“You’ve revealed a little secret of yours, my love. One doesn’t necessarily have to like balls to enjoy dancing.” He bowed gallantly, offering his hand. “Yet from watching you, and I mean this as no insult, it appears that you need a little practice. Any lack of ability can certainly be amended by one’s desire to learn.”
Overwhelmed with relief, Susanna knew she couldn’t have explained herself any better than Adam just had. For once she was glad that he assumed to know so much about her, the overconfident blackguard!
If she had hoped by some miracle to learn how to dance before tomorrow, having never been allowed any lessons when she was a waiting-maid other than the few steps Camille had taught her, then she had just found such a miracle in Adam Thornton. Now she wouldn’t have to decline demurely when she was asked to dance!
“What would you like to practice first? Some steps from a country dance or a minuet?” he asked.
“A minuet, please,” she said with a grateful smile as she took his hand. She shivered at the warmth of his palm, and as he led her to the middle of the ballroom, he gently caressed her fingers with his thumb, a most disconcerting sensation. Trying to distract herself from what he was doing, she observed lightly, “I suppose it will be difficult since we have no music.”
“No trouble at all.” In a rich baritone he began to hum several measures of a minuet, then he stopped, smiling roguishly. “Music, my love. Now, since I’m sure you already know the basic steps—”
“Could we review them?” Susanna blurted, immediately glancing down at the parquet floor, fearing she had given herself away. “It’s been so long … since my last lesson, I mean. And considering I never was any good …”
“Nonsense, Camille,” Adam objected, lifting her chin to stare deeply into her eyes. “You’ve a natural grace that any woman would wish to possess. I promise you’ll be the envy of any Tidewater belle who sees you dance tomorrow night.” He stroked her cheek lightly, as if to reassure her. “Come now. Let’s begin. First, place your hand on top of mine, like so, and remember the steps are small …”
Susanna listened carefully to his instructions, though her body was alive with a bewildering excitement. She couldn’t tell if it was because she was finally learning to dance or because of his closeness, a troubling possibility she didn’t even want to consider.
As they began to move in stately three-four time through the elegant figures of the minuet, Adam’s voice astounding her with its deep richness, she wondered if any of the young men who would be coming to the ball were as strikingly handsome. She had to admit Adam looked dashing this evening in his dark-green coat and brocade vest, and capable of taking any woman’s breath away.
She liked that he didn’t bother with wigs, which to her seemed effeminate in men. His thick mahogany hair, tied casually in a queue with a black satin ribbon, shone with burnished highlights in the waning sunlight. Strangely, she found herself imagining what his hair would feel like if she dared to touch it. Soft and silky, or perhaps somewhat rough, like the man himself?
“You catch on quickly,” he complimented her, releasing her hand and passing by her so closely that his arm brushed her shoulder, making her flesh tingle. He circled her, then they faced each other again, and she placed her much smaller hand upon his. As they stepped toward each other in a single motion, separated, then came together again, his admiring gaze never left hers. “Wonderful, Camille. Just have some confidence in yourself and you’ll do very well.”
She blushed warmly, not so much at his words or the way he was looking at her as at the incredible absurdity of her thoughts. Run her fingers through his hair? Why would she ever want to do that? She was relieved when he began to instruct her in some country dances and lively reels, which demanded all of her attention and energy just to keep up with him.
“Excellent. You’ve mastered those steps,” he praised her a short while later, clearly pleased with her progress. “I’m beginning to think you must have had a poor teacher at Fairford. The fault certainly does not lie with you. Now let’s put your new expertise into practice.”
Before Susanna could respond, Adam swept her from one end of the ballroom to the other in a spirited country dance. Round and round they flew, pausing only now and then to stand in one place and perform the required steps in a fast tempo. Soon she was breathlessly laughing, Adam joining her, their mirth resounding in the room. When she didn’t think she could go another step further, he urged her on, spinning her around in a circle so fast that the mirrored walls and gilt chandeliers became a blur, and she felt for sure that she would collapse from dizziness.
She finally did, in his arms, her laughter muffled in his coat as she fought to catch her breath, his clean, musky scent enveloping her. Yet when she felt his embrace tighten around her as they circled slowly to a stop, she abruptly ceased giggling and looked up at him in surprise, still light-headed from their exertion. He was gazing at her with a look of such burning intensity that if she had not already been breathless, she would have become so.
“You dance … wondrously, my love,” he said huskily, his arms like steel around her.
As his gaze fell to her lips and he bent his head, Susanna thought fleetingly that she should struggle, protest, coyly turn away… something! But then she felt the warm pressure of his mouth on hers, and all reason fled. Almost in wonder she parted her lips to him, his breath melding with hers, her knees turning to jelly as his kiss slowly deepened. In some far recess of her mind she faintly heard a knock upon the door, but she was so lost in the wonderful sensations sweeping over her that she gave no heed to the sound. Then Adam’s warm mouth was gone and she opened her eyes, dazed.
“What … ?”
“Ertha. At the door.”
