Dunraven appeared to be smitten with her, but no doubt it was only temporary. And that was dangerous, since even knowing that, she kept finding herself in his arms. It was time for Millicent to be honest with her aunt and talk to her about Lord Dunraven.
This afternoon she had been a mere glimpse away from her mother’s ill fate of being tossed out of London like dirty baggage. She couldn’t explain it, she only knew she simply had no will when it came to the earl.
Angels above! If she would let him kiss her in a draper’s shop, she could clearly not be trusted in his presence anywhere else in London.
She could not allow herself to become any more enamored of him than she already was, and she must never be alone with him again. But telling herself that didn’t keep the minutes from seeming like hours until he came to claim his dance with her.
It was easy to scold herself and be firm as long as she wasn’t looking into his heavenly blue eyes, as long as he wasn’t caressing her with his mesmerizing gaze, or teasing her with delightful words.
Millicent had seen him several times throughout the evening, but never so closely as when he started walking toward her with that confident stride of a wealthy, titled gentleman. He was devilishly handsome with his hair brushed stylishly away from his face and his neckcloth beautifully tied. His brocade waistcoat and cutaway coat hid most of his crisp white shirt, but she didn’t miss the small trim of lace at his sleeves.
Millicent felt a sharp prick to her heart as she thought of the viscount’s words. For indeed the man striding toward her had the look of a man who had no intention of settling down to one lady. All the more reason for Millicent to seek the advice of her aunt as to how to rid herself of Lord Dunraven’s attentions once and for all.
She took a deep breath to fortify herself as he walked with her toward the dance floor with the ease of a man who has had many years of practice.
Oh, he was so good at being bad.
“I’ve been waiting for a dance with you all evening.”
“I would wager you’ve said that to all the ladies you’ve had a promenade with this evening.”
He looked at her curiously. “What makes you say that?”
She lifted her eyebrows as if to question him. “Could it be your reputation of knowing just how to charm young ladies into thinking you are madly in love with them, but only calling on them once or twice?”
“So, we’re back to that. I fear my reputation will always be between us.”
“Something has to be. I need armor, Lord Dunraven, when it comes to you, for my will alone doesn’t work.”
There was a contrite lift to the corners of his mouth. “I thought I was the one who was in need of help from your charms.”
The threat of a smile fluttered at the corners of her lips. She didn’t want to be bewitched by him tonight. “You jest, my lord, and I am serious.”
“Don’t be serious. Not tonight. Let’s enjoy the dance, the evening. It must have been wonderful at the Dovershafts for you to have been there so long this evening.”
“It wasn’t that we tarried. We had a late start to the evening.”
The music started and he took hold of her hand and firmly placed his other hand, open palm, to the lower part of her back. He felt her warmth even through his gloves and her clothing, and it soothed his temper. In one long, fluid step he guided her backward, which led her sweeping into the box step. She faltered once, but he easily covered for her mistake. Something was wrong with her. She usually danced as if she had air between her feet and the floor.
“You seem a bit stiff this evening, Miss Blair.”
Without looking at him she answered, “Perhaps that is because I have come to my senses.”
“Did you lose them?”
“Dreadfully so.”
“We shared a few kisses.”
No, it was more than kisses.
“That is all, Millicent. There was no harm done to your reputation.”
Millicent wasn’t so sure it was only her reputation that she worried about. She now feared her heart was also in danger of being lost to Lord Dunraven.
His impassive attitude caused her to look him in the eye. “I suppose I’m not shocked you take such a cavalier attitude to such inappropriate behavior.”