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The duke paced impatiently in the parlor as he waited for Georgiana and her sister to join him.

He fished his fob from his pocket and stared at the time.

While it wasde rigueurto be fashionably late, he had never subscribed to it. He much preferred to arrive on time and leave early.

He sighed with impatience, staring at the door just as it opened, and Georgiana swept into the room.

Robert cursed inwardly.

She was wearing a burgundy satin gown, her shoulders on display due to the scooped neckline. Her breasts perked up intwin peaks, held in place by the glittery silver lace of her bustier. Her skirt flared out extravagantly from where it cinched tightly at her waist, brushing the floor in a short, elegant train.

My God, he thought to himself.

His gaze raked her frame, and his eyes widened with admiration. “You are very beautiful,” he breathed, unable to tear his eyes away.

She smiled shyly and blushed, executing a tiny curtsy. “Why thank you, Your Grace.”

Their gazes caught and held, and they continued to stare at each other for an interminable period before Daisy cleared her throat.

“Will you not compliment me too, Your Grace?” she asked cheekily.

Robert smiled and offered Daisy a deep, respectful bow. “My apologies. You are lovely as well, Lady Daisy. The color of your gown suits you well.”

Daisy beamed. “Thank you,” she said with a little skip and clap.

His sister-in-law wore a yellow-green satin gown that made her seem even more of a fairy than usual. Her long, carefully curled, straw-colored hair hung down her back, making her appear to have wings each time she moved.

Robert smiled indulgently at her. “I see you are looking forward to this night.”

“Oh yes! I have never had a chance to attend such an important ball. Oh, Mother will be so envious when I tell her.”

Robert saw Georgiana grimace and lifted an eyebrow at her in inquiry. She shook her head briefly before pinning a wide smile on her face.

“Shall we go?” she asked.

“Yes, let us depart,” Robert agreed before offering her his hand. “The carriage is waiting outside.”

Georgiana stepped into the ballroom and immediately felt as if every eye was upon her.

Do not be ridiculous. No one cares about you.

She tried to convince herself that no one would notice her, but she could not stop her cheeks from heating up with nervousness.

She stole a glance at Robert, who looked impatient with everything. Since they stood at the top of the three steps leading down to the ballroom, he towered over everyone, and Georgiana was sure she was not mistaken about the amount of interest his presence generated among the ladies.

She could see several of them whispering behind their fans and flicking glances at him.

Do you not see that he is married?

“Shall we dance?” She startled at the sound of Robert’s voice.

She had expected that he would run off as soon as he could and would not invite her to dance.

“I…you…uh…” She blushed, feeling inarticulate and caught out. “What about Daisy?”

“What about me?” Daisy asked, staring at Georgiana challengingly.

“Well, I cannot leave you alone.”