“You never run short of sarcasm.”
“Who said I was being sarcastic?”
In truth, Justin was mesmerized by Jillian. He had stood behind her for several long moments staring at the bare expanse of her back he was treated to every time she turned her head. The long inky tendrils of her hair rested teasingly on the waist of her costume that curved under the small of her back. His hands itched at his side and he curled his fingers into a fist to resist the urge to bury them in the lush mane of her hair.
The many appreciative stares Jillian garnered from the male guests irked Justin. The knowledge that it irritated him did not sit well with him at all. The woman was driving him mad.
“Will you be leaving for the country soon?” she asked, her voice filtering through his thoughts and bringing his attention back to the present.
“I hadn’t given it much thought,” he replied. “I am in no hurry to leave London.”
“Oh,” she said, looking perplexed.
“Does that disappoint you?”
She made a face at him. “It is of little consequence to me what you do.”
“Then I am sure it won’t bother you for me to stay on in London for the time being.”
“Not at all,” she said cheerfully. “I am sure you will find plenty to entertain yourself with.”
“Indeed, I have found London to bequiteamusing,” he said pointedly.
“You know, every time I think I might actually start to like you, I am just as quickly disabused of that notion.” She turned her back on him and walked away, head held high.
Justin’s gaze was riveted to her shapely legs visible through the slit from her ankles to mid calf. Her hair bounced erotically, baring the small of her back that literally cried out for a man’s caress,hiscaress. Damned if he knew why he had even attended the masque. His arm ached and he hadn’t slept at all that day, yet he felt compelled to come.
Somewhere between the time he had returned from India and tonight, he had lost most of his animosity for her. Oh sure, she still infuriated him, but somehow he couldn’t muster the same outrage he had felt for her in the beginning. Scandalous, flighty and completely unsuitable; she had no respect for the dictates of society, yet he was drawn to her. She was the complete antithesis of everything he placed importance on. So why was he so attracted to her?
###
Why was she so attracted to him? She had actually been delighted to see him at the masque and had found herself looking for him, despite thinking he likely wouldn’t attend. Her pulse had begun racing as soon as he had spoken to her. Even now, she felt flushed and giddy. She could still smell him, the crisp clean, masculine scent. She’d had the strongest urge to bury her face in his chest. And that lock of hair that fell so carelessly across his brow, how her fingers itched to push it back.
She surveyed the ballroom, unconsciously seeking him out amongst the lavishly dressed partygoers. When her eyes lighted on him, her pulse quickened in response. He looked so solitary, even standing amidst the crowds of people. He smiled and exchanged polite conversation with those around him. People seemed to gravitate to his powerful presence, and they hung on his every word. Men sought him out for advice and his opinions on everything, from the latest political debate to what sort of horse they should purchase. Women were drawn to him like a magnet. They tittered and flirted, batting their eyelashes coquettishly, each one secretly harboring the hope that he would show interest in her.
As if feeling her gaze, he looked up and caught her eyes. He gave her an amused look and nodded. She dropped her eyes guiltily, furious with herself for being caught staring at him.
Turning quickly away, she took a glass of wine from the tray of a passing footman. With growing boredom, she continued to watch the goings on of the ball. She feltlonely. She shook off her brief moment of melancholy, determined not to give way to the underlying sadness that seemed to follow her wherever she went.
This past year had been a life-altering affair for Jillian. Much had changed for her. The six months since Lucas’s death had been spent trying to show how little regard she held for him. So why didn’t she feel vindicated? She merely felt sadness for the direction life had taken for her.
She stared restlessly around the ballroom waiting for Case to make his appearance. She had no patience for melancholy, annoyed that it had crept up on her this evening reserved for fun and gaiety. Case would cheer her up as he always did. And perhaps he could take her mind off his infuriating, handsome brother.
CHAPTER NINE
“Does anyone actually marry for love?” Jillian asked as she set her cup of tea down on the saucer.
Lady Bea and Lady Cecilia exchanged knowing looks and Lady Bea leaned forward in her chair. “Whatever prompts you to ask, my dear?”
Jillian cursed her impulsive nature as she glanced between the two women who were regarding her with open curiosity. They had gathered at Lady Bea’s, minus Lady Burlington, Adela Farnsworth and Eloise Huntington, who had retired to their country estates with their husbands. She sighed and leaned forward to set the saucer on the table before her. “I just wondered if anyone ever fell in love,” she said lightly.
“Oh my, are you in love?” Lady Cecilia asked in delight.
“I am not sure I even believe in love.”
A queer expression lighted Lady Bea’s face, and a faraway look entered her eyes. “Most assuredly, people do fall in love.”
“Were you in love with the earl?” Jillian asked.
