Hawthorne shrugged. “Like I said, I cannot say, but that would be my guess. He will want to seal the deal before someone else tries to do so. And they will. That much, Icanguarantee you.”
Unsure of how he felt about that, Thomas returned his attention to the dance, which was presently coming to an end. Lady Amelia accepted Lowell’s arm and allowed him to escort her off the floor, steering her toward Thomas and Hawthorne.
“Coventry,” Lowell said as he and Lady Amelia came to stand before them. “You are looking well this evening.”
“As are you,” Thomas said. Unable to help himself, he glanced at Lady Amelia before meeting Lowell’s gaze once more. “I never realized you were such a skilled dancer.”
“One must make a particular effort when partnering with a woman as lovely as Lady Amelia.” Dropping a besotted look in Lady Amelia’s direction, Lowell said, “I believe she has woven a spell with her charm. I am quite taken, no doubt about that.”
Lady Amelia turned a becoming shade of pink. Her lashes lowered ever so slightly, in an innocent sort of way, and the smile that followed held an element of shyness to it that could have slayed an attacking army.
Holding himself completely still for fear he might say or do something uncharacteristic and rash, Thomas took another sip of his brandy, realizing then that his glass was empty. He glanced around quickly, eager to locate a footman on whom he could count for a refill. Except Lowell was now talking again, praising Lady Amelia’s grace and beauty to a point where Thomas was tempted to grab the man by his lapels and give him a sound thrashing for no other reason than that he’d noticed. That, and the fact that Thomas was well enough acquainted with the man to know of his appreciation for the female form. There was no doubt in Thomas’s mind that Lowell had noticed how well Lady Amelia’s bodice hugged her breasts or how that enticing display of skin swelled against her décolletage with every breath she took.
Christ!
“Are you all right?” The question was spoken by Hawthorne, who was studying him in a quizzical sort of way.
Thomas blinked. “Yes. Of course.” Except his throat had gone dry and he couldn’t seem to gather his thoughts in any coherent way.
It made no sense whatsoever, but it did remind him to have a private word with Lady Amelia and let her know that she should be careful when keeping a man’s company, no matter how well-mannered or honorable that man happened to be. So he looked at her—at the sweet innocence glowing in her eyes. It was so apart from the fierceness with which she’d confronted him earlier in the week and the anxious resolve that had overcome her two days ago when she’d spoken of her plan for the school.
The feistiness was gone, replaced by a feminine softness that did peculiar things to his stomach. Not that the feistiness hadn’t affected him in its own way, because it had certainly forced him to pay attention to her, but this... this purity she was emitting was where her true power lay. Doubting she was aware of it, he pinned her with his gaze. “My lady, I was hoping to have a private word with you. If you will permit?”
All hint of calm evaporated from her features, replaced by a flash of concern. “Certainly, Your Grace.” She turned to Lowell. “Thank you for the dance.”
“I hope it will be our first of many,” he murmured as he gave a slight bow.
Hawthorne received a smile from her while he in turn wished her a continued good evening. Thomas offered her his arm and began leading her toward the French doors that would take them out onto the terrace.
“You danced well with him,” he said while steering her past a cluster of guests and toward a quieter corner.
“I had a good partner with whom to practice.” Her voice was light, underlining the compliment.
He smiled in response. The soothing effect of her words warmed his heart. “Thank you, my lady.” Drawing them to a halt, he moved so he faced her directly. Wondering how to proceed from this point, he decided to simply address his concerns. “I would like to caution you, however.”
“Oh?”
He absorbed the way her lips parted around that word and was instantly assailed by a series of unforgivable imaginings involving the two of them in a way that sent blood roaring through his veins.What the hell?He balled his hands into fists and dug his nails into his palms in an effort to focus on what he needed to say. Thinking of her in a state of undress... gloriously naked and with her hair tumbling down over her back and those breasts...
“I understand you are enjoying the attention men like Lowell are giving you.” He could barely speak on account of the tightness that surged through his limbs, the quickening of his pulse and the low inhalations of his breath. Combined, they produced a sense of panic and guilt so acute he was tempted to flee. It took every bit of self-control he possessed to thwart the instinct and remain where he was. “However...” He forced the words out. “I feel it is my duty to warn you against encouraging any man too much.”
“How do you mean?”
She seemed genuinely curious while he was beginning to feel completely out of his depth on this one. “Your gown.” He indicated the garment with a wave of his hand, hoping this would be enough of an explanation.
“Is there something wrong with it?” She sounded truly concerned.
“Well...” Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, he wondered how best to explain and decided there was nothing for it but to be completely honest. “It is a bit risqué.”
“Ah.” Pressing her lips together, she crossed her arms as if trying to ward off his critical assessment.
And then the worst possible thing happened. She turned away from him, but not before he caught a glimpse of wetness clinging to her lashes. “Lady Amelia?”
“It wasn’t my idea, you know, to cut it so low. I should have known you wouldn’t approve since you never...” Her hand came up, swiping at her face. Shaking her head, she turned back to face him with a look of renewed strength he hadn’t expected. “For some reason, you always find me doing the wrong thing, whether it’s falling from a tree, tripping during a dance or undergoing a questionable business venture. Tonight, I was actually hoping for your approval, only to realize I’ve worn the wrong gown.”
“My lady, I meant what I said to you kindly.”
“I know you did. I have nothing but my own foolish expectations to blame for the way in which I feel right now.”
