Quinn made himself sound respectable with stories of his large family and his success at university. Naturally, he let it slip he was a viscount in case the Diamonds were unaware. Matthew didn’t mind his friend’s boasting, so long as he kept himself polite.
Associating with Quinn could only increase Matthew’s own respectability. It seemed to work, for both the countess and her daughter relaxed. If the ladies only knew that Quinn’s name was not on everyone’s tongues for the simple reason his appetite was mainly for females who weren’t members of theton, and hence of no interest to anybody.
When the music began again, Purity was whisked away from him onto the dance floor. To please her, he made the effort to find a lady who had not yet been asked for the next dance. At least Matthew could be on the parquet at the same time, even if he didn’t care to see his kitten gazing at some other swell.
After what seemed an interminable time, it was his turn again with the only true diamond at the ball. The moment he claimed Purity, looking like a luscious satin rose petal, he enjoyed a sensation of rightness and satisfaction, not to mention a roaring wave of desire, which washed over him as they got into position.
“Did you notice how I danced with every wallfl— That is, every young lady who needed a partner?”
He hoped he’d scored a few more points on the dart board of their burgeoning association.
“I didn’t notice, my lord. I was correctly giving my attention to each of my partners.”
Had he danced with all those chits for nothing?
“But I think it is extremely gentlemanly of you to do so. I imagine after tonight, we won’t need to do any further instruction. From what I’ve seen, I must conclude you knew everything all along and was merely in want of a little pressing to remind you.”
The only thing he wanted to press was her body against the wall while covering her mouth with his own. Since voicing that inappropriate thought would earn him the loss of his dance partner for good, he didn’t say it. Then he had another idea.
“I suppose you are correct, my lady. Although I was hoping we could go riding, and you would ensure I didn’t say or do anything vulgar while upon horseback. Perhaps I shouldn’t even suggest anything apart from a carriage ride in case the lady cannot sit a horse.”
She gazed up at him. “Why would you say or do anything untoward while riding that you wouldn’t do with your feet upon the ground?”
He shrugged. “There is the obvious sensual nature of riding a horse, in some ways mimicking the movement of a good tupping once you get up to a gallop.”
Lady Purity gasped.
“No, it’s true,” he vowed, as if she were going to disavow his words. “Apart from that, following a woman on horseback is a veritable feast for the male eyes, watching the swaying of both the horse and the feminine form in harmony.”
He knew he was getting to her by the way she missed a step.
“With a carriage ride on the other hand, one can enjoy the close quarters. Delightful! Even better if the lady’s chaperone rides far behind.”
“My lord,” she said softly.
“Yes?” He hoped his face was the picture of innocence.
“Gentlemen do not sayanyof those things aloud.”
“Don’t they?” He whirled her along the length of the floor. “Yet my friends and I speak this way all the time. Did I mention I have never courted a woman before?”
“Yes, you did, nor had a female friend, apparently.”
“Is it that obvious?” he asked.
“Sadly, it is.”
That made him smile, which he quickly tried to quash and turn into a frown.
“I guess there are still some things for me to learn. Polite discourse being one.”
She tilted her head, taking his measure. For a second, he thought she’d seen through his ruse. Sure of it when she parted her lips to speak.
“Purity,” he jumped in, “will you ride in the park with me and give me some tips on appropriate topics of conversation?”
“My lord!” she said again, with agitation.
“What now, did I step on your foot?”
