In fact, he was the one who lifted a brow to warn her to cease interfering before he asked if Caroline would share the waltz with him.
Given how his mother pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, he was convinced that she did not want him to pursue Caroline, which he had no intention of doing, but still wondered if there was another reason why he should not even speak to her. What did his mother hope to gain by keeping them apart?
*
Caroline was tiredand overheated from dancing and would love to rest, but Lady Wyndham was so encouraging that Caroline did not feel as if she could reject anyone who asked. However, when LadyWyndham suggested that she sit out the waltz, Caroline had almost agreed until she noted that it was Lord Wyndham who approached.
Apparently, Caroline was good enough to be her companion but not worthy enough to waltz with her son, the earl, not that it mattered. It was simply a waltz.
She took his offered arm and allowed Wyndham to lead her to the dance floor then went through the motions of a curtsey and bow before she placed her hand in his and the other on his arm.
He was powerful in his steps and Caroline was left to simply follow. It was the first time she had waltzed since London, and it was so easy to get swept away by the music and enjoy the warmth of his hand on her back and the other in her gloved hand.
Never had she experienced a partner so perfectly matched to her. Not even her deceased husband.
“Are you enjoying your evening?” he asked as they turned at the end of the room.
“I am. Are you?”
“I have enjoyed a few conversations.”
“Perhaps you should dance more,” she suggested.
“It only offers encouragement when there is none,” he ground out. “Miss Millicent has now watched me the entire night and it is rather disconcerting.”
Whereas he had no fears that Caroline would be encouraged, and she was not.
“How often has my mother dragged you off to one of these entertainments?”
“This is the first that she has forced me to,” Caroline answered.
“Why is this one so important?”
She shrugged. “I do not know.”
“But she does ask?” he questioned.
“Yes, often, and I remind her that it is not my place and that I am far too busy to spend an evening in frivolity and she leaves me be.”
“Until today.”
“Until today,” she returned and still wondered why this ball was so important. More important than the others.
Caroline could think of no reason.
She had forgotten how much she enjoyed dancing, but she especially enjoyed dancing with Wyndham. It was easy and there was no need for uncomfortable conversations, which so often occurred when the partner was a near stranger. With him, it was relaxed and she didn’t feel the need to fill the silence.
It was more than simply comfortable. Wyndham was strong, powerful, in control and she couldn’t help but remember how he looked that night when he came to the office, his banyan open and revealing his naked chest.
Goodness, it was warm.
So much dancing in a crowded room would make anyone lightheaded and she wished that was the true reason for the fluttering in her chest and the increased pulse, but Caroline couldn’t even lie to herself.
Ever since Wyndham had arrived at Wyndview Farm, she had been experiencing desire for the first time since her husband marched off to war.
She suffered from an ache that only a man could relieve, but that wasn’t all. How long had it been since she’d simply been held and comforted? She could barely recall the dark nights of quiet conversation, a gentle touch, a kiss on the cheek, friendship.
An ache of loneliness grew within, smothering the desire that had stirred.
