction. Books provided the escape Honora sought from the tedium of a life that fit her as poorly as this dreadful lavender dress. Papa possessed a large collection of travel memoirs, history books, two globes, a wall of maps, and several tomes on archaeology. Her father’s library had been Honora’s favorite place in all the world until Mama had practically forbidden her to enter.
“I wondered what had sparked your interest.”
You did,Honora’s heart whispered back to him.
She looked away for a moment to find most of the room staring openly at her clasped in Southwell’s arms. Anabeth and Tarrington stood together, though only Anabeth was smiling. Considering she’d set her cap for Southwell, Anabeth looked ridiculously pleased.
A small finger of dread traced down Honora’s spine at Anabeth’s smile, as if something terrible would happen once she left Southwell’s embrace.
“You spoke of a tiger hunt. I found it rather fascinating, though I will admit I am glad to know your aim was off and you missed the tiger.”
“Given he was eating his way through a village, Miss Drevenport,” Southwell said dryly, “I thought it best he cease snacking on the village’s inhabitants. It was unfortunate I failed to bring him down.”
“He was only an animal trying to survive,” she maintained stubbornly.
“I’m certain you would have felt differently if he tried to eat you. In which case, you might object most strenuously.”
“Undoubtedly.” Honora’s heart was beating wildly within her chest at being held so close to Southwell. More than anything, she wished to freeze this moment in time or at the very least the memory so that she could revisit this dance whenever she wished.
“So is it only Egypt that fascinates you? Or exploration?”
“I love history. Archaeology. Exotic locales.”
“I see. It isn’t a common hobby among most young ladies.”
“Well, I don’t paint. Or play the piano. At least not well. I had to do something with my time.”
“Both are overrated.” A half smile crossed his lips.
“Agreed, my lord. To answer your question, ancient cultures have always engendered my interest. The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, and the like. I’m also rather fond of the native inhabitants of South America.”
“Mayans. Aztecs. Incas.” His voice was soft. He pulled her a fraction of an inch closer, still a polite distance but near enough so that her skirts brushed against his legs as they moved.
“Egypt was the first exotic locale I read about,” she continued. “That led to mummies. Then the pyramids, scarabs, Sebek, and of course, camels.”
“Camels?”
“I’m mainly concerned with how one mounts them.”
Something flickered in Southwell’s eyes. “Very carefully, Miss Drevenport. I’ve had the misfortune to ride them across the desert. Horrible creatures. They smell terrible. One sneezed on me.” A look of disgust crossed his handsome face. “Ruined my coat.”
Honora’s lips twitched as she struggled to restrain her laughter, because the sound might cause Southwell to cover his ears and flee.
“Are you warm, Miss Drevenport? I find I am. Some air?” He deftly danced them to the edge of the ballroom, closest to the terrace doors flung open to the cooler air outside. Lady Pemberton’s guests lingered in small groups on the terrace. Several couples looked in Honora’s direction, surprise that she had been escorted out by Southwell etched clearly on their features.
Honora was more surprised than any of them.
“Have you read Spix, my lord?” she said as he released his hold on her waist, allowing her to take his arm.
The dimple in his cheek deepened. “The German biologist? My word, Miss Drevenport, but you are exceedingly well read.” He looked away, back through the terrace doors, as he spoke before returning his attention to her. There was something very akin to regret in his eyes.
“I enjoy books a great deal. Have you read his work?” The unease returned, this time stronger. Not that she anticipated Southwell would do anything remotely improper, they were in full view of the ballroom and the guests on the terrace. But there was now a tense set to his shoulders.
