Never Dance with a Marquess (The Never Series Book 2), Maggi Andersen [best short novels of all time TXT] 📗

“She is visiting her sister in London and is here tonight. She approached me concerned about an incident that happened at Elm Park.”

“What incident?”

“She deeply disapproves of Carrie living with you without a proper chaperone. She says she found you both alone together in the morning room. You were sitting too close together. And after watching you dancing together tonight, she fears Carrie’s reputation might suffer.”

“What nonsense!”

“Of course it is. I explained to her you had my full support and confidence.”

Nicholas cursed under his breath. “If she says a word against Carrie, she’ll feel the full force of my anger.”

“It won’t do to stoke the fires, Nicholas. She is a duke’s sister-in-law and considers herself justified in interfering in other people’s affairs. Nothing will change that view. You must be careful. Carrie’s reputation is at risk if she spreads any gossip.”

“Damn the woman.”

Gwen raised her eyebrows reprovingly. “I believe I have calmed her down, but it might be best if you do not dance with Carrie again tonight.”

“I have no such intention.” He frowned. “After all, you asked me to waltz with her.”

“Yes, but I…” She cocked her head. “I hadn’t realized you were so fond of her.”

He scowled. “Of course I am fond of her. She has been living in my house. I’ve gotten to know her, like her. And I enjoyed dancing with her.”

“If you were a married man, we would not have this problem.” She patted his arm in a patronizing fashion, infuriating him further. “Just for tonight, best be discreet.”

“I shall return to Elm Park tomorrow.”

She huffed. “As soon as that? You are behaving badly, I must say. One might wonder why.”

He shrugged. “I declare there’s no pleasing you, Gwen.”

After she left him, Nicholas wandered through the ballroom. He drew the attention of the lady he sought and shouldered his way through the crowd toward her. “Lady Burrell. Have you forgiven me for my shameful neglect of you last night?”

Lillian raised a delicate eyebrow. “I have not yet decided.”

“Will you dance the supper dance with me while you consider it? And allow me the pleasure of taking you into supper?”

She accepted with her usual grace. Lillian had enjoyed a successful marriage to a peer before she lost him to illness several years ago. He met her slightly ironic smile with one of his own. How refreshing were mature women? Always graceful, and they knew the rules.

***

Carrie sank back in her seat, vigorously employing her fan, deeply frustrated as Nicholas walked away. Their waltz was everything she’d dreamed of. No other man tonight compared with him. Or even came close. Being in his arms had overwhelmed her senses. She wanted to draw closer to him, to put her arms around his neck and have him smile his affectionate smile, which seemed to have become very necessary to her peace of mind. Must she be satisfied with that? Or could his feelings for her have deepened? She’d begun to suspect they might have during the waltz. His eyes were magnetic and compelling when they gazed into hers, and her heart had leapt eagerly in response.

She frowned and tugged at her gloves. Why did she want him when he was intent on his singledom and his unruffled existence? And yet she did. She yearned for adventure and excitement. To travel to exotic places. She lifted her chin. To dance naked in the moonlight if she cared to. What would he say should she declare it? Would he laugh at her? Think of her as very young? But it was impossible to imagine fulfilling her dreams with any of the gentlemen she’d met tonight. They appeared to be bound by the strictures of Society and consumed by their important place in it. Must she choose a sober-minded man and live accordingly? Once Bella was safely out, Carrie knew she would want much more from life. Why did she think, despite everything, Nicholas might want that, too?

She searched the ballroom for him but couldn’t find him. He was forever telling her what she wanted, as if she didn’t know herself. It made her so cross, she was tempted to be a little outrageous. To shock him into seeing her. To understand her. Aware she was frowning, she bowed her head. It hardly mattered what she said or did. Nicholas was intent on honoring her father’s wishes to see her married, and that was a sticking point.

When Nellie brought Lord Ludlow to her, Carrie rose for the next dance with Nicholas still in her thoughts. She would never change his mind while behaving like a ninny. Was she a woman worth her salt? It was time to live up to her father’s vision for her.

A baron’s son, Lord Ludlow had nice blue eyes. They had danced together before. He was really most presentable, she decided as they took to the floor.

Nicholas and an elegant lady were in the set. Carrie tamped down a bout of jealousy and smiled at her partner. “Do you have brothers and sisters, sir?”

Lord Ludlow revealed he had four. As he described them to her, Carrie’s mind wandered. Who was the lady dancing with Nicholas? They seemed to be old acquaintances. One could always tell when a couple was familiar. Were they lovers? She drew in a sharp breath.

Lord Ludlow paused and viewed her with raised eyebrows. “Did I tread on your toes, Miss Leeming?”

“Heavens, no, sir,” she said hastily. “You dance divinely.”

He looked so pleased, she felt a little guilty.

“And your brother and sister, Miss Leeming, are they in London?”

“Oh, no.” She smiled, gathered her scattered wits, and focused on him.

He listened to her explanation politely. He did not seem given to ridiculous flattery. She had struggled not to giggle when one young gentleman declared her hair to be