He knew. Katherine’s mouth dried, and she tried to think of something to say to him—
“I never did get to dance with you.”
She stiffened and stared at him, her heart sinking to her toes. Letting out a quiet breath, she scowled within. How many times would she be so foolish? For all that she believed herself to be a mature and confident lady, Katherine Leigh was a lackwit of the highest order, quick to throw her heart into believing any fantasy that took her fancy.
A single smile and quiet greeting from Mr. Archer, and she hoped for something else.
Ridiculous.
“What a tragedy,” she replied in a monotone.
Mr. Archer’s gaze jerked away, his brows twitching for a moment before he cleared his expression once more. “I certainly believe it was. Though I hope to rectify it tonight. Would you do me the honor?”
Two partners in an evening. That was a record for Katherine—even if she didn’t wish to dance with the second. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to give Mr. Archer the cut direct. Whatever had passed between them, they had been friends. Or still were?
Katherine didn’t know how to quantify their current situation, but it mattered little. This was the last time she’d ever see him.
Chapter 41
With a nod, Katherine allowed herself to be led towards the dance floor, though the current set was still in progress. They stood side by side, watching the dancers, and Mr. Archer tucked his hands behind him, rocking on his heels.
“You seem to be having a fine night,” he said.
“It has been delightful.”
Mr. Archer looked at her from the corner of his eye. “Enough to make you rethink your present course?”
Turning to face him, Katherine met his gaze, her chin lifting. “My siblings have all attempted to persuade me to stay, but why would I choose to live under their roof and off their charity when I can chart my own course in life? Besides, a fortnight of listening to me practice piano would undo all the goodwill we’ve built.”
“Do you truly believe their feelings are so fleeting?”
Katherine drew her strength close, ignoring the tender quality to his voice that hinted at far greater meaning to his words. “I believe it is foolish to expect the world to alter so completely in such a short period. It takes time to bring about true change, and rushing things will only cause more damage.”
The current dance ended, and Mr. Archer placed a hand at the small of her back, guiding her forward. Katherine forced her pulse to slow and ignored the heat of that touch. Allowing her heart free rein had done enough damage; it was forever mucking with her life, rushing into things or closing off completely, and it was time for her mind to take control.
And it knew better than to give any meaning to that little movement.
The strains of a waltz began, and Katherine stiffened, her gaze darting to Mr. Archer’s. It was easy enough to see that he’d known precisely what dance it was to be when he’d asked. Giving her a bow, he stepped forward, but she refused to clasp his hand. Resting her hands on his shoulders allowed her a little more distance than other dance holds.
Of course, it left his hands at her waist, but Katherine ignored that and moved with the lilting beats as they turned about the room.
“Then you are determined?” he asked as she gazed out at the other dancers.
“Have you ever known me not to be?” She pressed against his shoulders to keep him at a distance—though Mr. Archer made no move to draw closer.
“Have you spoken to your parents?” he asked.
Katherine dropped one hand away from him, allowing it to dangle at her side. “How are your mother and sisters?”
With a quick turn, she found their positions shifted (though she couldn’t attest to how Mr. Archer had managed it), and her free hand was now clasped above their heads, drawing them so close that it felt indecent, though others were equally cozy with their partners.
Mr. Archer’s face was so near to hers that Katherine couldn’t help but recall his kisses, and his gaze held hers with such fire that the ice around her heart began to melt despite her best efforts. Candlelight flickered around them, casting itself across the planes of his face and highlighting the warm hues of his eyes.
“Miss Leigh…” His tone was like melted chocolate, all rich and sweet—and just as delectable.
“Mr. Archer, please.” She tried to step back, though her attempt was half-hearted at best. That ridiculous organ of hers had taken control once more, losing itself in his gaze and muddling her thoughts.
“You are so lovely.”
