Introducing Miss Joanna (Once a Wallflower #2) - Maggi Andersen Page 0,18

the steps into the garden.

Jo’s commonsense battled with the desire to venture out onto the terrace with him. What if they were alone? Would he kiss her? She wrestled control over her wayward emotions. “I am claimed for the next dance, Lord Reade.”

“I am dismayed to hear it, Miss Dalrymple.”

She gazed at his throat, revealed in the space between his cravat and chin. It was rare to find Englishmen with sun-browned skin. Not after a long, frigid winter and a wet English spring. Had he recently been out of the country? Or would he be that color all over? Her eyes widened. What was wrong with her?

“I seem to have caused you some consternation. Was it the prospect of the terrace in the moonlight, or did I tread on your toes?”

There was that humor lurking in his eyes again. As if he guessed her thoughts. She was blushing again, and redheads should never blush. How gauche he must find her. It was nonsense, he couldn’t have known what she was thinking. “Should you stand on my toes, I would alert you to it immediately.”

He bowed his head with mock seriousness. “I appreciate it. You have relieved me.”

They exchanged a look of amusement. Then Jo giggled, and he laughed with her.

The orchestra played the slow movement, and the dance ended. Dancing with this man was the most exciting experience of her life. Heavens, her pulse still raced. She would have nothing more to do with Lord Reade. Mr. Ollerton’s gentle charm was the safest option, should he continue to show an interest in her.

The baron offered her his arm. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Dalrymple.”

“I enjoyed it, sir.”

They joined the line to promenade from the dance floor. She prodded her mind for a witty remark that he might laugh at. That he might remember. “Please forgive my lack of entertaining conversation. I struggle to be diverting when slightly breathless.”

He gave a deep chuckle. “You held your own admirably, Miss Dalrymple.”

They reached her seat where Aunt Mary sat, bowed, and left them.

Had she sounded like a naive schoolroom miss? What did he think of her? But it didn’t matter. She was unlikely to see him again.

Reade made his way through the crowd, resisting the temptation for one last view of the pretty debutante. It was just as well Miss Dalrymple refused his offer to stroll on the terrace. It might have led to something more. And he agreed with Letty. Best to leave the young lady to find her perfect match. They had waltzed, and now he should put her from his mind. Difficult, he admired her, she was observant and smart as she attempted to understand him. Not even ladies who experienced far more from life could manage that. But he’d enjoyed her efforts none the less. A little too much.

Reade frowned. It wasn’t just that he wanted to slide his hands through the mass of dark red hair and draw her face to his to kiss her soft, wide mouth, it was Miss Joanna Dalrymple’s calm demeanor, the kindness he found in her lovely eyes, which drew him. Was he so in need of a woman’s compassion that he would put her at risk? He urged himself to stay away. She was not for him. He could only be bad for her.

Chapter Five

The ball continued long after the unmasking, and Jo danced a reel, and the supper dance was still to come.

“I must go to the withdrawing room,” Aunt Mary said. “Will you come, Jo?”

“No, thank you, Aunt. I shall endeavor to attract a footman. My throat is horribly dry. It’s the smoky air.”

A footman soon obeyed her summons, offering her a glass of the ratafia.

As she gratefully sipped the cool liquid, Letty came to join her. “Did you enjoy your first waltz?”

“It wasn’t my first. I waltzed earlier with Mr. Ollerton.”

Letty shook her head. “I don’t believe I’ve met the gentleman.”

Jo turned to search the crowd for Ollerton, also hoping to see Reade’s head of ebony curls. She spotted him talking again to Mr. Cartwright. “Lord Reade is not always polite,” she said. “I believe he amused himself by teasing me.”

“He is a very attractive man,” Letty said, a glimmer in her eyes. “But not a suitable husband for you, Jo.”

“No, he isn’t,” Jo said. “I did not, for one moment, consider him.”

Letty laughed. “Of course you did. Every woman whom he deigns to give his attention to falls for Reade.” She raised her eyebrows. “Did he invite