Once the music began, she stepped in the correct rhythm to the country dance. He didn’t say much, but neither did she. Her mind kept replaying the conversation they’d had a few nights ago. Part of her wanted to hate him for keeping his existence a secret all this time. The other part of her just didn’t care. Knowing he was back in her life was good enough. Wasn’t it? But if so, then why couldn’t she get the anger and frustration out of her mind?
As soon as the dance ended, he took her back to her father. Lord Calvin exchanged pleasantries with the duke, but nothing was said about Adam’s discovery. Then again, he wasn’t Adam any longer.
It didn’t take long before another man asked her to dance. Smiling politely, she walked with him out to the middle of the room amongst the other couples. The dance was another country dance, thankfully, and this man was as quiet as Lord Calvin.
She skimmed the crowd again, searching for the handsome face she had missed seeing these past three days. Her heart grew heavy as she remembered the way he looked at her that night in her bedroom when she told him about Adam. It was as though Vincent had stopped trying to pursue her. Sorrow had etched the lines of his face so perfectly that she wanted to cry all over again.
Was that why he wasn’t here? Had he given up on her? Of course he had. He’d told her that she was finally going to marry the man that held her heart.
The dance ended before she realized, and soon she was standing beside her father again. This time, Lord Calvin wasn’t there.
“How are you doing, my dear?”
She gave her father a weak smile. “The best I can, considering.”
“I noticed you didn’t talk with Lord Calvin much during the dance.”
“No.” She shrugged. “I think we are both being overly cautious. I don’t know how to act around him anymore. He’s a different person from the man I fell in love with.”
“In a way, I suppose he is.” Her father nodded.
Sighing, she rubbed her forehead. A headache had begun to grow the minute she stepped into the house. Actually, it had probably started when she overheard the conversation between Augusta and Edgar.
Her father’s gaze moved behind her, and within seconds, his smile broadened. Just as she turned, someone tapped her on the shoulder. When her gaze locked with that man standing so close—and smelling so wonderful—her heart flipped crazily in her chest.Vincent!
“Good evening.” He bowed. “Forgive me for interrupting, but I was wondering if you would dance with me.”
Excitement leaped inside her, and she nodded. Her cheeks began to ache because of her wide smile. “Yes, I would love to.”
She couldn’t stop looking at him, even as he led her to the dance floor. He wore her favorite gray suit jacket and matching trousers, with the light blue waistcoat that made his blue-gray eyes shine.
Had she forgotten to breathe? Probably, since her lungs burned.
Slowly, she exhaled, trying to regulate her breathing before she swooned. When the music started playing a slow waltz, he took her in his arms, and they stepped in time to the rhythm. Being in his embrace again made silly little flutters of giddiness dance in her belly. Warmth spread through her, and she felt the urge to sigh in contentment, but she didn’t know why.
“Ellie, I…cannot take my eyes off you. You’re absolutely exquisite. I’ve never seen a lovelier woman in my life.”
She licked her dry lips. “And you, my lord, are the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on.”
His smile relaxed. “How have you been? When I didn’t get a missive from you, I wondered what was going on. Has your father decided anything?”
“No. He is leaving that up to me.”
Vincent arched an eyebrow. “What is he leaving up to you, exactly?”
“He wants me to pick the man who holds my heart.”
Vincent’s expression softened as he pulled her a little closer. “Are you trying to tell me you don’t know that answer yet?”
Slowly, she shook her head. “I’ve been very confused these last few days. But no, I have yet to come to a decision.”
His mouth stretched wide again. “Let me know if I can help you with that inanyway.”
She laughed as her heart warmed. Hadn’t she already made the decision? After all, she hadn’t felt this comfortable while dancing with Adam, and her face didn’t hurt from smiling so much with him, either. “Yes, I’ll let you know if you can be of assistance.”
Silence passed between them as they continued to dance, but heaven help her, she couldn’t look away. Thankfully, he kept his gaze on her, as well. Her heartbeat hadn’t slowed since she first noticed him. Happiness poured through her every second they were together. Wasn’t this the answer she was looking for?
“How are things back at the manor?” he asked. “I worry about Edgar being in your house.”
