Page 16 of The Gilded Masquerade

“Why deny me the pleasure when the marital end to my bachelorhood is at hand?”

Entering the supper room, both their gaze fell to the lady in question, in quiet conversation with the colonel beside the candlelit, decadent table.

His mother gave a low humored chuckle. “It would appear your dashing cousin has gained the advantage over you, son.”

“I was not aware we were in competition for the lady’s favor, nor have I the slightest inclination to be.”

“Do not trouble yourself on Richard’s account. He has been exceptionally restrained tonight with the understanding he would answer to my displeasure if he acts dishonorably.”

He breathed a sigh of relief, not solely from Richard’s restraint but because when the American’s eyes met his across the table, something passed between them, something forbidden, yet promising. She smiled with perfect shyness then, quite unconsciously, dropped her chin, nibbling the corner of her lip.

“Mama, might I offer you some mulled wine?”

She looked to the refreshment service. “Thank you, no. Remember—you are almost betrothed to Anne.”

“Of that,” he looked at the American, again, “I am never permitted to forget.”

Chapter VI

The Winter Garden

When the American’s aunt joined her in the supper room, he waited in the corridor for Richard to take his leave for the waiting wallflowers.

“Darcy, are you not inclined to supper?” his cousin asked.

“I have already dined with my mother. I am in possession of a request—one wholly out of character. Might I ask for your assistance?”

“Well, you have my attention.” The men walked to the secluded end of the corridor. “I am entirely at your disposal.”

“I intend nothing improper nor dishonorable in what I propose. I seek only a few minutes before the evening is over.”

“That you should be contemplating something even remotely questionable has me in anticipation. What the devil is this about?”

“I wish …” he swallowed hard. “I wish to visit with the American in the conservatory.”

“Which American? You have uncharacteristically danced with three.”

“The only one who has compelled me to act as an infatuated schoolboy.”

Richard’s smile turned knowingly wicked. “I seeee.”

“No, you do not. My purpose is to merely converse with her. Perhaps form an agreement to remove our masks at the close of the ball.”

“Only your masks?”

He gave his cousin a murderous look. “Do not be so crass.”

“Darcy, how far do you wish this acquaintance to progress?” Richard asked dragging a finger down his mustache.

“Only as far as this evening allows. I must know who she is. I only desire … to carry away something by which to sustain me.”

Richard nodded. “Now, you finally comprehend my fondness for female adoration.”

“Dear God, I am a gentleman! I am not in pursuit of a postprandial conquest. I only wish to behold the lady’s beauty and, if I may, her heart.”

“And her hands, which are remarkably fine, and the gentle curves of her very pleasing figure, would—”

Storming past his cousin, he scoffed. “I ought to have known better.”