“I would love that,” she said, a little surprised by how drastically her opinion of him had been changed in recent weeks and by howshehad changed from a woman intent on avoiding his company to one who longed to share it.
Perhaps it was because he did not push her or make demands or take her for granted. Instead he listened, inquired about her interests and shared his own with her. He offered help and support when they were needed without asking for anything in return, even after she’d said they could never be more than friends.
Enjoying the familiar feel of his arm against hers as he guided her back to the party, she decided that never was a really long time. Especially since she was already half in love with the rogue who’d revealed himself to be quite the gentleman.
Chapter 17
With Viola’s arm tucked snugly against his side, Henry escorted her through the crowd and directly toward the musicians. For the purpose of the evening’s event, a salon adjoining the foyer had been allocated for dancing.
“I would like to request a waltz,” he said, addressing one of the violinists when the previous set ended.
Viola sucked in a breath and he turned to her with a smile, loving the shade of pink now blanketing her cheeks. His chest tightened with the awareness of how things had changed between them in the last half hour. Or perhaps they’d been gradually changing all along? Whatever the case, the important thing was they’d been honest with each other. Wasn’t that the most solid foundation for a lasting relationship? Truth and communication?
The next tune started and he pushed this thought to the back of his mind while leading Viola onto the dance floor. It was time for him to show off the Duchess of Tremaine and for the world to see how incredible she was.
“Nervous?” he asked.
She gave him a wary look. “I do not know how to waltz.”
He smiled to offer reassurance. “Don’t worry. It is fairly simple and I know the steps so you will be perfectly fine. Allow me to guide you.”
Uncertainty creased her brow, but whereas a less courageous woman would have made an excuse and retreated, Viola stayed, determined to prove her worth to Society.
All Henry could do was stare at her while his heart expanded with pride. She was brave and smart and utterly magnificent. And when she placed her hand in his and his palm settled firmly against her lower back, he felt like a prince upon whom the sun had decided to shine.
“I’m going to step forward in a second,” he told her gently, “and you will step back. With your right foot.”
She nodded, and then the musical prelude settled into a steady rhythm that compelled them to move. Keeping time with the beat, Henry guided Viola smoothly around the dance floor. Concentration was apparent in the sharpness of her eyes, but she caught on quickly and, to his surprise, avoided stepping on his toes.
“You see,” he told her when they’d made two rotations of the dance floor. “It is not so difficult. Now try to relax a bit more. Your shoulders are very tense.”
“I am trying, but it is easier said than done.”
“Perhaps this will help?” He whirled her around and she suddenly laughed, the sound so pleasing he wished he could capture it in a box and listen to it whenever he wished.
A hint of mischief touched her lips. “You are very good at this, Mr. Lowell, and I have to confess, it is a lot of fun.”
“Will you not call me Henry?” It was, he realized, his most fervent wish at this point, more urgent than that of kissing her, though that was without a doubt a close second.
Her smile stayed on her lips, her eyes locked with his. “Very well.”
His breath caught and held. He pressed his fingertips into her back and savored the gasp that blew past her lips. He dipped his gaze, admiring the perfect shape of that dark pink flesh. “I need to hear you say it, Viola.” He knew he was probably pushing his luck, but it couldn’t be helped. He was even willing to beg. “Please.”
Her tongue swept over her lower lip, moistening it. And then she spoke with soft deliberation. “Henry.”
A shudder rolled through him, tightening his muscles and heating his skin with unparalleled need.Christ!He was going to play this marvelous moment over in his head later on when he got back home and climbed into bed. How many times had he imagined this? More than he could count, and yet reality was so much better.
“Thank you,” he murmured, because he knew he had to say something before she discovered how ready he was to carry her out to the nearest carriage and take her somewhere—anywhere, really—where he could show her how desperate she made him.
A blush rose to her cheeks and he wondered if she knew what he was thinking—the effect she had on him and if... if perhaps she might be more willing to consider such a path now than she had been before. He dared not ask. It was much too early for that, but having her say his name was a start.
“Would you like some champagne?” he asked when the dance was over and he guided her back toward the foyer. He was not unaware of the interest with which most of those present watched them, nor was he surprised. After all, he had the most beautiful woman in the world on his arm.
“Yes please,” she said, and he instantly flagged down a man with a tray full of glasses. Grabbing two, he handed one to her and took the other.
“Henry!”
Turning toward the familiar voice, he found his grandparents coming toward them. “I thought I saw you earlier,” his grandmother said, “but then you disappeared and...” Her gaze went to Viola. “Will you introduce us?”
