Halfway through the polka, her foot caught on something. Shocked, she tripped and stumbled, having never done anything so mortifying upon the dance floor in her entire life.
“Your shawl,” Lord Diamond said, bending to retrieve it. Gallantly, he stuffed as much as he could into his pocket, and they caught up their steps with the other dancers.
However, her gladness had vanished like morning mist. She’d made a mistake, appearing dreadfully clumsy. And she’d done it in front of the most attractive man she’d ever met.
“Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Malcolm. No one even noticed,” he lied.
Men lied easily enough, especially if they were interested in getting something — or someone. When next she faced him, it was impossible not to see his gaze dip to her low and revealing décolletage.
And just like that, the dance had gone on far too long. Despite whatever disruption would occur, Alice had the urge to run away. She didn’t. Keeping her gaze fixed on a place over Lord Diamond’s shoulder, she continued.
As soon as the last note sounded, she wrenched her grasp free, gave him a hurried curtsy, and rushed to where he’d found her. She even beat Susanne back to their spot by the windows.
Watching Lord Diamond stroll away, probably relieved he hadn’t had to escort her any longer, Alice caught her breath and hopefully appeared composed when her charge rejoined her.
“Wasn’t that lovely?” Susanne asked. “I saw you on the floor, too. That dress is much prettier without Mother’s shawl. I don’t know why you wore it in the first place.”
The shawl!Lord Diamond was no longer in sight. He had probably forgotten it due to its lightweight silk weave. She had to retrieve it. Unlike the dress, she would undoubtedly be charged for the loss of the expensive item, brought all the way from India.
“Stay here, do not move. Do not speak with anyone. Do not dance either, unless you already know the gentleman.” Alice reconsidered. “No, not even then. I shall return anon. Please, please, Susanne, do as I say and remain rooted to this spot.”
“Of course. But where—?”
Alice dashed off into the throng in the direction he had taken.
Chapter Three
Adam felt badly for how wooden Mrs. Malcolm had become after her shawl slipped. On the other hand, he didn’t feel at all unhappy over what it had revealed. He’d tried not to stare, but in that dress, the fullness of her breasts was evident. He’d half expected to see a rosy nipple peek over the neckline.
Still, as gentlemanly as possible, he’d looked away and completed the dance. Strangely, he’d already been taken with her, even when she’d demurely put her gloved hand in his. The zing of excitement that ensued was unfamiliar. From the start, each and every pull of attraction he’d felt for her was, in fact, unusual.
Regardless, he had to set it aside. She was most definitely not a suitable candidate for becoming his wife. Even if she weren’t married, a governess, no matter what airs she put on to seem like a lady, could not fit into his world, nor would he want her to. Amongst theton, Mrs. Malcolm would be forever playing a part for which she was not destined. There would be mishaps, like tonight. No one danced while wearing a shawl and for good reason.
Pushing out of the warm assembly room, he strode out onto the back terrace and took his flask from his jacket pocket. Sipping the fine French brandy, he accepted there could benothing between them except his ardent admiration for her hair, face, and figure.
Still, he couldn’t deny the hope she would perform the role of chaperone again in the future. Elsewise, unless he happened upon her while visiting the Beasleys’ home, this might have been the only time he would see her. Certainly, the singular time he would ever dance with her.
With that thought in mind — disturbing him more than it should — he was shocked to hear his name and turn to see her.
She rushed toward him across the darkened terrace.
“Did you not hear me calling you?”
“I confess, I did not.” His heartbeat sped up at this strange turn of events. “Is something wrong?” She was breathing hard, and the view was magnificent. His mouth went suddenly dry, and his body sizzled as it had when he had first touched her hand.
How extraordinary!
Thinking her distraught, he reached out and took her hand again.
“What are you doing?” She stared at their joined hands, then back at his face.
“I have no idea,” he said. He was the one who ought to ask her why she had followed him. Regardless, he thanked his good fortune.
Could it be she was tired of the husband at home, wherever home was?Maybe she wanted a quick dalliance behind the hedge. Maybe the unfamiliar excitement of attending a ball, something a governess probably never did, had left her over stimulated.
In any case, he felt an answering excitement at being near her, glad she had pursued him.
Taking her other hand, he drew her close. They were far enough from the lamps on the terrace that if anyone looked out,their identities would be concealed. She was trembling under his touch.
