Chapter Seventeen
Grace’s lips still tingled from Lord Sterling’s kiss more than half an hour after it happened. She still couldn’t quite fathom that it had occurred, or even how.
Well, she knewhow.She wasn’t an idiot, but well . . . one moment he was arguing with her, the next moment she was melting in his arms.
Like a wanton woman.
Wasn’t she half in love with Lord Westhouse? How could she accept another’s attentions easily? Was she a strumpet in ladies clothing? How had she never even suspected such a nature lurking within!
Her mind kept spinning like the dancers in the middle of the room as she stayed rooted to her place beside Samantha.
Lord Sterling had returned her to Samantha’s side as soon as the kiss ended, not saying one word about it.
Damn the man.
As soon as she could think coherently, she was going to have plenty of words to say regarding it.
First of all, why?
He didn’t love her.
She was quite certain he didn’t even particularly like her, but he’d kissed her.
And it wasn’t an innocent-type kiss.
Granted, she wasn’t exactly an authority on the subject, but she was quite certain her assumption was correct.
It was a kiss that spoke of passion, desire, and all those other words she had heard but never experienced.
Till now.
It made her want more.
To experience it all.
Yes, if she needed any further confirmation, the last thought sealed the truth. Clearly she was a strumpet at heart. That was the only explanation.
Good Lord, what was she to do?
She’d studiously avoided glancing about the ballroom, half terrified to meet the gaze of either gentleman; rather she kept her gaze ahead as her mind continued to process all the mixed emotions of the evening. Lord Greywick had collected her for the first waltz shortly after she’d returned to Samantha’s side. The dance had progressed well enough, she hadn’t stepped on his toes more than twice, but she was too distracted to be much of a conversationalist.
When the waltz ended, she had remained in her place, and remained there still, uncertain on how to continue. What did one do after experiencing a kiss like that?
“Are you well?” Samantha asked, breaking into her swirling thoughts.
Grace turned to her, nodding once. “Yes.”
Samantha tipped her chin. “You’re certain?” Her hazel eyes were concerned as she narrowed her gaze slightly.
Grace took a silent breath. “Yes. I’m merely . . . thoughtful,” she answered, staying as close to the truth as possible to keep from a lie, but still not revealing the entire truth.
“About?” Samantha inquired softly, her gaze shifting to the surrounding area as if making sure they didn’t have eavesdroppers on their private conversation.
As if there was any privacy to be had in a London ballroom.
Grace gave her head a slight shake, hoping that Samantha would drop the subject, at least till later.
“Very well,” Samantha remarked, but her tone indicated that she was simply biding her time till she’d ferret out the truth.
