Stone straightened beside her. His expression hadn’t changed, but somehow, she knew he’d heard every word. He turned toward her.
“You will dance with me.”
Not a request. Not quite a command either.
She nodded. “If you must.”
“I must,” he said simply, offering his arm.
They stepped onto the floor as the waltz began, and she found herself drawn into the circle of his arms once more.
“You sent me a book,” she said as they began to turn. “Does this mean you have a poet’s soul?”
“I have a practical one.”
April arched a brow. “So, it was a practical gift?”
“It was an honest one.”
“You marked the passages.”
“I thought they might resonate.”
She looked up at him. “Are you denying being romantic?”
“I am many things, Lady April,” he said. “Romantic is not one of them.”
“Then I shall call it a lapse in character.”
He didn’t answer, but his intense blue gaze remained on hers, heavy enough to steal her breath. The music rose, and their bodies moved in time, her hand barely held in his, his other guiding at her waist. She could smell him. That sandalwood scent combined with the dark mysterious spice.
Her breath hitched. “You’re not as unreadable as you think, you know.”
“No?” He raised one dark brow.
“No.” She tilted her head. “But you are very good at pretending.”
“I’ve had practice.”
The music faded. They stopped. He released her hand—but not his attention.
Before she could speak, their host, Lady Allenham, appeared. “Your Grace, forgive me, but I simply must introduce you to Lord and Lady Worthing. They’ve been begging an audience all evening. My ball shan’t be complete without it.”
Stone gave April a slight nod. “If you’ll excuse me.” As he moved away, the air around her cooled.
She watched their host introduce him to the elderly couple, who appeared to be in transports at the mere sight of him. April had only a moment’s solitude before another man stepped forward.
“Lady April,” he said, smiling as though he could run out of breath at any moment. “You may not remember me, but we were introduced at the Barkley soirée. Viscount Harrow.”
April smiled politely. “Of course, My Lord.”I certainly do not remember you.
“May I have this dance?”
She paused and looked around for Stone. When she couldn’t find him, she returned her attention to the Viscount, placing a hand on his proffered arm. “Certainly, My Lord.”
The Viscount talked as he led her to the floor. “Terrible bore, these balls, aren’t they?” he observed. “But necessary. One must make a match eventually. I’ve recently added three new bloodhounds to my estate. That makes nine.”
“Nine,” April repeated faintly.
