Until now in this very moment with Brunwick’s seductive voice breezing over her skin, his masculine scent, a rich blend of brandy and sandalwood, swirling around her, and the warmth of his hand clasping hers.
It was dizzying, and as a result she could only nod.
The moment she did, his lips grazed her cheek, so swiftly she scarcely had time to appreciate the gentle caress.
“Thank you.” He offered his arm and she accepted. A wicked smile teased his lips. “I sincerely hope the next dance is the waltz.”
#
IT WAS.
Chest tight with emotion, Matthew clasped Miss Townsbridge’s hand while placing his left palm against her back. He hadn’t lied when he’d told her she looked lovely tonight. In fact, she’d stolen his breath when she’d stepped out onto the terrace, dressed in a gown cut from golden silk. The fabric hugged her delectable figure, instilling in him a severe urge to run his hands over each perfect curve.
The music started and he stepped forward, guiding her into the first part of the dance. His apology seemed to have worked, or perhaps it had been his explanation. He’d merely offered some measly crumbs to appease her curiosity, but they’d gained the sympathy and forgiveness he needed. All he had to do now was play the seductive charmer, and he’d no doubt she’d soon give him the answer he wanted.
It wouldn’t be hard.
Pressing his hand more firmly against her back, he caught her gaze and held it while leading her in a wide arc. “I’d like you to join me at the opera tomorrow evening.” He took a deep breath and savored the sweet scent of roses that clung to her skin. “Don Giovanniis playing. Have you seen it?”
“No. I’ve not had the chance yet. And I’d be delighted,” she added softly. “Thank you.”
His heart expanded with an indefinable emotion he dared not explore more fully just then. He cleared his throat. “You’ll need an escort, of course.”
“I’m sure my parents would be happy to accompany me.”
They confirmed this as soon as the dance was over, allowing Matthew to breathe a sigh of relief. Happy with the progress he’d made that evening, he stepped back and gave a short bow. “Until tomorrow then.”
“You’re already leaving?” Miss Townsbridge asked.
He smiled in response to the hint of regret playing in her eyes. “I only came so I could enjoy one dance.”
Her blush made him wish he could stay, but he’d already made up his mind before coming. If he was to win her, he had to move slower and with more finesse. Their interaction this evening was a perfect example. He’d handled it with the skill of a grand master chess player. And now it was time to retreat - to make her miss him a little so she would rejoice when they met again tomorrow.
Slowly but surely he’d make her crave him. Until she dreamed of letting him kiss her. Until the only answer she’d give him was, “Yes.”
He addressed her parents. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“Indeed,” Lord Roxley murmured. “We look forward to seeing you again soon.”
Matthew gave a quick nod, smiled at Miss Townsbridge, and departed. Once in his carriage, he tried not to worry about the anticipation kicking his own heart into a faster rhythm. He was simply excited because his plan appeared to be working. It had nothing to do with anything else,certainly not with an eager desire to spend more time getting to know Miss Townsbridge and absolutely not with some desperate longing he harbored for her to feel affection toward him.
No. There was nothing like that. Because that would suggest he was getting emotionally attached. Which he absolutely was not. She was just a woman he liked enough to marry. Nothing more.
#
“LAST NIGHT’S DANCEand tonight’s invitation to the opera have made it official,” Sarah’s mother said as they travelled by carriage to the theatre. “The Duke of Brunswick is courting you, Sarah.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Sarah’s father muttered. “If you’re not careful you’ll wind up married to a man you do not care for, all because you were trying to help him.”
“Which in and of itself would suggest she cares,” Sarah’s mother said.
Sarah’s father groaned and prayed aloud for God to save him from impossible women. Sarah on the other hand simply smiled. She was immensely pleased with the manner in which things were now progressing between herself and Brunswick. While his apology was commendable, it was his willingness to share a part of himself with her that made her feel truly triumphant. Granted, she’d still a lot more to learn. They were only at the beginning. But it was a start.
Whether she’d ever marry him however; that was yet to be determined.
“How has your day been?” Brunswick asked once they were comfortably seated in his box with him at her left and her mother to her right.
“Excellent. Although I was not thrilled with having to move my rabbit.”