Reality came back into sharp focus and Susanna gasped, stepping away from Adam so abruptly that she almost fell. He caught her around the waist just in time, waiting a fleeting instant until he seemed convinced that she could stand on her own before he released her. Then he called out, “Come in, Ertha.”
Susanna took another few steps away from Adam as the door opened, wondering anxiously if her hair was mussed, her gown rumpled, her lips too red, her eyes too wide. What had happened to her wits? How could she have so easily lost control of herself? She didn’t want anyone to know that she and Adam …
“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Thornton … Miss Camille,” the housekeeper began, appearing curious as she looked from one to the other.
“It’s all right, Ertha,” Adam said, apparently willing to speak for both of them. He gave Susanna a slight wink, as if to say their secret was still safe with him. “I was just helping Miss Cary practice her dancing in anticipation of tomorrow night. She needed a partner, and I seemed to be the only one available.” He smiled at Susanna, then added, “Now, what can either I or Miss Cary do for you?”
“Actually, I wanted to speak with Miss Camille,” Ertha said. “If you don’t mind, I thought the girls could give the floor another polishing. You know how I want everything to look just right for your guests.”
“Of course,” Susanna replied, finally finding her voice. “I don’t mind at all. Mr. Thornton and I were already finished dancing … and we were just discussing a possible game of billiards before I retire for the evening. Mr. Thornton has faced so many pressures these past few days, I thought a small contest would cheer him.” She glanced pointedly at Adam. “Don’t you agree?”
‘Absolutely,” he said, amused.
“Well, the girls are done cleaning in the game room now, and I’ll make sure they keep quiet in here so they don’t bother you,” Ertha said, bustling over to the door which opened into the adjoining game room. “Forgive me for rushing you, Miss Camille, but we’ve got so much to do yet …”
As she left the room, Susanna didn’t have to look over her shoulder to know that Adam was right behind her. She could sense his presence in a disturbing and, though she hated to admit it, compelling way.
“Would you like anything
from the kitchen?” Ertha asked as three housemaids equipped with buckets and mops trooped wearily into the ballroom. “Something to drink?”
“Wine would be nice,” Adam said, speaking for them again. “Is that all right with you, Miss Cary?”
“Yes. Fine.”
“If you’re hungry—”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Just wine, then, Ertha. Thank you.”
The housekeeper nodded and shut the door, leaving them alone.
“Poor woman,” Adam commented with a deep laugh. “I think she’s forgotten how much work a ball can be. Of course it doesn’t help matters when she has the same tasks done two and three times. That floor will be so polished that your guests might very well be risking their necks to dance upon it. “
Susanna scarcely heard him as she moved to a window, gathering her frayed thoughts. It was almost dusk and the game room, with its heavy velvet draperies, was growing dark. Yet she made no move to light the candles. She had no intention of remaining here for more than a few minutes. After what had happened between her and Adam, she could hardly wait to seek the blessed solace of her room. She had given him quite enough encouragement for one night, and so unexpectedly—
The sharp flaring of tinder startled her and she turned to find Adam watching her, the flame from the candle he had just lit illuminating his face. From the possessive glitter in his eyes, Susanna sensed with increasing exasperation that he was becoming even more sure of himself and his ability to win her.
Did he think her such a naive, impressionable girl that she wouldn’t see exactly what he was doing? she fumed as he lit more candles around the room. That he was trying to seduce her with lies and gallant actions, appearing the gentleman when clearly he was not? No doubt he even imagined that after a few more kisses, she would eagerly give him leave to announce their betrothal. Bastard! Like bloody hell she would!
Infuriated, she decided then and there that she wouldn’t hasten up to her room like some flustered rabbit. She was going to stay right here and lead him on, just as she had originally planned.
In fact, she wanted to stay! She wanted to tease him and deceive him, to do everything she could to heighten the illusion that she had every intention of marrying him. What a shock it would be to him when she finally told him the truth. She could just imagine the look on his face. Why, she couldn’t wait!
“You know, I just realized I haven’t yet apologized for missing dinner,” Adam said, appreciating how large and lovely Camille’s eyes were in the candlelight and how startlingly green, like bright emeralds. “I’m afraid I overslept. “
“Don’t trouble yourself about it, Adam,” she said softly. “You have a very good excuse.”
Her direct gaze surprised him, considering what had just transpired in the ballroom. He would have thought she’d still be blushing and embarrassed, perhaps even begging early leave for the night. Instead she appeared composed and in no hurry to retire, which pleased him. Perhaps she had enjoyed his kiss … no, he knew she had. He had felt her soft lips part eagerly beneath his and her body become like liquid in his arms. Damn, if only Ertha hadn’t come to the door. Who knew what might have happened?
Adam leaned his hip against the oaken billiards table. “Nonetheless, I hope you can forgive me.”
“No apology is necessary,” she insisted, her slim fingers toying with the gold drapery fringe. “I know how tired you were. I saw you, remember?”
“Yes, I do,” Adam murmured, enjoying the provocative swish of her gown as she walked to the opposite side of the table.
