Her Lord's Desire (The Forbidden Saga #3) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,61

threaten to overwhelm him. Her face was far too pale despite his promise and he gave an exaggerated sigh and added, “Though by the time we finally greet our host and hostess, I may be far too old and feeble to waltz the loveliest woman here around the dance floor.”

His grin had her relaxing a tad, his words making her smile and realize that perhaps the guests’ conversations were no longer quite as audible due to the strains of music she became aware of floating through the air. Looking about, she turned her face up to his.

“I know you’re teasing, but you may be right. There are an awful lot of people here, aren’t there? I hear the music but can’t even see where it is coming from.”

Lucas tilted his head before answering. “I promise you shall see every violinist, cellist, violist, pianist and flute player as you twirl by. When you need to rest, we shall enjoy a repast of the delicious foods being offered. And if you’d like a breath of fresh air, I’ll escort you out onto the terrace to enjoy the gardens.”

Lucy sighed as they took another step forward. “I wish I wasn’t so short.”

“Why on earth would you wish that?”

“Because I can’t see anything but people and you can see all of that.”

Lucas’ laughter had some of the people around them turning to see what was so amusing and Lucy blushing, wishing she hadn’t said anything. She attempted to pull her hand free and only then realized instead of a single hand lightly lying on her escort’s arm as was proper, she’d had fingers of both of her hands clinging to his arm. Her effort was thwarted when Lucas simply tightened his hold over hers.

“I’m not laughing at you, little one,” he said. “And while I am taller than you, we’d have to pull another book from the library shelves to find the giant I’d need to be to see all that. It’s just that I’ve been to a few balls in my life and it’s been my experience that musicians will be seated on a small balcony above the dance floor, we shall find tables laden with food, and these events are attended by a great many people milling about”—he bent down to speak quietly so only she could hear—“some having applied a tad too much cologne assuring that I, for one, will need those gulps of fresh air quite often.” Grinning, his hand lifted to pull a tendril of her hair off her cheek. “As for you, little one, you not only are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, your size is absolute perfection. But, any time you wish to see above the crowd, simply ask and I shall be more than happy to lift you up.”

Lucy could not blame the press of people for the warmth that suddenly swept through her. Not when that heat was caused by the thought of being lifted into the arms of the man standing beside her, knowing that he’d keep her safe, that she could lie her head against his shoulder and wrap her arms about his neck.

Time seemed to stand still, the crowd disappearing as he gazed down at her. Her heart stuttered and her blood raced through her veins at the look in his eyes. She felt as if he could see far more than her appearance… as if he could see deep inside her. Not a single word came to her and she’d never been more grateful for her guardian when it was his voice that had Lucas breaking contact and turning forward again. When Lucy felt her legs shaking, his response of another squeeze of his fingers told her that Lord Huntington was indeed a man who saw far more than one might wish.

Taking a deep breath, she watched as Edward shook Lord Eddinberg’s hand, kissed his wife on her cheek and then turned to present Louisa. Louisa dropped into a perfect curtsy and accepted the kiss Lord Eddinberg gave her cheek.

“You are even more beautiful since the last time I saw you,” Eddinberg said approvingly. “Edward, your little one does you quite proud.” Lucy saw her sister blush with their host’s approval. She also saw that the moment she was free to do so, Louisa slipped her hand back into her husband’s.

“Thank you,” Edward said with a smile. “Your own little lady looks like an angel this evening.”

Lucy gasped softly at the address Edward had used and watched Lady Eddinberg