As Vincent watched them, hope had bounded in his chest. Feeling more encouraged that she hadn’t totally pushed him aside, he decided he would let her know how much he still cared about her.
Now, as they traded whispers and heated glances, and as his heart rate skyrocketed, he knew she still held feelings for him. Did Ellie realize she was in love with him, not the other man? He would do all he could to make certain she knew it without a doubt tonight.
Silence had passed between them, and it hadn’t become uncomfortable. As he stared into her magnificent brown eyes, he couldn’t stop himself from wanting to hold her again and kiss her to distraction. He loved the way her gaze moved slowly over his face, from the top of his wavy hair, over his eyes, his nose, before coming to rest on his lips.
Vincent resisted the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her passionately. He wanted to forget that they were at a party, where so many pairs of eyes watched every little move they made. He wanted to forget that people would gossip and that he’d create a scandal if he showed such affections for her in public.
“Vincent,” she said, breaking the silence. “Do you forgive me for jumping to conclusions the other night?”
His mind went blank for a moment. What was she referring to?
“I shouldn’t have assumed,” she continued, “that you had chosen Lady Livingston over me.” She shrugged. “I was still very insecure. I suppose I’m still insecure.”
“Why do you feel this way?” he asked.
“Because you’ve had so many lovers. How could I possibly compete with that?”
He shook his head and softly caressed her cheek. “There is no comparison, my precious. None of those other women can hold a candle to your beauty and class. When I’m with you, I don’t think of anyone else. You are the only woman who has occupied my mind since you first ran into me when I came to visit your brother.”
She chuckled. “That day seems so long ago, even though it was only a few short weeks.”
“We’ve been through a lot.”
“Yes.” She sighed. “But I need to know you forgive me.”
He smiled. “Of course I do. I sought you out this evening, did I not?”
“Well…yes.”
“I don’t do that for just anyone.”
Her face reddened, but she didn’t lower her gaze. He liked that.
Their private moment was ruined when a man walked up and stood beside Ellie. He bowed to her, and she curtsied.
“Miss Middleton, may I ask you for the next dance?”
Her genuine smile changed slightly. Vincent didn’t know if others could tell, but he could. Even the light in her eyes disappeared.
“You may.” She looked at Vincent, and the spark in her eyes returned. “Lord Trenton, would you excuse me now?”
“Of course.” He bowed and watched her leave with the other man.
The evening seemed to drag after that. It reminded Vincent of the last time they had planned to meet after a ball. But this time would be different. He wouldn’t let anything stand in his way of protecting the woman he was madly in love with.
He danced with Ellie one more time during the evening, but the music was much faster than he wanted. Still, she smiled so wide that he could see most of her teeth. Stars glowed in her big brown eyes, which made him beam with happiness. Lord Calvin had also danced with her another time, but her smile wasn’t as lively as when she was with Vincent.
He liked that. No, helovedthat.
“I’m relieved to see you haven’t bowed out.”
The voice behind Vincent startled him. He turned to see Ellie’s father, his hands linked behind him as he rocked back and forth on his heels. The grin on the older man’s face told the tale before he could say any more.
“Pardon me?” Vincent asked hesitantly, wondering if he really knew the reason behind the statement.
“I’m happy to see you didn’t back off and let Lord Calvin win my daughter’s hand.”
Vincent’s face grew warm from the compliment. It was good to know he had the father’s acceptance. “No, I’m not backing down.” He glanced across the dance floor to find Ellie, who was dancing with another man. “Your daughter is too special to lose.”
