He nodded to Mrs. Thomas, who set her hands upon the keys. He closed his eyes temporarily as she began to play.Blast.Of course, theyhadto begin with the waltz.
As Jonathan pulled Fanny into the circle of his arms, her forehead crinkled slightly. Then again, he was standing rather stiffly and holding her as far away from him as possible. No doubt his face also mirrored the discomfort from his cock.
“Have I done something to upset you?” she asked hesitantly.
“Of course not. Why do you ask?”Wonderful. I sound like a fucking prude.
She shrugged lightly, nibbling her lip in that adorable manner. “It’s only that after...” Her words faltered, along with her footsteps. “You’ve seemed a bit... distant toward me,” she finished.
“Have I?” He adopted a puzzled frown, hating himself even further. “In that case, I apologize. Rest assured that hasn’t been my intention.” His eyes roamed over her face, and suddenly the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. “I’d like to take you somewhere tomorrow.”
Her dark eyes widened. “What about our dance lessons?”
He shrugged in an effort to appear nonchalant, when inside his blood was pumping wildly through his veins. “I don’t imagine one day will make much difference. Besides, you are improving.”
“Do you think so?”
While Jonathan could have kicked himself for daring to test his resistance by spending an entiredaywith her, as Fanny’s eyes lit up hopefully, he found that he really couldn’t deny her anything she wanted. “You have my word as a gentleman,” he said softly.
***
FANNY’S HEART WAS BEATINGso rapidly, she was sure Lord Castleford could feel it — or perhaps evenhearit as it thumped inside of her chest.
After that amazing kiss, she had been in such a daze of late that Agnes had gone so far as to ask if she was feeling well. Even after her continued reassurances that she was perfectly fine, Fanny knew that was only a half-truth. But at least she had been given a reprieve from her youngest sister’s curious glances, for her middle-sister, Lilah, had returned home earlier that week, thus diverting Agnes’ attention.
Unfortunately, it had only been temporary.
Once Lilah had learned of Fanny’s dancing lessons with the handsome Lord Castleford, it wasshewho had suggested a change in Fanny’s wardrobe, saying that if she was attending the son of an earl then she should dress like a guest, and not as one of the servants. Her logic was so sound that Fanny couldn’t really disagree with her.
But the moment she had walked into the ballroom, and that caressing green gaze had assessed her with silent approval, she had felt a bit lightheaded — and rather foolish.
Of course, Fanny had no illusions when it came to Lord Castleford, for she had not forgotten what he’d said — that he wasn’t interested in anything more than a few dance lessons. He was a rake through and through, and once his business was finished here, he would return to London and never give her a second thought. Sheknewthat she was only a diversion to pass the time.
And yet...
With that wickedly, sensuous tilt to his mouth, she couldn’t help but be captivated by his presence. Not only was Lord Castleford absurdly handsome but he was the most interesting thing to happen in this small village — or toher— in quite some time. Perhaps ever. She kept telling herself that as long as she didn’t cross that line of propriety, what was the harm in a bit of casual flirtation? If nothing else, she could enjoy his company for as long as it lasted.
And maybe another kiss or two.
As their dance drew to a halt, Fanny breathed in his clean, male scent, with just a hint of spicy cologne as he moved away.
He offered a brief bow. “I’ll pick you up at your house. Shall we say eight o’clock?”
For a moment, she had to remind herself to what he was referring. She nodded, but then realized she didn’t know what kind of outing she was agreeing to. “Where is it that we’re going exactly?”
His eyes shone with a certain, wicked glimmer that caused her lungs to catch. “If I told you, then that would ruin all the fun of a surprise, now wouldn’t it?”
Fanny merely smiled, but inside she was thrilled.
Tomorrow couldn’t get here quick enough.
