Page 39 of The Duke's Vice

Heavens. I don’t even know this man’s name.

Beatrice’s eye wandered around the ballroom, hoping to see someone she could ask. Perhaps Jane was here, maybe she remembered his name.

As Beatrice’s head swiveled from side to side looking for a familiar face her steps carried her into the middle of the ballroom.

Dancers circled her and long skirts swept at her feet.

“I keep finding you in the oddest of places.”

Beatrice’s heart fluttered.

She turned and looked up, straight into emerald green eyes, full of mischief and jest.

“Your Grace.” She tilted her chin. “How lovely to see you here.”

Graham looked around with a flippant smile. “In the middle of the dancefloor?”

Beatrice took in the couples still circling her, some of them looking at her in confusion.

“Oh my! I had no idea I wandered into the dance. I was looking for someone.”

Beatrice felt her cheeks heat as embarrassment washed over her.

“You were looking for someone,” Graham said with a raised eyebrow.

“Uh, I, um… yes. A friend. Jane.” She felt it important to let him know it was a female friend and not a male friend. Even though she wanted the female friend to tell her the name of a male acquaintance but Graham didn’t need to know that. Was he an acquaintance if she didn’t remember his name?

“You often stare into space. Did you know that?” Graham’s voice interrupted her train of thought.

“Hmm?”

Graham smiled. “Never mind. Well, as I see it Lady Beatrice, you have two options. You can continue on your journey to seek your friend or you can stay here and dance this next dance with me.”

Beatrice guffawed. “With you?”

Graham straightened his back. “Yes, with me.” He looked around. “Who else is risking ridicule by standing in the middle of a ballroom while people dance around just to talk?”

Beatrice nibbled on her bottom lip. “I just mean… you want to dance with me?”

Graham took a step closer to her. “I don’t offer things I do not want.”

The world titled on its axis and Beatrice found herself leaning towards him. His pull was undeniable.

“What say you?” He offered his hand.

Beatrice’s eyes drifted down to his hand then back up to his eyes.

She nodded as her hand slipped into his. He pulled her closer just as the musicians began to play the next song.

“I’m glad you chose the dance. Lady Joynor was staring at us. I was almost certain she was going to come out here and make us dance whether you wanted to or not.”

Beatrice blushed. “Well, then, I am glad I accepted your offer. That would have been quite the spectacle.”

Graham’s eyes darkened as a devilish grin appeared. “Yes, I would think we’ve had enough spectacle for the week, wouldn’t you agree?”

Beatrice gasped as her eyes peered around the room. “Shh, someone may hear you.”

Graham laughed. “Hear me say what? Spectacle?” His voice rose with the last word.