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G eorgina’s heart pounded as she stepped from the carriage, the red silk of her borrowed gown shifting over her with each movement she made.

The mask Jaclyn had provided perched elegantly upon her face, concealing her identity just enough to embolden her.

Tonight she would be brave. Tonight she would spend time with Adrian, and she wanted him to kiss her again.

Truthfully she wanted to do much more than that, but her innocence prevented her from knowing exactly what it was she desired. She just knew she wanted more.

She had never felt so daring. Never felt so alive . Anticipation rolled through her and she nearly shuddered from the sensation.

A footman assisted her up the steps of Easton Abbey, and before she could take another step, another servant approached with a letter in hand.

“For you, my lady,” the servant intoned.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she accepted the sealed missive, her pulse quickening as she stared at it. She waited until she had stepped inside the grand foyer before carefully breaking the seal.

The library. Wait until after the first three sets. Once the musicians start the fourth set, that will be your cue to depart.

That was all it said. No name, no signature. But she knew who had sent it.

“What is that?” Jaclyn inquired. “A note from your gentleman?”

Georgina stuffed the missive into a hidden pocket on her gown. She did not wish to share it with Jaclyn. Not that she thought her friend would do anything to prevent her from meeting with Adrian, but it seemed wrong to share something so personal with her. This was just between her and her earl.

“It may be,” she said in a coy tone.

“Keep your secrets, dear,” Jaclyn said. Then she leaned down to whisper, “Just do not let our chaperones see it. They might prevent you from seeking him out later. And do not tell me you have no plans for such an endeavor. I know better.”

She did not deny what she had planned. But neither did she confirm it.

Some things were best not said aloud. There were far too many people around them to consider such a thing.

That would surely lead to a ruined reputation.

“That is sound advice,” she told Jaclyn.

“But entirely unnecessary.” She had no intention of allowing their chaperones to prevent her from seeking out Adrian.

“I am not the one they keep close. They will be far more likely to monitor your activities than mine.”

Jaclyn sighed. “I wish I could disagree with you, but that would be a futile endeavor.” She met Georgina’s gaze.

“Unfortunately, I have given them plenty of reasons to distrust my motives. But it should give you the opportunity to sneak away. While they are busy watching me, they will not notice your absence.”

“I do thank you,” Georgina said cheekily. “Your previous bad behavior is my benefit now.”

Jaclyn laughed. “It is my pleasure. Truly. I enjoyed every moment of said bad behavior. I am not about to apologize now.”

Jaclyn and Georgina, along with their chaperone, headed toward the ballroom.

They stepped inside and Georgina let out a soft sigh at the sight.

The ballroom at Easton Abbey shimmered with the glow of candlelight, the grand chandeliers casting a golden hue over the masked guests swirling across the polished floor.

The hum of polite conversation mixed with the strains of a lively quadrille.

She searched the room hoping to find the only man she wished to spend any amount of time with.

The masks made it nearly impossible to discern any of the guests’ identities, but she felt certain she would know Adrian anywhere.

She could feel the note burning in the pocket of her gown, a silent promise hidden within the folds of crimson silk.

The fourth set. That was when she would slip away.

She did not have any desire to dance. The first set was well underway.

Only two more until she could join Adrian in the library.

A thrill of anticipation curled through her, making her breath come faster. Adrian was somewhere in this very room, watching, waiting. Did he long for her as much as she longed for him? The thought made her cheeks flush beneath her mask.

“Georgina,” a lady said from beside her. “I am so glad you decided to attend.”

She turned toward the sound and smiled. Charlotte, now the Marchioness of Easton, stood next to her. Jaclyn was also by her side. Of course, she would have sought them both out.

“I have decided to be brave,” she told Charlotte.

“As well you should,” Charlotte told her. “You’re beautiful, and any gentleman would be pleased to escort you out on to the dance floor. Please tell me you are going to dance.”

“I am not certain if I shall,” she admitted. “It may be too much too soon.”

