“It grows,” he said, a smile curving his lips. “It is good to see you, Frances.”
“And you, Dominic,” she whispered, her eyes glinting with mischief.
It was the first time she had used his name, and he doubted it had ever sounded so sweet.
“But I should return to my family before I cause another scandal, talking alone with the eligible duke that has everyone’s tongues wagging,” she added, a note of regret in her voice.
Realizing that she was about to leave his side again, and he might not get another opportunity like this, he caught hold of her hand for just a moment and dipped his head, murmuring, “Fresh air. Tell them you need fresh air and meet me in the winter garden.” He could not believe he was saying this, but he could not stop himself. “It is closed at this time of year, but the gate will be unlocked.”
With that, he let go of her hand, and walked away, his heart thundering in his chest as he went to find Hugo, so that he would not be leaving Harriet without a chaperone.
Then, he would go to the winter garden and wait… all night if he had to.
CHAPTER THIRTY
“What is the matter?” Lucinda asked in a hushed voice, her eyes watchful behind her spectacles.
“With me?” Frances rasped, jabbing a finger into her chest. “Nothing. Not a thing.”
How could she explain that the orchestra were suddenly playing too loudly, the music like crashing waves against rock; the air was too stifling, the crush of bodies too overwhelming; the feel of so many eyes on her, judging her, threatening to make her break out in a rash. She had been pretending to endure it before, ignoring the whispers and stares as best she could, but with the offer of ‘fresh air’ clamoring in her head, she was unraveling.
“Did that gentleman say something uncouth to you?” Lucinda wanted to know, her tone almost protective.
Yes, but it was entirely welcome.
“No, of course not,” Frances replied instead, her heart hammering wildly in her chest, as if it meant to smash its way out of her ribcage. “It was too loud, so I asked him to lean in to repeat his question.”
Lucinda nodded, her lips slightly pursed in latent suspicion. “Was he the Duke of Alderwick?”
“Indeed, and that charming young lady over there is his daughter,” Frances replied in a rush, while her gaze darted to the clock on the wall.
How long had it been since Dominic asked her to meet him outside? Had she missed the chance? How long would he wait out there? It was not a particularly warm night, and it had been drizzling when they left the townhouse a couple of hours ago. In the cold and the potential rain, surely he would not wait long, especially as she had given no indication that she would meet him.
“Which one?” Lucinda asked.
“That one.” Frances gestured to Harriet, and allowed her racing thoughts and pounding heart to still for a moment.
The young woman moved about the dance floor as if she had always known how, with grace and aptitude and, best of all, a glowing smile upon her face. She was at ease, flowing with the music instead of concentrating too hard on the steps; Frances could see it in the girl’s entire demeanor.
Pride swelled in Frances’ chest as she watched her former student, and saw that she was not the only one admiring the girl’s talent. All around the dance floor, handsome gentlemen gazed at Harriet, mesmerized by her fluid movements and elegant flourishes. It was just as Lord Ainsley had said: theton’seligible bachelors would be fighting to dance with her next.
“Is that her uncle?” Lucinda said, frowning.
Frances shook her head. “I met him while I was at Alderwick; he is a friend of the family. Actually, now that you mention it, I have not seen Hugo tonight.”
“Hugo?”
“The Duke of Ravenvale,” Frances replied, distracted.
“Anotherduke?” Lucinda’s jaw dropped. “How can it be that you were surrounded by these eligible gentlemen and you returned without one?”
A strange pang caught Frances in the stomach. “I was there to teach, not to catch dukes.” She glanced at the clock. “If you will excuse me, I am in need of some… fresh air.”
“You are leaving me?” Lucinda protested, catching hold of Frances’ arm. “I have been trying to leave since we arrived, and you have not permitted it. Why are you now allowed to take in some fresh air while I must endure?”
Something akin to panic bristled through Frances’ veins as she attempted to pull her hand free. “Because I mean to have a temporary reprieve so that I do not faint, whereas you wish to go home, and your ailments are fabricated.”
With a huff and a faint half-smile, Lucinda let her older sister go. “Very well, you have caught me in my fibs. But, do you think you might fetch me a lemon ice on your way back? I think that would improve the situation.”
