“Except I haven’t danced with you.”
“You likely won’t if I don’t encounter you in London. There are no assemblies held in Bocka Morrow and we don’t travel anywhere else.”
“If it were safe, I would hold a ball at Nightshade Manor, but alas, it is not possible.”
“Even if you weren’t worried about the darkness that surrounds you, andifyour mother would allow such entertainments, I would not be on the guest list.”
“I would make certain that you were,” Damon insisted, then realized what she’d said. “Why wouldn’t my mother invite you? Your family is our closest neighbor.”
“She does not approve. After all, I did climb a tree and spy on you.”
He chuckled. “I am rather glad you did.”
Cordelia’s heart fluttered.Was Bentford flirting with her?
She’d never had anyone do so before, but his teasing and wishing to dance certainly reminded her of the flirtations she’d witnessed in London.
“I am glad I spied as well,” she admitted after a moment.
“That is because you realized your loss in having never danced with me.”
Cordelia couldn’t help but laugh. “That is your fault, Lord Bentford. You were never there to ask, so any complaints are of your own making,” she teased. “Which brings me back to my original question, why have we not met before?”
“I will let you in on another secret.”
Cordelia placed a hand on her chest. “You have such trust in me.” Though in truth, she was quite flattered that he did. “I will keep this one safe as I do the others.”
He frowned. “It really isn’t all that fair you know.”
“What?”
“You hold mine but the only one I have of yours I already know.”
Cordelia merely shrugged. “I have no secrets. I suppose I am as boring as Edward claims.”
“Never that,” Bentford argued, then turned away, grasped her right hand, settled his other upon her waist and started to hum.
“Whatever are you doing?”
“Waltzing since we’ve not done so.”
“I’ve never waltzed.” She laughed.
“Are you scandalized by the prospect?” he teased. “There are those in London who believe it is too improper for Society.”
Heat infused her cheeks. “No. I just never have.”
“Such a pity. Place your hand on my shoulder.”
Cordelia did as he said.
“Now follow my steps.”
She really had no choice as he hummed and turned her about as they waltzed down the road toward Hollybrook Park.
This was the most freeing and wonderful experience of her life, and thankfully, she’d not yet stepped on his toes.
Her breaths grew heavy as she stared up at Bentford, not the least bit scandalized that they were so close, or that his legs brushed hers. If anything, she grew quite warm and all too aware of her own body, which nearly burned where he touched with the heat spreading to every limb. An unexpected aching and need to be even closer developed within. She wanted him to hold her so that she could rest her head upon his chest. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted…. Cordelia pushed all other thoughts away. She could not let herself succumb to wanting more.
