had excused himself without any commitment. Another gentleman might have played the game and accepted the trap. But James had been too concerned about Poppy for that artifice. Now he assessed their unit as he drew closer, noting how alone Poppy seemed though she stood with her family.
Mrs. Ashford spied him first. Her eyes brightened with that matchmaking fervor he had become acquainted with these last few years from the mothers and daughters who saw only his title and assumed wealth. He made a general greeting and then bowed in Poppy’s direction. “Miss Ashford, would you partner with me in the waltz?”
Secret amusement lit in her eyes, and to his delight, she held out her hand and allowed him to escort her to the dance floor. There was a startled ripple through the crowd, and James already knew what they thought. Why had he singled her out when he had not danced with anyone these last two seasons. It would give rise to many conjectures, and those bumbling fools might start wondering ‘what was it about Miss Ashford that intrigued the Earl of Kingsley.’ That curiosity would drive them closer to her, and they would find a lady of graceful warmth, remarkable prettiness, charming wit, and kindness. Only a damn fool would end up not making her an offer.
“I fear I am going to step on your toes,” she muttered.
Yet there was a glitter of thrilling anticipation, a hidden spark of longing in her eyes that she simply could not hide.
Her throat worked on an evident swallow. “I can feel everyone looking at us.”
“It is the novelty of me dancing,” he said dryly.
“Ah, so this is a rare and awe-inspiring treat?”
He thought it rather silly himself how invested society was in his pursuits and activities. His sister had brought more than one scandal sheet to his attention, and the content never ceased to amaze James. “Yes.”
“Society must be terribly bored.”
James chuckled at that dry assessment. The opening strains of the waltz rose on the air, and he slid their elbows alongside each other, and twirled with her. She claimed Richard had only given her one lesson, but she must have been a gifted student. Poppy glided beautifully with him across the expanse of the ballroom, her eyes never leaving his.
James swore she sucked him under into another world, another place and time. The constant worry of executing his duties and responsibilities to his title, family, and tenants fell away. The honor-bound promise he would have to fulfill for his brother three years from now disappeared. The only thing that mattered at this moment was the utter joy radiating from Poppy’s eyes as they spun across the ballroom. James had to ruthlessly pull his gaze from her and concentrate on each glide and twirl. Now he understood the pleasure of dancing with a lady one courted.
Except I am not courting her.
The reminder was necessary, and it truly surprised him that a man of his restraint could be so awfully tempted. The dance ended, and she laughed, the sound low and husky, delighted and pleased.
“You enjoyed that.”
“More than I thought possible.”
Holding out his arm, she gently placed her gloved hand on his, and he escorted her back to her family who looked displeased. James dipped into a short bow, made his excuses, and departed.
James had kissed Poppy, and it was the most pleasant…nay, the most delightful, sweet, and erotic kiss he’d ever had in his damn life. That she had fitted so perfectly in his arms was an unexpected treat. That her smile warmed him was befuddling, and that her eyes felt like they had bewitched him was troubling. James knew within his gut, tonight his dreams would be haunted by her. One thing became starkly clear to him: Whatever help he granted Poppy must be done from a distance, for he could not touch her again. Or he would devour her like a hungry lion.
That would not do under any circumstance.
Chapter 5
The very next morning, after a predictably restless night, James sat in the informal dining room, breaking his fast with his mother and sister. He had asked her a few questions on what it would take to improve a lady’s prospects within society, and Daphne’s answers were in line with his previous assessment.
“I would like to give my support to a young lady of society and wish for your help in this matter.”
“You want me to do what?” Daphne asked, surprise widening her eyes.
“I would like your help with a