He had no doubt that she was weighing all sides of the proposal, like he should have, but for once, he just wanted her to agree. “I will of course, include my aunt as an appropriate chaperone.”
“I’m sure that would disappoint Teddy, but I find Lady Astor delightful. I do have some experience having taught my sisters how to dance and being the lead. Yes, I would enjoy the challenge of teaching you to dance.” She winked. “We’ll see if we can’t hone your skills well enough to leave Lady Caroline in a dither.”
That hadn’t occurred to him, but she was correct. It would be in his favor to dance the waltz with Lady Caroline. At least if he could execute the dance with some skill, it would be an option. He gave Lady Joanna a short nod. “I will appreciate your tutelage. Is Friday convenient for you? Our ballroom at Haven House would probably make Elsbeth feel the most comfortable, if you wouldn’t mind.”
“That will be fine.” Her gaze moved from him to something past him. “Oh, I see Amelia has returned from viewing the Bird of Paradise. I should join her if only to allow her to critique to someone who won’t be offended.”
He raised his brows at that. “Indeed.”
She dropped a short curtsey, murmured a quick farewell, and left him.
Surprised by her quick exit, he turned to see her link her arm with her sister and steer the petite blonde toward the exit. He remained staring, ruminating on the strange family of Mabry and one Lady Joanna in particular. He’d dreaded coming to the museum, usually unimpressed with such trivial mechanisms, but his stay had been rather enjoyable. Not only had he seen knowledge applied, but he’d had an interesting conversation, and learned something else about the lady. Her drive for erudition was clearly based upon what she viewed as her past failure in keeping her sister alive. What would she have been like if that event had not occurred?
That was one of those philosophical questions that needed far more thought than he planned to give. Having no further interest in the museum, he started toward the exit himself. As he stepped onto the sidewalk outside, the Mabry coach passed by, the Lady in question clearly in a lively conversation with her sister. As the conveyance turned the corner, he strode in the opposite direction toward his own coach, carefully dodging other walkers. It wasn’t until he’d entered its comfortable interior that he remembered his purpose for braving the throngs of London civilians in the first place. A purpose he’d completely forgotten.
He leaned his back against the cushioned seat and contemplated his next steps, for steps they would be and in his own ballroom. For some reason, when he was with Lady Joanna, their conversations centered around their environment. If they continued along that path then his ballroom, a place where men and women decided upon their lifelong mates, should be the perfect place to bring up the topic of what women’s primary purpose should be and how a pleasant bedroom led to a pleasant society. Next time, he would not allow her to lead him astray as it were.
Chapter Twelve
Joanna squeezed Teddy’shand. “That’s enough.”
Teddy finished their turn and stopped, his smile wide. “The man who invented this dance really should be awarded a medal.”
Elsbeth clapped her hands. “I think I understand the turn now.”
From where Joanna stood, Northwick in his brown pantaloons, white shirt, and paisley waistcoat looked ready to battle Napoleon, not like he was ready to try to waltz again. She walked over to him. “What part of the dance has you confused?”
He shook his head. “The dance is logical in its four-step pattern. It is not confusing.” He glanced over at Teddy, who had started moving Elsbeth across the floor to the music Lady Astor stroked on the pianoforte.
“Then what is it?” His demeanor had changed considerably the moment they had started to learn the turns, and she found it rather puzzling.
“It’s nothing. Let us try it again.” He stepped closer and wrapped his right arm around her waist. His height made the space between them acceptable until he lifted his left arm above his head.
“Remember to curve your left arm, otherwise your shorter partners won’t be able to reach it.” She lifted her left hand up to prove her point.
His lips quirked. “But if you were closer…” His arm around her waist pulled her toward him. “Then you could reach.” His upper hand clasped hers.
The position had her breasts actually touching his waistcoat and her gaze centered on his neck for to raise her head would cause her chest to be crushed. She could practically feel his heartbeat. It was bad enough that the scent he wore seemed to entice her senses, but in this proximity, her skin began to tingle. Forcibly, she yanked his hand down and pushed back against his arm. She might as well have attempted to hold up London Bridge. “Your Grace, you need to allow light between the partners, or it makes movement difficult.”
“Truly?”
Something in his tone had her glancing upward. His eyes were closed, his lips slightly raised as if he were having a pleasant dream. She couldn’t imagine why he’d think they could move—a drawing inThe Illustrated Pleasures of Seductionappeared in her head and heat filled her body. Their position might not be exactly the same, but it was close enough for her to feel both titillated and uncomfortable. She dropped her arm from about his waist and pushed against his ribs.
He stepped back immediately. “I can see I need more practice with this.”
Since his brows were lowered once again, she had to find fault with herself for imagining there was more to his hold than he’d intended. “Just be patient. Once you get used to the position and steps, it seems easy.”
“Come, cousin.” Elsbeth grinned as she and Teddy twirled around them. “If I can conquer the turn, I know you can.”
The duke didn’t appear to share her confidence. “It is always harder to lead than to follow.”
She laughed. “You are far too serious. Dancing is to be enjoyed just as much as reading.” She moved her gaze to Teddy. “It’s also rather energetic. I would like to see exactly how cool it has become outside.”
Teddy stopped their movement and in one move had tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “The sun has broken through, so let us investigate.”
As the two headed for the closest set of French doors leading into the gardens of Haven House, Lady Astor stopped playing. “Not without a chaperone.”
Teddy halted. “But of course.” He held out his other arm. “It wouldn’t be half as pleasant without you with us.”
