Ellie’s hopes lifted, and she sighed. At least her father wouldn’t have to make a scene by dragging Vincent to sit by them.
Once she and her stepmother had found their seats and sat, Ellie frowned, staring at her lap. The daydreams she’d had right after the passionate kiss were slowly fading. Clearly, she’d made the mistake by thinking there was something more between her and Vincent. Perhaps this particular rogue would never reform. If that happened, then falling in love with him was certainly out of the question.
Vincent’s masculine scent of spice stirred her senses mere moments before he sat next to her. She couldn’t look at him. It was too soon. If she had to look into his face now, she might snap at him for talking tothat womanand sitting next to her. Could Ellie, as his almost-fiancée, ask him to stop talking to his former mistress? Would he resent her if she did?
“My precious,” Vincent whispered, leaning close to her ear. “I would rather look upon your radiant smile than sit beside Lady Livingston.”
Ellie sucked in a breath. He knew what she’d been thinking?
Slowly, she raised her gaze to his. His amazing blue eyes pleaded with her, and his smile warmed her injured heart. “You would?”
“Any day of the week, and on weekends.”
She chuckled softly. “Why does she keep bothering you?”
“I shall tell you later. In public is not the place to discuss something so personal.”
Her heart flipped and happiness swelled within her. He was actually going to be honest with her instead of hiding secrets. “I thank you, my lord.”
“Now, will you smile and enjoy the rest of the evening?”
She nodded. Relief settled over her as she relaxed into her seat.
The party passed quickly, thankfully. Miss Dorothea James turned out a splendid performance, which was the topic on the ride back home. It surprised Ellie to see her father and stepmother so excited about one singer. Then again, the diva did have a superb voice.
They reached the manor, and her father and stepmother exited the coach first before the footman helped Vincent down. He turned and offered his hand to Ellie. She slid her palm against his, and immediately, her body warmed. These reactions were happening more often, and she was tired of fighting them.
It would be better if she just allowed herself to fall in love with him. She felt that she was nearly to that point already.
They walked side by side toward the house. It relieved her that Augusta and the duke had left them alone, although Ellie feared it wouldn’t be too much longer before her father or a maid poked their head outside and called for her.
“I had a lovely time tonight,” she said after a few minutes of silence.
Vincent met her gaze and nodded. “I did, as well.”
“I apologize that the evening started out rocky, but I’m happy it ended wonderfully.”
“I suppose I’m to blame for that.” He sighed and stopped. “I honestly didn’t know Lady Livingston would be there, and it was very insensitive of me to talk to her.”
“But didn’t you tell me that she came to you?”
“Yes.”
“Well, it would have been rude to shun her.”
“True, but I would rather her be upset with me than you.” He took hold of Ellie’s hands and gently rubbed her knuckles.
“Will you tell me what she was so persistent about?”
He inhaled deeply and released it slowly. The smile faded from his face. Immediately, she braced herself, fearing that she wouldn’t be happy with the outcome.
“The reason she wanted to speak with me after the ball last night was because she wanted to propose to me.”
Ellie gasped. “Propose, as in ask you to marry her?”
“Yes.”
Anger rose inside of her, but so did humor, and she laughed. “But didn’t you tell me she has many lovers?”
