And by some miracle, he wanted her as well.
She wasn’t going to ignore such a golden opportunity—rather she’d run headlong into the folly, delighted.
Be it her ruin or her sanity.
“You’ve gone quite pensive,” Luc commented, regarding her.
“Simply reminding myself to act the lady,” she replied with a saucy tone.
“Propriety requires it . . . here.”
Liliah shook her head in amusement, then paused as Luc’s expression sobered.
“I learned a bit of information that might be of use to you, if you wish to hear it.”
“Of course,” Liliah answered, both curious and touched that he’d consider revealing it to her.
“It would seem that several men, including Lord Greywick, have placed large bets on your betrothal to Meyer.” He watched her intently.
Liliah frowned. “It seems an odd thing on which to bet.”
“Believe me, there have been more foolish ones. Yet it struck me as odd for Meyer’s father to bet a large sum. I know not what it implies, yet it might mean something to your friend.” He glanced over her shoulder and Liliah followed his gaze to see Meyer and Rebecca dancing.
“I see. I’ll certainly try to uncover more details.” Liliah turned back to him. “I, I sincerely appreciate your taking note of this, and relaying the information to me. You didn’t need to, yet you did. For that, I’m thankful.” Liliah’s heart swelled with appreciation.
“It was of no consequence.” Luc shrugged.
“It was to me,” Liliah answered shyly as the music came to an end.
“Until later.” Luc pulled her wrist up to his lips and kissed her gloved hand slowly, then kissed it a second time before releasing it.
“How much later?” Liliah asked under her breath.
“Not nearly soon enough.” His gaze traveled up her person, setting her nerves to tingling with desire. After bowing smartly, he strode away.
Liliah watched his broad back retreat into the crowd that studied him unabashedly. As she walked to the edge of the ballroom, she noted the determined stride of her father, heading toward her. Her heart pinched in fear, yet before her father could cross the distance, her attention was sought out by Viscount Kilpatrick. “Ah, my lady, honor me?” He held out his hand.
Liliah took it quickly and escaped back to the dance floor as the quadrille music began to play.
“Thank you,” Liliah replied heartily as he led them into the square formation with three other couples.
“Think nothing of it,” he replied in his smoky brogue.
Liliah took position and curtseyed to Lord Kilpatrick, then turned to curtsey to the other couples. Soon she was trading partners with Lady Lessman, and grasping the hand of Lord Lessman for a turn, then returning to Viscount Kilpatrick. It was a delightful dance, but not one that allowed for conversation. However, the joyful music lifted her spirits from the trepidation of her father’s ire, and she danced with abandon.
As she performed the final turns, the music ended as the dancers clapped in appreciation. Liliah joined in, even has her gaze searched for her father.
He was nowhere to be readily seen, and she exhaled a sigh of relief as Lord Kilpatrick offered his arm.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure, it is not every day that I get the opportunity to dance with such a lovely lady.”
“You flatter me, sir.”
“Yes. I do,” he teased, leading them to the refreshment table.
“I must say, I was quite surprised to see you in attendance,” Liliah hedged.
