“Flatterer,” Lady Densham accused, yet her severe expression softened slightly.
“Lady Louise.” Aaron turned to her, and something in his eyes made her pulse quicken. “I believe the next dance is beginning. Would you do me the honor?”
Louise placed her hand in his, letting him lead her to the dance floor. She waited until they had taken their positions before speaking.
“Thank you. I hope she didn’t bore you to death.”
His eyebrow arched in a way that always made her stomach flutter. “Would you have preferred my letting her continue her interrogation?”
“You could have simply interrupted and led me away.”
“Where would be the fun in that?” He guided her through the opening steps with easy confidence. “Besides, now she’ll spend the rest of the evening boasting about dancing with a duke rather than spreading gossip about your brother.”
Louise recognized the strategy, even appreciated it, but something still rankled. “She’s awful.”
“Tremendously.” He spun her, pulling her slightly closer than strictly proper. “Her breath alone could fell a horse.”
A laugh escaped before Louise could stop it. “That’s unkind.”
“You are correct. That was unkind.” He dipped his head slightly. “But also, rather true.”
She shook her head, unable to prevent a smile. His hand was warm at her back, steadying, guiding, far too pleasant.
“You seem in much better spirits now,” he observed.
“Do I?”
“Hm.” His mouth curved. “You look as though you’ve remembered that you are, in fact, allowed to enjoy yourself.”
“Well, that is largely your doing.” She glanced up at him. “You always manage to make things feel … less heavy.”
“A useful talent,” he said lightly. “Though I suspect you give me too much credit.”
“I don’t think so.” The words slipped out before she could soften them.
His gaze warmed, the smallest shift, but enough to make her breath catch. He turned her neatly, drawing her a little closer as the step required.
“I’m pleased,” he said quietly, “that you enjoy dancing with me.”
She swallowed. “I always do.”
He seemed to take that in with genuine satisfaction, not arrogance—something gentler. The music carried them into a more intricate movement, one that brought them nearer for a fleeting moment.
“You’re a very good partner, Louise,” he said. “You follow effortlessly.”
“That is because you lead effortlessly.”
“Do I?” The corner of his mouth curved. “I shall take that as the highest of compliments.”
“It was meant as one.”
The music drew them through another turn, then another, their steps attuned, their conversation easy. It felt almost like slipping into warmth after a long, cold day.
When the dance ended, he guided her to the edge with one last, lingering touch at her waist.
“You look well,” he said, softer than before. “Happier than when I found you.”
“I am,” she admitted.
