SEVEN
Adeline watched Collin until his dancing ended with the woman in the peacock feather mask. Not wanting to look too obvious, Adeline slowly made her way toward him. After he’d taken the woman to her mother, he turned and found a circle of men to stop and chat with.
Sighing, she had to stop, too. But of course, she’d be by herself. Then again, she was used to being at a party and not mingling unless it was with her own family, thanks to her father’s unwise gambling choices.
She kept her gaze on the couples dancing, and periodically, looked over her shoulder toward Collin. He appeared to be bored. She understood that feeling well.
A few people that she recognized passed her, and she nodded a greeting. Thankfully, they politely returned the greeting. She prayed that those who judged her father harshly would realize that she and her siblings had nothing to do with their sire’s decisions.
Several moments passed before she peeked over her shoulder again toward the circle of men. This time, she didn’t see Collin. Grumbling under her breath, she glanced around the area frantically searching for him. One way or another, she needed to get his attention. Although she was prepared to charm him the best way she knew how, she prayed he’d live up to hisroguishreputation and charm her first.
Suddenly, someone behind her slid fingers along her bare elbow, and warm breath touched her neck.
“Meet me outside on the terrace in five minutes.”
She gasped and her body froze. The deep, very masculine voice was Collin’s. He stepped past her, his arm purposely brushing against hers. He didn’t look her way as he walked toward the terrace doors.
Her pulse had quickened so much that it shook through her body. Had he known it was her? Or was he expecting someone else? Either way, she must meet him outside. Hopefully, he hadn’t seen her watching him. Then again, if he had noticed, he’d at least know she was taken with him.
She wrung her black-gloved hands against her middle as she ran her gaze around her. Nobody looked at her as if they had seen the brief contact between her and Collin. Everyone seemed to be wrapped up in their own lives. With any luck, things would remain that way.
How many minutes had passed? Perhaps she should have been counting them instead of thinking about Collin. However, she would start on her way regardless of the time. She was too anxious to wait any longer. She couldn’t wait to see who he was really waiting for, and yet deep down inside of her, she hoped he knew it was her.
With each step toward the terrace doors, her heart hammered that much faster. Part of her wanted to turn away her mother’s suggestion, and yet, Adeline knew this would be the only chance she had at finding a decent husband.
Pushing away the warnings ringing in her ears, she stepped onto the terrace. A few couples were strolling through her aunt’s gardens, lit only by the full moon. She continued down the main path until she spotted Collin. He sat on a stone bench, learning forward as he rubbed his forehead.
Her body trembled anxiously as she headed in his direction, acting like she wasn’t hurrying. She didn’t want to seem over-eager or desperate. Then again, if he knew her family’s situation, he’d know exactly how desperate she felt right now.
She slowed her steps as she rounded the rock bench. He must have heard the rustle of her gown because he swung toward her. His mask hung in his fingers, but she dared not sigh aloud at seeing his handsome face.
“Lord Hanover.”
His grin widened. “I thought I asked you to call me Collin.”
Sighing, her body relaxed. “You did. Forgive me, Collin.”
His gaze skimmed over her, starting at the top of her ringlets, and down over her red and black gown.
“You look very lovely tonight, Addie.”
“Thank you. I think you are very handsome, as well.”
He patted the empty space on the bench next to him. “Would you like to join me?”
Nodding, she sat beside him, but not too close. She didn’t want to stop looking at him, but apparently, he didn’t feel the same because he stared toward her aunt’s small pond that was not too far from them.
“I’m surprised you noticed me,” she said softly.
His chest shook with a silent laugh. “It’s hard to ignore a woman when she is constantly studying me.”
She held her breath.He knew?“I... I’m sorry you saw that.”
He looked at her, grinning. “I’m not sorry in the least. It’s quite flattering to have a lovely woman staring at me.”
Heat crawled up her face, and yet, she couldn’t turn her head. Maybe it didn’t matter since they were partially in the shadows, anyway.
“I was surprised to see you here,” she said after a few uncomfortable seconds.
