Cordelia sighed. “I suppose there is always a chance, but doubt the odds are in my favor. Regardless, I am not the gambling sort.”
Lady Celia nodded her understanding. “In that case, you have my support, as well as my discretion. Let us return to the ball.”
Cordelia swallowed past the lump in her throat. She did not know how she would return to the ball given what she and Nathaniel had done, but supposed she must.
Still, how was she to rejoin the guests and act as though nothing was amiss when everything had changed? Would the other wallflowers and spinsters even notice if she seemed a bit off? Mother certainly would.
As if Lady Cordelia had read her mind, she said, “You will join my party. I cannot wait to introduce you to my sister-in-law, the Duchess of Selkirk. You and Julia will get along splendidly, I’m sure. And my brother is in attendance too, though he is probably in the card room. Do say you will join us?”
Cordelia smiled as she rose from the chair. “I would be delighted.”
* * *
Nathaniel threw down his cards. His mind was not in the game. Try as he might, it kept roaming back to Cordelia. She had bewitched him. Intrigued him. Her silken skin and breathy moans had branded him, and he had no desire to let her go.
“What gives?” The Duke of Selkirk scowled.
Nathaniel pushed back his chair and stood. “Nothing, I just don’t feel like cards.”
Sir Worthington sat his tumbler down with a decided thump. “You could at least finish the hand.” He scowled.
“Very well.” Nathaniel reached for his cards and turned them over. “I lose.” He nodded his head. “Good evening, gentlemen.”
By the time Nathaniel reached the hall, Selkirk was at his side. His friend clapped a hand on his shoulder and said, “Slow down.”
Nathaniel shot him a glance, but did not slow his pace. He was determined to seek Cordelia out and have his say. Though what he wished to tell her, he did not know. All he knew was that they were not finished.
“What has you in such a prickly state?” Selkirk asked?
“I just didn’t feel like losing any more blunt.”
“Indeed, I lost my fair share as well, and the duchess is probably missing me.”
“I’d wager it’s the other way around,” Nathaniel teased. “Perhaps you should go to her.”
Selkirk chuckled. “Join me?”
“Indeed.” Nathaniel turned down the hall leading to the ballroom. Once he’d greeted the duchess, he would excuse himself and seek Cordelia.
He did not have to look very hard. Nathaniel and Selkirk found the duchess with little effort, and Cordelia was at her side. Nathaniel’s pulse increased at the sight of her. His chest squeezing in an unfamiliar way.
Cordelia frowned when Nathaniel approached, but quickly forced a smile when he bowed over her hand. It was clear that she had no wish to spend more time in his company. However, he refused to be ignored.
He stared deep into her eyes. “I believe this is our dance.”
“You are mistaken,” Cordelia said, a deceptively sweet smile on her bow-shaped lips.
Nathaniel glanced at the dance floor, then back to her. “In that case, may I have the honor of this dance?”
She hesitated, and he captured her hand. Nathaniel pulled her away from the duke and duchess. And after he’d propelled her to the dance floor, he collected her in his arms, pressing her close.
“What the devil is wrong with you?” Cordelia seethed as he held his hand firm against the small of her back.
“I could ask you the same question,” he said. “In fact, it would be better suited to you.”
“How so?” She arched one sable eyebrow in question.
“You are being defiant while I am attempting to be honorable.” He gave a roguish grin and delighted at the color that blossomed across her high cheekbones. “I will offer one more time, Cordelia. Think hard before you turn me down.”
