“That is the way of love,” Mrs. Hunt said cheerfully. “It’s a whirlwind.”
“Speak for yourself.” Lady Harteford’s gaze rolled heavenward, and for some reason this made the other two ladies burst into peals of laughter.
“I agree with Helena,” Mrs. Fines confided. “I was in love with Mr. Fines for years before he noticed.”
“That’s because your husband is a numskull,” Mrs. Hunt said.
“Oh ho, are you talking about your favorite brother again?” Mr. Fines, a raffish blond fellow, strolled up. He was followed by Lord Harteford and Mr. Hunt, who each took a proprietary stance by their ladies.
“Since you’re myonlybrother,” Mrs. Hunt retorted, “I suppose that’s true.”
“I may be a numskull, but I still managed to land myself an exceptional wife, didn’t I?” He kissed his lady’s hand, grinning when she blushed. “Honestly, my love, I’ll never understand how a woman with your sweet disposition could be bosom friends with my hoyden of a sister.”
“Watch your tongue, Fines.” The warning came from Mr. Hunt. With his looming, muscular build and scarred countenance, he was an intimidating presence. But, to Polly, his glow when he looked at his wife softened his rough edges.
“Yes, Paul, watch your tongue,” Mrs. Hunt said impishly.
“Easy for you to taunt when you’ve got Goliath at your back,” her brother shot back.
Lord Harteford, who had his arm around his lady’s waist, muttered to her, “These two squabble worse than our boys.”
“And that is sayinga lot,” Lady Harteford said with a sigh.
Having spent time in the company of the Hartefords’ four heathens, Polly couldn’t disagree. She was about to inquire after the boys and the other couples’ broods when she felt a slight stirring sensation on her nape. Her head turned—and her heart stuttered.
Sinjin was here. And he was prowling—there was no other word for it—toward her.
He was a riveting man on any occasion, but tonight he made her heart thump at an ungoverned pace. His mahogany hair gleamed beneath the chandeliers, his chiseled countenance the ideal of male beauty. In his stark evening wear, he exuded power and predatory grace. But even more than his physical perfection, his vibrant charisma drew all eyes as he passed. Whilst others could not see his aura, Polly reckoned they could feel its pull.
She didn’t know what caused his flame to burn so brightly tonight; it was more intense than she’d ever seen it. He glowed with vitality, confidence, and sensuality beyond the civilized. His animal energy triggered a visceral reaction in her. Her nipples went taut. Her pussy dampened.
“Isthatyour earl?” Mrs. Fines whispered.
“Oh my,” Lady Harteford breathed.
“Well done, Polly!” Mrs. Hunt winked at her.
Sinjin halted before her. His eyes, the deep vivid blue of a dream, were focused entirely, exclusively on her, and the world faded away. There was nothing but him, the warmth of his lips permeating her glove, scattering sparks over her skin.
“So my wallflower has shed her disguise at last, and there you are,” he said huskily, “in full, glorious bloom. Your beauty devastates me, Miss Kent.”
His admiration made herfeelbeautiful. It always had.
“You look rather wonderful yourself,” she blurted.
His smile was slow, dazzling. “May I have the next dance?”
Until that moment, she hadn’t been aware that the orchestra had started up again, but now she heard the lilting first bars of a waltz.
“Yes, please,” she said breathlessly.
Belatedly, she looked to the other ladies for permission.
Their heads were bobbing in unison, their faces beaming.
Sinjin offered her his arm, and, giddily, she stepped with him onto the dance floor.
~~~
