“Evidently not. It was rather loud.”
“Excuse the interruption. But may I request the honor of this next dance?” boomed another male voice.
“Why, of course,” Georgia chirped, “You do not mind, Your Grace?”
“By all means,” Keaton replied, smiling with teeth bared.
Georgia left his side again. She had not even sounded as though her good humor was forced this time. He imagined her laughing with her new partner, describing the situation. Laughing athim. Keaton wondered if the Lady Antionette would take the opportunity to further entice him. He stood, seething as the music played and the sounds of dancing filled the air. When Georgia returned to him this time, she was laughing. The gentleman gave his name and thanks to Keaton who inclined his head gravely.
“I am doing sterling work in the name of our arrangement,” Georgia told him effervescently, “everyone I meet believes we are the most admired couple in the ton—there is not a whisper of scandal.”
“Then our arrangement is close to an end,” Keaton said abruptly, no longer hiding his derision.
“If the attention of other men bothered you so, we could have returned to Westvale for me to change,” she retorted.
“Why should it bother me? We are not truly married,” he muttered coldly.
“Well, what made you so angry then?” she demanded, “and do not say that you are not angry. I can see it in your face.”
“Well, I have no concept of how my face looks.” He fixed a wry smile.
“But you know well how you feel.”
“Had I refused you permission to dance with other men, it would have drawn unwanted attention to us,” he stated bluntly.
“So, youwerebothered by it?”
“Of course I was!” he finally snapped. “What kind of man do you think I am? I could not see you to read the expression on your face or see the language of your body. That was all left to my imagination.”
“I would have made an excuse if I knew it’d make you jealous,” Georgia added hushedly, “and was your canoodling with the French woman to console yourself?”
Keaton heard the click of her teeth as she bit back the words.
“If you are seeking to replace me, it is well and good, but at least have the decency not to do so in front of me.”
He scoffed. “I am blind, dear. I hardlyinvitedher to talk to me.”
“No? But you did not rebuff her either!”
“What would you have me do? Push her away. Pick up a chair to keep her out of arm’s reach?” he demanded drily.
“Well, if you won’t do it, I will!” she exclaimed.
Keaton cut short his retort, realizing that their voices were growing louder by the minute. The babble of gathered guests and the constant stream of music being played even when there was not a dance taking place muffled their words, but would not for long if they ended the night yelling at each other.
“I think our time here has served its purpose. We should take this opportunity to leave,” Keaton grated.
“I wish to have another dance,” Georgia said, stubbornly.
“I will refuse.”
“I do not want to dance with anyone else.”
“I cannot!” Keaton barked, frustration boiling within him.
“Do you not remember the steps?” Georgia asked.
“Of course I do!”
