To further accentuate her beauty, her sage-green gown hugged her curves in a way that sent Keith’s pulse racing.
This was no slender debutante, but rather a full-bodied woman worthy of exploration.
He knew he was likely gawking, yet he could not avert his gaze. And then…
Lady Edwina’s azure blue eyes met his and it was as though the earth paused its rotation. Keith’s breath caught in his throat. His heart tripped with uneven beats that sent his soul soaring when he was rewarded with a shy smile.
That was all there was time for before Wrengate steered his sister toward the other end of the ballroom, effectively ending the brief connection Keith had found with her.
“Don’t you agree?” Papa inquired.
Keith blinked. He’d no clue what his father refereed to, yet he nodded so as not to embarrass either of them. “Of course.”
“Then it’s settled,” the Earl of Glendale remarked, leaving Keith to figure out what the hell he’d just missed. A challenge, when his thoughts continued returning to Lady Edwina.
If only he knew someone who could make the introduction. If only the Duke of Wrengate weren’t her brother.
Keith had no desire to make an enemy of the man by showing an interest in his sister. No doubt Wrengate would not approve of her associating with a tradesman for any reason. A problem that would be hard to fix since Keith could do nothing about his parentage.
Unhappy with this awareness, Keith excused himself from the conversation with Glendale as soon as he was able, and went in search of a drink. He was almost at the refreshment table when he became aware of Lady Edwina’s approach. Another woman accompanied her. Miss Violet Greene, whom Keith had once danced with.
Mouth dry, he waited to see where the pair might be headed, shock heating the back of his neck when they stopped before him. Lady Edwina’s cheeks were a bright shade of pink, though she was even more striking up close.
Keith stared at her and she stared back. His heart pounded with equal parts uncertainty and expectation.
“Mr. Orwell, good evening,” said Miss Green. She turned to her companion.
“Lady Edwina, may I present Mr. Keith Orwell?” she asked. “Mr. Orwell, Lady Edwina is the Duke of Wrengate’s sister.”
“I…um…” Good God, the words stuck in his throat, but he finally managed to sketch a short bow and say, “It’s an absolute pleasure.”
He’d never felt like more of an imbecile. Miss Greene’s low chuckle suggested he’d come across as one too. When no one else uttered a word she finally huffed a breath and quietly suggested to him, “This is where you invite her to dance.”
Right. Of course.
“My lady. I’d be delighted, honored, that is, if you’d partner with me in a quadrille or minuet or maybe even a…um…do you have a dance card by any chance?”
Relief appeared to soften Lady Edwina’s features. “Yes. It’s right here.”
Keith took the card along with the pencil she offered and saw that all the sets remained open. He could have his pick, but did he dare to write his name next to the dance he truly wanted?
To hell with it, he decided, and claimed the first waltz of the evening.
12
The Moorland ballroom was already brimming with guests by the time Samantha and Adrian arrived. Bright light spilling from three oversized chandeliers illuminated the space. Gemstones and glass beads winked in response while violins filled the air with their song.
A country dance was presently underway.
Samantha preferred to wait for a waltz and avoid all the skipping.
A footman approached with a tray from which she and Adrian selected a champagne coup each. She took a sip, savored the cool refreshing effect of the frothy drink filling her mouth, then glanced at her husband. “Shall we?”
He offered his arm and she took it, allowing him to guide her forward. They chose to avoid stepping into the midst of the crowd, remaining at the periphery while seeking their hosts. It took a moment to locate the marquess and marchioness who stood at the opposite end of the room.
Samantha pressed a bit closer to Adrian’s side. Although her gown did conceal most of her belly’s fullness, anyone with a perceptive gaze could see that she was expecting. A thought that made her feel as though every guest was stopping to stare at her.
Heat spread like a rash along the length of her spine.
