He took hold of her hand, pulled her close, then settled his other hand on her waist, which sent a tingle up her spine, one she couldn’t quite ignore. In all honesty, there was something delightful about tingles, especially when they were a result of being in such close proximity to Gideon.
Summoning up a smile because Camilla truly would be annoyed if her plan failed, even though it was difficult to look cheerful when she was all but bursting at the seams to disclosemore about the code, she caught Gideon’s eye, and after he sent her a wink, they were off across the floor.
Waltzing past Charles, who was dancing with Miss Lucille Codman, a lady who’d been out for four Seasons and had spent many an evening wallowing against a wall beside Adelaide, she followed Gideon’s lead through a turn, her pulse ratcheting up a notch when he drew her closer.
Hoping he’d think the color she knew was now settling on her face was simply a result of their exertion, she drew in a breath, which resulted with her being given a lovely whiff of a scent that reminded her of woodlands. It really came as no surprise when she immediately stumbled over Gideon’s foot, suggesting she was less than capable of being barraged by his cologne and dancing at the same time.
Gideon didn’t miss a beat. He simply steadied her, steered her through a complicated turn, then waltzed her effortlessly around other dancers.
“Forgive me, Adelaide,” he murmured into her ear, eliciting another tingle. “I should have realized you’d be nervous this evening, and yet I’m doing absolutely nothing to distract you from your nerves.”
Since she wasn’t about to admit his cologne, not her nerves, was the culprit behind her clumsiness, she forced all thoughts of how delicious he smelled to the far recesses of her mind. “I must admit I’m unaccustomed to being the object of such undivided attention. I normally only incur that after one of my debacles and not because I’m fashionably dressed and being waltzed around a ballroom by a dashing gentleman. That right there could very well be why I’m less than graceful.”
“I think you’re doing magnificently, but I’m afraid you’re going to have to get used to the attention, because if I’m not mistaken, Camilla’s plan is already a rousing success and you, my dear Adelaide, have finally arrived.”
She couldn’t quite suppress a shudder. “That notion is doingabsolutely nothing for the state of my nerves. I mean, if you really think about it, I arrived on the scene years ago, so it’s not as if society is unfamiliar with me. Granted, Camilla’s been doing a marvelous job convincing society I’m an absolute darling, and I am looking rather well turned out this evening. But if what you said is true and I’ve finallyarrived, I’m now wondering what’s going to happen next if I actually find myself in high demand.”
“Haven’t you taken time to consider how your life might change if you’re deemed a societal success?”
She shot a glance to the edge of the ballroom floor and discovered numerous gentlemen watching her, one gentleman having the audacity to train a monocle her way. Not allowing her gaze to linger on that somewhat disturbing sight, she returned her attention to Gideon.
“Oddly enough, I didn’t consider that, because I had doubts we’d be able to alter society’s opinion of me, although don’t tell Camilla that. Frankly, I’m not that keen to have much in my life change, but I suppose I’ll have to dwell on that later. For now, we simply need to get through this dance without further stumbling on my part, which will indeed be noticed and will certainly disappoint Camilla.”
“Perhaps we should find something to speak about that will divert you from your nerves.”
“An excellent idea, so allow me to explain what happened with the cipher.”
After Gideon gave her a twirl, he pulled her close. “You really were able to decipher theentirecode?”
“Given the incredulousness I detect in your voice, I’m beginning to believe I was quite correct when I suggested that you didn’t think I’d be capable of puzzling out the riddle in the first place.”
The wariness that immediately flickered through his eyes spoke volumes and earned him a snort from her in return.
“May I assume you gave me the cipher to distract me from thoughts of this evening, which, if true, speaks well of your considerate nature but not well of your faith in my ability to solve mysteries.”
He winced. “I’m afraid thatwasthe case. Nevertheless, know that I’m suitably impressed by your success and disappointed in myself for doubting your abilities. You’ve proven time and again you have a knack for figuring out pertinent details involving matters of intrigue.”
Additional warmth immediately settled on her cheeks. “Thank you for that, although I bet that was difficult for you to admit, what with your reluctance to involve me in any of your clandestine activities. I imagine you’re now second-guessing your decision to give me the cipher since pestering on my part will soon commence because clearly I have some talents that would be beneficial to the firm.”
“Perhaps we could come to some sort of arrangement before any pestering commences.”
She stumbled over his foot again. “Does that mean you’re considering bringing me into the firm?”
“No,” he didn’t hesitate to say. “I was thinking more along the lines of giving you the grappling hook in exchange for your agreement that you’ll discontinue asking me to join the firm.”
“That hookwouldcome in handy with some of my more difficult rescue missions.”
“I imagine it would,” he said before he twirled her past a couple who were not even bothering to disguise the fact they were gawking at them.
“Could the discontinuation of the badgering have a time limit to it?” Adelaide asked, earning a laugh from Gideon.
“That’s not how negotiating is supposed to work.”
“But you must know it’ll be difficult for me to curb the badgering. It’s become a habit with you.”
“Indeed, but again, if you want the hook, all you need to do is say yes to my proposal instead of launching a countermove.”
“I believe I’ll need to ponder the offer more before I give you a definitive answer.”
