Vincent was proudof Ellie for being so strong. Most women would have called off all activities for the week because of what had happened to her father, but thankfully, it wasn’t Ellie who bowed out of the ball. The duchess was the one who had complained about a headache, which made the duke cancel last night’s event. However, tonight was a different function, and Vincent was thrilled to see that Ellie was here and alert. And once more, she was the loveliest woman at the ball.
Ellie was a cross between an angel and a seductress. The bulk of her silky, dark brown hair was wrapped loosely on her head, with tendrils by her ears and on her neck. Wisps of baby’s-breath flowers gently decorated her hair. Hanging from her ears were pearl-drop earbobs, and a matching necklace circled her slender throat. She was an angel.
But it was the square-neck bodice of the deep purple sensation she wore, with bell-shaped sleeves and elbow-length black gloves, that gave her the appearance of a seductress. The gown’s train was slightly longer than she’d worn before, and the black lace overlay on the skirt parted down the front.
Vincent was certain she would entice more men than just him at the ball tonight. There would be many who left the ball with their hearts shattered upon realizing Miss Middleton only had eyes for Lord Trenton.
Surprisingly enough, he only had eyes for her, as well.
Over the course of the last few days, Vincent had slowly felt his rakehell life slipping away. What shocked him more was realizing that he didn’t mind the change. The thought of only having one woman for the rest of his life pleased him, as long as it was Ellie Middleton.
He enjoyed the way his body tingled whenever she touched him. He took pleasure in hearing her little sighs of delight when he held her in his arms. He cherished the way his body burned while they shared a passionate kiss. And he looked forward to making her his wife in all senses of the word.
Vincent stood beside Ellie as they chatted with her parents and some of their friends. Vincent didn’t have much to contribute to the conversation, only because Ellie’s beauty had left his brain numb, as well as his tongue. All he could do was smile and nod, and stare at Ellie as though he’d never seen anything so lovely in his life. The flowery fragrance surrounding her made him want to bury his face in her neck and inhale deeply until he was intoxicated by her scent.
Finally, the music started up, announcing that the ball had begun. Vincent immediately offered his arm to Ellie, who accepted with a bright smile. He didn’t say anything as he escorted her out on the floor, but the minute her eyes locked with his, she chuckled.
“Lord Trenton,” she said softly, “you are acting very strangely this evening.”
“Am I, my precious? I wonder why.”
“Yes, I wonder that as well. Are you all right?”
“No, not exactly.” He grinned.
One of her eyebrows lifted. “My lord, I’m not quite sure what you’re hinting at.”
Tilting back his head, he laughed heartily. He wasn’t about to confess his inner thoughts. Not yet. “Oh, my precious Ellie. You are such a delight. Don’t you realize that you have turned me into a different person?”
“How extraordinary. I didn’t think I could accomplish such a feat.”
They traded partners, but he kept his gaze on the prettiest woman at the ball. He enjoyed the way she hesitantly threw glances his way as she tried to pay attention to her dance partner. Her face relaxed, and her eyes darkened as if she believed him to be the most handsome man, too. If only the orchestra could play the waltz, the scandalous dance from Germany that would keep her in his arms for the whole tune.
Finally, the country dance had him pairing with Ellie again.
“I fear, my lord, that I’ve never seen you so out of sorts.”
“Out of sorts? What do you mean?”
She cocked her head. “You nearly stepped on Miss Hampton’s foot, and you certainly didn’t look at her. Have you nothing to do but stare at me all evening?”
“Oh, I assure you, staring at you all evening is very pleasurable.”
She chuckled. “And what about speaking to others? Don’t you want to do that tonight?”
“Although I have much on my mind, I would rather not talk to someone I hardly know, especially if they enjoy spreading gossip.”
She nodded. “I definitely understand your reluctance now.”
They had to trade partners again, and just as before, Vincent couldn’t take his stare off Ellie. It delighted him when she stared at him the whole time as well. Once she was back at his side, he squeezed her hand gently.
“However,” he added as he lowered his voice, “I look forward with great anticipation to when we can talk to our hearts’ content. Just the two of us, with nobody around to overhear.”
Her face turned red, and she laughed. “Oh, Lord Trenton, you can most certainly count on it tonight.”
He sucked in a breath. Was she serious? Did she even know what he was talking about? But she did. She wasn’t a dimwit like other ladies.
“Tonight?” he questioned, hesitantly.
