The Gift of Love (The Book of Love #8) - Meara Platt Page 0,44
him.”
He was looking over her head and tossing Gerald a scathing scowl. “Let me go, Queen Pea.”
“No. You shall make fools of us both if you take a step toward him because I won’t let go. I’ll be clinging to your arm like a limpet fish. You’ll be dragging me along behind you.”
He groaned. “Why are you protecting him?”
“Believe me, I’m not. I would love to walk up to him and punch him in his imperious nose. But I am trying to protect myself. Two men brawling over me as though I were a common doxy in a taproom? I’ll be notorious. My reputation will be tarnished. So, ambush him in the park, if you must. But keep me out of it.”
He regarded her as though she’d just slapped him in the face. “Ambush him?”
Oh, he looked so offended. “Bad choice of words on my part. I know you would never do anything so cowardly. Just don’t fight over me. All right?”
His response was a frown.
“Oh, they’re playing another waltz. Dance with me, Ronan. That will make two, and then you won’t have to dance with me again.”
He was still irritated. “Are you certain you wish to be in the arms of a coward?”
“I wish to be in the arms of the bravest, most intelligent man in the room...but unfortunately, I am stuck with you.”
He chuckled in response. “Fine, I’ll behave.”
“You really are all those things. Handsome. Brave. Intelligent, usually. Just don’t turn into a protective ape because of me. I think it is important that I stand up for myself. I know I made a fool of myself last time. But it is much like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you get thrown off, just get back on and try again.”
“It isn’t as simple as that.”
“I know, but look at what my cousins accomplished at my age?” She sought out Dillie and Daisy, spotting them across the room. “Why should I not push myself to do the same?”
They were so busy talking, they did not notice the Duke of Stoke come upon them. “Brayden,” he said gruffly, “introduce me to your lovely companion.”
Dahlia tried to keep her heart from pounding a hole through her chest. She had to remain calm. This was the opportunity Ronan and the Lord Admiral had hoped for.
“Your Grace, may I present Miss Dahlia Farthingale.”
“A pleasure, Your Grace.” She bobbed a quick curtsy and smiled at him with genuine warmth. If he was going to behave brutishly toward her, she was going to prove herself the better person and a lady.
But he did not appear to be a brute. Indeed, he looked quite elegant with his full head of white hair and tall, trim countenance. His eyes were a piercing gray, and there was a hawkish keenness to them. The man was obviously intelligent and missed little.
Graced with wealth, a title, and good looks, he must have been quite the rake in his day.
“So, you are the young lady who has captured Captain Brayden’s heart. I did not credit it, at first. But now that I’ve had a good look at you, I can see why he is captivated.”
She glanced at Ronan, then turned back to the duke. “I cannot speak for Captain Brayden. But as for me, I consider myself most fortunate to have made his acquaintance.”
She did not look at Ronan but felt his approval.
So far, so good.
She did not wish to appear too eager.
“Have a turn on the dance floor with me, Miss Farthingale. It is not often an old man such as myself has the chance to waltz with a beautiful girl.”
“Of course, Your Grace. It would be my pleasure. I don’t believe I’ve ever danced with a duke before.”
“We don’t bite, I assure you.”
She did not believe it for a moment. This man was going to question her and see if he could trap her into making a mistake. And then she would be in his jaws, and he would be drawing blood.
As expected, the questions began the moment they began to spin around the floor along with the other dancers. “How long have you known Captain Brayden?”
“I met him when I first arrived in London a few months ago.”
“And you and he have been an item ever since?”
“No, Your Grace. I came to London believing another gentleman of my lifelong acquaintance was going to offer for my hand.”
“That Wainscott fellow?”
She pursed her lips in a grim expression. “Then you’ve heard.”