“In fact, I told Ertha not to send anyone for you so you might get enough rest. I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow.” At his raised eyebrow, she added, “I hope that was all right. I was so worried about you … you’d gotten so little sleep over the last few days…”
Worried about him? Adam thought with keen triumph. Obviously he had had no reason to be concerned about his ill-mannered behavior this past week. If she had been worried, that must mean she was beginning to care. By God, this courtship was proving easier than he had ever imagined!
“Then I owe you my thanks and not an apology,” he said, gratified by her smile. “I am flattered that you would consider my welfare. Very much so.”
She didn’t readily reply, but glanced at the cues hanging in a walnut holder on the wall. “Adam …”
“Yes?”
“I—I have a confession to make.”
His heart seemed to skip a beat, his mind racing over what she might divulge to him. He waited, then, growing impatient, finally had to urge her, “Tell me what’s on your mind, Camille.”
Her expression was solemn, which only heightened the unusual beauty of her features.
“I don’t know the first thing about billiards. I only said that as an explanation to Ertha. It must have been so quiet in the ballroom when she knocked on the door … well, since we were …” She shrugged prettily. “I didn’t want her to think—”
“I know,” Adam said just as solemnly, although he had an incredible urge to laugh—not at her discomfiture, but because she had admitted her clever lie so charmingly.
He had already sensed an innate intelligence in her from how easily she had absorbed everything he had told her about Briarwood, but now it was obvious from her confession that she was quick-witted as well, a discovery that pleased him. He didn’t need a bluestocking for a wife, but if she could hold her own in intellectual conversations, he wouldn’t complain. Yet it was also clear that she still wanted to play their secret game of courtship. Well, why not, if things were going so well?
He gave her a conspiratorial wink. “I haven’t forgotten our secret.”
She brightened immediately, offering him a becoming smile. “Thank you for understanding, Adam.”
“Anything to please a lady,” he said, walking around the table to be closer to her. “A most beautiful lady.” It was so strange, this feeling inside him. He seemed to be inexplicably drawn to her, in ways that had nothing to do with the revenge that drove him. “Perhaps you’d like to learn how to play billiards, my love. If you do, however, I must ask you for something in return.”
“And what might that be?” she asked coquettishly, her light tone surprising him. Could it be that his shy mouse was finally opening up to him? And in a seductive manner he could easily become accustomed to …
“I want to hear about your life in Fairford. How you spent your time. The things you liked to do. I want you to tell me all about yourself, Camille. The things any woman would tell the man she intends to marry.”
“I shall surely bore you, Mr. Thornton.”
“Not at all,” he objected, delighting again in her playful tone. “You could never bore me.”
When she didn’t answer, a soft rose blush suffusing her cheeks, he urged her huskily, “Are we agreed, then? Billiards in exchange for as much as you wish to tell me … tonight.”
She hesitated another moment longer, then murmured, “Agreed.”
***
The house was dark and quiet when they finally left the game room, Adam lighting the way with a silver candelabra.
Susanna held on to his hand—only so he might guide her, she assured herself—taking care with her footing as they passed through the music room and then into the hall. Two candles had been left burning in wall sconces near the front door, dimly illuminating the sleepy form of a footman stretched out upon a pallet. She had learned there was always someone by the door, day or night, in case of unexpected guests, and she tread even more lightly for fear she might wake him.
Their billiards match had lasted longer than she had intended, but all in all, she believed the evening had gone well. She had achieved her purpose, which was all that mattered. She had fooled Adam completely and had enjoyed herself while doing so.
The only thing she had failed to do was discover more about Adam’s background. She had told him a lot about life at Fairford, an unsettling combination of her own personal likes and
dislikes and memories with what she knew of Camille’s. But whenever she had asked him any questions about his own past he had’ veered their discussion right back to her. It was obvious he didn’t want to reveal much of himself.
At last she had given up. It didn’t matter if she knew anything about him or not. He would be out of her life soon enough. She had resolved not to bother him with such questions again.
“Careful on the stairs,” Adam said, holding the candelabra higher. “I don’t want you to twist an ankle before you can show off the dance steps you learned today.”
You can wager I won’t twist my ankle, Susanna thought rebelliously, although you’ll wish I had when you see all my handsome dance partners. Anticipation rippled through her, the kind she knew would prevent her from getting much sleep tonight.
She could hardly wait to meet everybody, though she knew she mustn’t appear too eager. At least not at first, and not with Adam around. But when she began attending social gatherings throughout the Tidewater, it wouldn’t be long before she could act like herself again.
Would she meet her future husband tomorrow? she wondered as they moved down the hall to her room. Oh, please, she hoped so. She wanted things to be settled, to be able to get on with her life and be free of this intolerable man—
“Here you are, my love,” Adam said, his voice low as he pushed open her door.
Susanna waited impatiently just outside the threshold as he stepped into her room and set the candelabra on the bedside table. She had no intention of entering until he was in the hall again, and she doubted that he expected her to. They had her reputation to think about, after all.
She wanted to get their good nights over with as quickly as possible so she could shut her door and bolt it. He’d made no advances toward her since the kiss in the ballroom … well, except for standing rather close to her when showing her how to play billiards, his hands over hers as he demonstrated how to hold the cue. But she didn’t trust him. Not with him sleeping only a few doors away from her.
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