Her brow creasedslightly before clearing, a dazzling smile taking its place. “Whatcould be worse than a lady tearing her hem?”
“What indeed,” he murmured. Clearly, she had performed thisapparent artlessness a hundred times and, just as clearly, itusually worked. It was…affecting, he granted her. Play the damselin distress and position him as the triumphant hero. If he’d had adifferent frame of mind, it might have even worked. As it was, hesaw straight through her ploy. Why she’d chosen him out of all thegentlemen he couldn’t say.
Her smileslipped somewhat as he declined to comment further. “But as I said,I must thank you.”
“There is no need.”
“Surely there is some way I can show my gratitude?” Her smilewas an alluring mix of innocence and archness. Lady Asterd had beenright. This woman and wickedness were well-acquainted.
His ownwickedness prompted him. “Do you often find this works?” he askedconversationally.
Her smile froze.“I beg your pardon?”
“Thehelpless damsel seeking the assistance of a big, brave, stronggentleman. What is next? Will you insinuate the promise of a kissonly to deny it? We are, after all, in full view of theballroom.”
She drew in asharp breath, her grey eyes wide.
“Youplay this game well, I admit,” he continued. “I would even warrantmost would not even know they were playing counterpart. It isadmirable.”
Scowling, sheset herself from him and pulled herself straight. She forgot toposition herself to best advantage, her cheeks pinkening as shestruggled to contain her ire. He watched, fascinated. This womanwas vastly more interesting.
“You,” she spat, “are not acting as you ought.”
“Oh?And how ought I act?”
“With respect. With dignity. With gentlemanlyconcern.”
Enjoying himselfimmensely, he twisted the knife. “I was unaware this was myrole.”
“Youshould be flattered by my attention. Flattered! Do you know who Iam? What my condescension means?”
“Clearly, I do not.”
“Iam sought after. I am the one everyone wishes to know. My favourhas the ability to make or break a season.”
Heshrugged.
She looked as ifshe would explode. “You are no gentleman.”
“Inever claimed otherwise.”
“Youare so vexing!”
“Idid not think I could inspire such passion on so short anacquaintance.”
“Andyet, you have,” she replied snidely.
“Perhaps, then, you should focus your attention on anothermore worthy.”
Abruptly, herpassion faded and her eyes narrowed. “Should I?”
Unease skitteredthrough him. Somehow, he had lost control…but then, what did hecare? He had left this game long ago and he had no desire toreturn. She was interesting, he granted, and perhaps if he was ashe had been, he would have enjoyed sparring with her. But he wasn’tas he had been. Too much had happened for him to ever be thatfoolish and selfish again. “I find I have had enough of the air. Ibid you good evening.” Bowing sharply, he made for the Frenchdoors.
“Youare leaving?” she said, disbelief threading her tone.
“AsI said.”
“Youcan’t just leave. You are not—”
