The Duke of Rathburne knew how to pour on the charm. While she appreciated his interest and could enjoy his exotic allure, she had no desire to dance with him.
“I prefer to take care of my responsibilities from the position where I am now, Your Grace. However”—she deliberately paused and glanced around the room—“I see many young ladies who are looking at you right now, and I’d be willing to wager all are hoping you’ll go over and ask one of them to be your partner for this dance.”
The Duke of Rathburne chuckled softly. “I don’t believe I’ve ever had anyone turn me down for a dance, Miss Swift.”
“I’d wager on that too,” she said, knowing peers didn’t like to be denied anything they wanted, and they never expected to be told no. “I do regret that I had to be the first to break your perfect record, Your Grace, but I must. I can’t dance with you.”
His gaze sparkled at her. He reached down and picked up her hand and started pulling her away. “I insist.”
More than a little shocked by his touching her, she resisted his efforts, refusing to move her feet and trying to pull her hand out of his grasp. “No, Your Grace, I insist you accept my refusal and let go of me.”
Griffin’s hand clamped around the Duke of Rathburne’s cuffed wrist. Looking pointedly into his friend’s eyes, he said, “She declined.”
Chapter 19
Don’t let anything take you by surprise.
MISSMAMIEFORTESCUE’SDO’SANDDON’TSFORCHAPERONES, GOVERNESSES, TUTORS,ANDNURSES
Griffin’s hand tightened. He knew exactly what his friend was doing and he didn’t like it. Rath had always pushed the boundaries. With strangers, his relatives, his friends—everyone was fair game to him. The blackguard had always been too damned perceptive too. Rath must have seen the way Griffin looked at Esmeralda, as if she were a sweet confection he couldn’t wait to eat with a spoon. Or perhaps he just sensed that Griffin was aching to make her his.
In either case, the strength in Griffin’s grip let Rath know the answer. Esmeralda wasn’t fair game between the three of them. Grasping the hand of a lady was a ploy the three had sometimes used when they’d first entered Society. After a brawl between the three of them early on, they’d learned it wasn’t in their best interest to pursue the same female be she tavern wench, paid mistress, or proper young lady. Griffin’s hold on Rath’s wrist answered him concerning Esmeralda’s availability.
“She declined,” Griffin said again.
“So she did.” Rath gave Griffin a knowing smile. He let go of Esmeralda and bowed. Griffin let go of Rath. “My apologies, Miss Swift. Maybe some other time.”
“Yes, of course,” she said politely and took a step away from the forward duke. “Another time.”
Esmeralda glanced at Griffin. He knew she sensed something was going on between the two men that she didn’t understand, but he had no intentions of telling her his friend was making sure that she was not someone to be pursued.
Griffin gave Rath a nod. “We’ll continue this later.”
“As expected. Let’s meet at White’s after you see the twins home.”
Griffin heard a familiar squeal. He looked around to see his sisters leaving their dance partners behind and rushing toward him.
“Your Graces,” Sara said, stopping next to Rath. “We haven’t seen you in months.”
“Why haven’t you two been to visit us?” Vera asked with her practiced pout. “We’ve been in London more than a week.”
“I just returned to London a few days ago myself,” Hawk offered.
Vera looked at Rath. He gave her a noncommittal shrug. “I have no excuse.”
“I’m not surprised.” Smiling, she added, “Thank you. Griffin told us you would be here tonight and that both of you would ask us to dance. Now, which of you wants to dance with me first?”
Griffin noticed Esmeralda was shocked at how freely and familiar Vera and Sara talked to the dukes. It was uncommon. She didn’t know that Rath and Hawk had always treated them like sisters when they were younger, playing hide-and-seek or blindman’s bluff with them whenever they visited the Griffin estate.
To Griffin’s surprise, Esmeralda spoke up and said, “It’s providential the two of you arrived just now. The Duke of Rathburne was looking for someone to dance with.”
“Then look no further, Your Grace,” Vera said to the duke.
Rath glanced at Griffin. “I know when I have lost the war.” He turned to Vera and bowed. “Will you accept this dance with me?”
“Happily.”
“Lady Sara, would you enjoy this set with me?” Hawk asked.