“Well,” Charlotte began, “I am glad you are here. It is my wedding ball after all.” She grinned. “Even if that was not the original plan for the occasion.”

“Hello, darling,” the marquess said as he strolled toward them.

“I have been looking for you.” He leaned down and whispered something in his wife’s ear.

Charlotte giggled. Georgina could not help wondering what it was that he had said.

“If you will pardon us,” the marquess said. “My wife promised me the next dance.”

The strains of a waltz filled the air as the marquess led Charlotte onto the floor. Adrian stepped through the crowd and made his way over to her. When he reached her, he bowed. “May I have this dance, Miss Georgina?”

A thrill shot through her. She had thought she would have to wait until their meeting in the library to be with him.

It had not occurred to her that he might ask her to dance—and a waltz at that.

It was the most scandalous dance, and she had never attempted it before.

She knew the steps of course. Her father had ensured she was properly tutored in everything social etiquette required.

“Yes,” she said, but her voice was barely audible.

Thankfully, he did not need her to speak louder.

He took her hand in his and led her to the floor.

He was an excellent dancer and led her through the steps with ease. She stared up at him, dazzled by his handsome physique. How had she ever caught the attention of this gorgeous man?

“You wore red for me,” he said in a reverent tone.

“I said I would,” she told him, finally able to speak loud enough for him to hear.

Sometimes her shyness really did come out at the most inopportune times.

At least he had enough patience to allow her to find her own footing.

It was one of the things she liked about him.

Yes, he was breathtaking to behold, but it was his kindness that kept her rapt attention beyond that.

“And still I was not sure if you would comply with my request,” he said. “You’re beautiful. No matter the shade of your gown.”

“Thank you,” she said, but could not meet his gaze.

Jaclyn had said something similar earlier but had said red complemented her.

She had believed her friend, but hearing it from Adrian made her see herself differently.

What was it about a handsome man’s compliments that made a woman start to believe in her own beauty?

“I cannot wait until we can be alone,” he said as he twirled her around the floor.

“I had not intended for us to dance beforehand, but I found I could not resist the temptation. Not after I noticed your red gown. I could not wait a moment longer to have you in my arms—even for the brief moments of a dance.”

“I am glad you did not wait,” she told him. “I have never danced a waltz.” She had barely danced at all before she had been banished to Havenwood.

“That is a tragedy,” he told her. “You’re a lovely dancer, and I promise this will not be our last dance together.”

Georgina’s face flushed at his words. Did he want their relationship to go beyond this flirtation?

Did he want more with her in the same way she did with him?

There was something between them. She did not doubt that for a second.

But what she did not know was how far his interest extended.

These were questions she wished to discuss with him when they were alone again.

The strands of the music came to an end, and he led her back to where Jaclyn still stood at the edge of the dance floor, their chaperone at her side. “Until later,” he said quietly.

Georgina went over to Jaclyn and smiled.

Soon they would be alone, and she could not wait.

There was still one more dance and then she could sneak away.

She would give her excuses to the chaperone and tell her she intended to visit the ladies’ retiring room if necessary.

No one would question her though. She had never given them any reason to doubt her.

The last set ended, and it was time for her to make her escape.

She glanced around to ensure no one was watching her too closely before slipping through the crowd and making her way toward the shadowed halls of Easton Abbey.

Soon she would be at the library, and with Adrian.

Her heart thundered inside her chest as she left the ballroom.

*

The library was dimly lit, the scent of aged parchment and polished mahogany filling the air. The moment Georgina stepped inside, she knew she was alone—but not for long. She barely had time to gather her breath before the door clicked shut behind her.

“Adrian.” His name left her lips in a whisper before she even turned.

He was there, dressed in midnight black, his mask concealing all but the intense gleam of his eyes. He looked dangerous like this. Not the polished earl, but a man who had stepped from the shadows, intent on claiming something he desired.

Someone he desired.