She started to shake her head, but soon she took his hand as he led her through the beginning of the dance. Excitement jumped in her eyes as she realized she could dance. His heartalso accelerated. For certain, Louisa was no vagabond at all. The happy expression on her face warmed his heart.
“Very good, Louisa. Now there is one more I want to see if you know.”
Her head bobbed in a quick nod. “Oh, yes. Let’s see what else I remember.”
He hesitated with this dance. Although scandalous, the waltz was still played in some ballrooms across England. Napoleon had tried to make this dance socially acceptable, but most of Society was appalled at the closeness of the dance. However, if Louisa had indeed been raised by parents of Quality, she would have known this—either scandalous or not.
And this gave him the perfect excuse to hold her close.
Trevor took her hand in his and placed his other around her waist, slowly pulling her to him. “Do you know the waltz?”
Her buoyancy dulled considerably as a slight tremble took over her smile. But her feet moved with his as he led her around the small bedroom floor. Suddenly, her exuberance changed, and a different expression crossed her face. He’d seen this one before—the most recent was when they were by the pond and right before he’d kissed her.
“I do know this dance,” she whispered. “Not many people will dance the waltz.”
“Indeed. To some, it’s considered scandalous.”
“You are correct.”
“But you are dancing with me now,” he said in a soft voice as his heartbeat knocked crazily against his ribs.
Her gaze flitted between his eyes and his mouth as the color in her eyes darkened. His throat turned dry, and he couldn’t swallow even if his life depended on it. The more they danced, the closer he pulled her as if it were natural to want her so near. To make matters worse, she didn’t try to stop him like a proper girl would have done.
Together, their footsteps slowed as their gazes collided, and held. Although kissing her the first time had been a mistake, kissing her twice would be a death wish. It wasn’t right; propriety tried to reason with him in his head, yet the quick beat of his heart argued.
Her chest moved just as quickly as his did; her ragged breath fanned his face. It wasn’t until the front of her body touched his when he realized he’d pulled her that close. Miraculously, though, their feet had stopped.
All he could think about was the sweet, tender kiss they’d shared at the pond. In his ears, the only sound he heard was her fast breath and the crashing of his own heart. He should say something to break this incredible spell, but a part of him didn’t want it broken, and that part of him was the one in control right now.
He dropped his mouth to hers in a passionate kiss. Her fingers dug into his shirt, clinging to him as if she was afraid to let him go. Her lips met his demanding ones and responded as if she couldn’t get enough. He knew he couldn’t.
Pressing her against him harder, his hands wandered over her back, threading through her silky hair, and sliding down all over her gown that clung to her where her hair was dampened. Beneath his fingertips, the welts on her back were pronounced because now she had nothing to hide them but her thin, damp gown.
She’s been whipped!The thought jerked him back to reality. Why would a gentle-bred woman have been whipped like a common thief?
He broke the kiss and slowly pulled away, not wanting to make her aware of why he’d stopped. When her eyes fluttered open a blush stole across her cheeks.
“Forgive me, Trevor,” she whispered. “Once again, I have lost all my senses when in your arms.”
His heart flipped upon hearing his name on her lips—just like what had happened at the pond. “No, it’s my fault, dear Louisa. I can’t seem to…” He shook his head, stopping himself from admitting his weakness. “I should not have taken advantage—”
“No, don’t say that.” She brought her fingers to his lips. “I participated fully. You did not take advantage of me at all.”
“I see it differently, my dear. I’m probably a good ten years older than you. I should know better.”
“You forget, I have my own mind.” She shrugged and chuckled. “What I know about it, anyway. But I could have stopped you at any time.”
“So you are correct.”
“However—” she cleared her throat and stepped back—“I fear I have made you late for your dinner party.”
He nodded. “If I hurry, I will not be late, I assure you. Have a pleasant evening.” He nearly tripped on his way to the door, hurrying to leave. Cursing his weakness, he silently promised himself he would never do that again. Yet in the back of his mind, he knew he would kiss her if given another chance.
*
Trevor stood amongsta group of men who partook of their brandy and cheroots after leaving the dining room. He smiled and nodded to those around him, but his ears didn’t register to what conversation was abuzz at the moment. Instead, he replayed the moments with Louisa. How could he keep himself from thinking of her right now? Not only did he enjoy their kiss, he discovered a little more about the mystery woman.
Indeed, she must have been raised with parents of Quality. How else would she have known those dance steps—and react the way she did to the waltz? Hopefully, she would remember more soon and relieve this burden of doubt he had in his mindbefore he went insane. Men from Trevor’s upbringing didnotconsort with servants in such a way. True, his father may have caused a lot of scandal and brought shame upon the family, but Trevor was not that kind of man—and he was never going to be.
