She looked at him.His expression was grim.“I was not uncomfortable.”
“Of course you were,” he said.“I know you better than anyone, and I know when you are not enjoying something.”He rubbed his jaw.“I did not mean to tease, and then Lady C and Amanda would not stop.”
“Hmm.”
Annoyance flashed in his eyes.“Does it still sting?That Malvern cannot be your lover?”
Is that what he thought she was upset about?“I do not care about Lord Malvern and Lady Rocksley.I told you that.”
“He was your choice.”
“Youare my choice.”
His lips twisted.“Only after you knew he was unavailable.”
She opened her mouth to argue only to snap it shut as Benedict’s brother approached.
“What do you two do over here?”he said as he joined them.The Earl was much like Benedict, and she was certain this is how he would appear when he was the Earl’s age, though the deepening of the lines around his eyes would be from smiling and laughter
Benedict did not smile now.“Nothing,” he said.
The Earl ignored his brother’s flat tone.“Amanda told me she is choosing a lady for you.I expect to see you dance with her, not stay here holed up with Lady Eleanor.”He turned an apologetic smile on Eleanor.“Not that you are not charming, Lady Eleanor, but we must see Benedict wed this season.”
“Of course,” she said.Benedict shot her a look but she kept her smile pleasant and her gaze on the Earl.
He looked between the two of them.“Are you certain I am not interrupting?”
“No,” Benedict said.“I might as well get this over with.Who has Amanda chosen for me?”
The Earl’s eyes brightened.“Excellent.Come with me.Lady Eleanor.”He offered her a sharp bow.
Benedict’s gaze remained on her.“I will join you in a moment.I need a word with El.”
His brother nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
Exhaling, Benedict said, “I do not like it when we argue.”
She sighed.“Nor do I.”
“You know I do not wish to dance with whoever Amanda has chosen for me.”He lowered his voice.“I wish to only ever dance with you.”
She shivered.“Perhaps we might dance later this evening.At Caraney House.”
His eyes flared.“I will happily add that to my dance card.”
A reluctant smile tugged at her.“You should go.”
“Only so I can return.”He bowed.
She watched him as he strode across the dance floor, and then deliberately turned as he led a blushing young lady to the dance floor.She didn’t need to observe him with someone else.
Not when they would very soon have their own private dance.
Chapter Eighteen
Benedictnowhadthirtyyears of age.They were the same age once more.
Eleanor smiled as she watched him.He stood with Lord Daughtry, his face animated as he responded to what the viscount had said.He wore what he termed his ‘birthday suit’, snickering every time he said it and then even more when she invariably rolled her eyes.His coat was a rich forest green with emerald silk lapels, his waistcoat embroidered with thread of silver, setting off his dark hair and perfectly hugging his big shoulders.He looked dazzling, and so handsome he stole her breath.
