Her thoughts spiraled downward as they made their way to the dance floor.
Philip leaned close as they moved into place. “Is he here?”
The whisper sent a shiver along her skin and caught her breath. That was, until the words sank in. “Who?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
“The gentleman whose attention you wish to catch.”
Her heart sank. How she wished she could’ve convinced Philip to agree to the favor without lying. But it was such a small lie. As long as she didn’t take it any further, all would be well. At least, that was her hope.
“I have yet to see him, but I believe he is expected.” The moment she said yes, he’d insist she point him out. That would never do. She didn’t want to involve anyone else in her plan.
“Hmm. Perhaps I should’ve asked you to dance later in the evening.”
Eliza pressed her lips tight, not wanting to talk about the supposed man or the favor anymore. She only wanted to enjoy her first dance with Philip.
“This is lovely,” she said, hoping to shift his focus to the moment rather than on the favor.
Philip smiled. “Is this your first dance since returning to London?”
“It is.” She held his gaze. “I’m pleased it’s with you.”
Before he could respond, the dance began. Though she wished she was graceful and made it look effortless like the other ladies, she wasn’t. Especially when she felt so many people watching them.
She needed to take care not to embarrass him, lest he never want to dance with her again. She carefully counted steps, watching her feet as they turned then moved across the floor.
“Eliza.” The deep timbre of his voice saying her name brought back the delicious shiver.
“Yes?”
“Relax. You need only follow my lead. Allow me to guide you.”
Her mouth went dry at his words and the look in his grey-blue eyes. It was as if they were talking about something else entirely. Her gaze dropped to his lips and all thought fell away. Would she ever have the chance to kiss him? She was breathless at the idea.
Then he pulled her closer. Close enough to feel the heat of his body. To her shock, her breasts tightened in response, and longing filled her. It was all she could do not to move closer still.
The thought caused her to misstep, and she brushed against him. As if on cue, liquid heat swirled through her.
“Relax,” he whispered again. “I have you.”
Good heavens. It was as if he were speaking an erotic love language the way her senses responded. Yet the echo of his promise rang through her mind. As she stared into his eyes, the tension that had been holding her melted away.
Everything—and everyone—disappeared until it was only the two of them gliding along the dance floor, swaying in time to the music.
He spun her, and she had to laugh, the feeling was so exhilarating.
“See? You can trust me,” he said.
She already did. What worried her was that if they shared another dance or two, he would soon hold her heart. If her plan failed, where would that leave her?
Chapter Seven
Nearlyhalfanhourlater, Philip found himself on the dance floor yet again. This time with Lady Alice Graham, the youngest of the three sisters. How unfortunate that the evening had been ruined by his dance with Eliza. If not for her, he might’ve enjoyed the dance with Lady Alice.
Instead, he was glancing at the orchestra, wondering how much longer the song could possibly last. He supposed Lady Alice was a competent dancer. It was just that she didn’t compare to Eliza in looks, let alone conversation.
The lady didn’t show any enthusiasm and merely seemed to go through the motions. Did she not enjoy dancing or was he the reason for her indifference? His brief attempts at conversing had once again been met with one syllable responses.
When the music finally ended, he released a quiet sigh of relief.
