by Laura Martin
The waltz was a more intimate dance than many others and right now he was beginning to see how it could be both tantalising and sensual when danced with the right partner.
He placed one arm around Lina’s waist and pulled her closer to him. As he watched, her cheeks flushed with colour and her breathing became more shallow. Their bodies were almost touching, but not quite. That sliver of air between them taunted Alex and he wished he could gather Lina tight to his body.
‘The steps are simple,’ he said into her ear, noting how she shuddered as his breath tickled her neck and not for the first time he wondered how she would react if he placed his lips on the skin just below her earlobe. ‘Let me demonstrate. Follow where I lead.’
Gripping her firmly, Alex began to dance. He felt Lina stumble once or twice, her legs brushing against his as she tried to keep up, but after a few rotations around the drawing room he could tell she was picking it up. She was a talented dancer and quick on her feet, so he wasn’t surprised when she relaxed in his arms and allowed her body to flow with the music.
‘Certainly not unteachable,’ Alex murmured in her ear.
She smiled up at him, a smile of pure pleasure, then did something completely unexpected: she closed her eyes. Trusting him completely to guide her around the dance floor, she let herself succumb to the music. Alex was a good dancer—he had never struggled to pick up a new dance or lead a partner in a waltz or a cotillion—but never could he do so with his eyes closed.
Round and round they twirled, Georgina picking up the pace as she saw Lina become more confident, until all too soon, the music ended.
Lina opened her eyes and looked up at him, her mouth ever so slightly open as she caught her breath and her skin glowing from the exertion.
‘That was wonderful.’
He had the urge to kiss her, to lean down and cover her lips with his own. His fingers, gripping her waist, ached to roam over her body and explore every inch of her skin. Looking down into her eyes, he could see she felt it, too—that physical pull, the desire for two bodies to come together as one.
‘I thought you said you couldn’t waltz?’ Georgina said.
Quickly they stepped apart and Alex saw the confusion on Lina’s face before she turned away.
‘I couldn’t waltz,’ Lina said with a shrug. ‘What a wonderful dance it is.’
‘Some of the older members of society will leave the ballroom when the musicians start to play a waltz, it is considered that controversial.’
‘We were barely touching.’
Until today Alex had agreed with Lina, but now he could see how dancing a waltz might inflame a man’s desires.
‘If we are to win the wager, you need to fill your dance card on the night of the ball. That will mean dancing at least one or two waltzes,’ he said. ‘But to avoid any hint of scandal it will be better if you dance them with people you have already been introduced to or know well.’
‘You?’
‘Perhaps for one of them. And Pentworthy for another.’
Lina nodded, biting her lip. Whenever he reminded her of the conditions of the wager she looked nervous, as if anxious not to get anything wrong. He found how much she cared rather endearing and not for the first time marvelled at how much time and effort she was investing to help him.
‘You’re ready,’ Alex declared.
‘What for?’
‘Your first country dance.’ He enjoyed the shocked looks both Lina and his sister gave him. It felt good to surprise people sometimes. ‘I’ve accepted an invitation to the Pottersdown country dance. I’m told it isn’t a grand affair, but it will give you ample opportunity to practise the skills you have learnt so far.’
‘You are voluntarily going to a country dance?’ Georgina asked.
‘What is so strange about that?’
Georgina shook her head in disbelief.
‘Do you truly think I am ready?’
Alex turned to Lina and saw the worry on her face. She was normally so confident, so sure of herself, but something about his latest suggestion had worried her.
‘You’re ready. You can dance. You can converse about the weather and other mundane subjects. You know how to address people correctly. What could go wrong?’
‘Do I have to converse about mundane subjects?’
He could just imagine her regaling the ladies and gentlemen of the gentry with tales of gypsy life. Although it was tempting to allow her that freedom of speech, he knew it would not help him win his wager.
‘Most certainly. That is the only way to blend in with the other debutantes.’
‘What if someone asks who I am?’
Alex had considered this question time and time again. Keeping Lina’s true identity a secret was vital to his final aim—passing her off as the perfect debutante. No discerning gentleman would ask her to dance if he knew of her background. Equally, he didn’t want to lie outright about her origins.
‘We shall say you are a family friend and that Georgina and I are sponsoring your first Season.’
Lina nodded, satisfied.
‘Lina, dear, we need to decide on your dress,’ Georgina gushed. ‘I will meet you in your bedroom in just a moment. I need a to have a quick word with my brother first.’
Perhaps not the most subtle way to get rid of Lina, but she didn’t seem to mind.
‘Careful, Alex,’ Georgina said once she was sure they were alone.
‘Careful?’
‘Lina is a pretty girl.’
‘She is.’
‘And she’s easy to spend time with.’
‘Mostly.’
Georgina sighed. ‘I am delighted you have started to take an interest in the fairer sex again, Alex, but couldn’t you choose someone more appropriate to become closer to?’
‘I do love you, Georgina,’ Alex said with a grin. ‘Nothing is going on with Lina.’
‘But you want it to.’
Alex shrugged. He wasn’t above lying to his sister, but she must have seen the spark between them as they danced. He didn’t think denial was his best policy.
‘As a man, I am subject to certain desires. I respond if I hold an attractive woman close. That doesn’t mean I would ever act on those desires.’
‘I wouldn’t want to see her get hurt.’
‘I am well aware we are from different stations, different worlds even.’
Georgina laughed. ‘Could you imagine the scandal if you decided to marry a gypsy girl?’
Alex stiffened as he realised he and Georgina were talking of completely different things. She was talking of marriage, a lifetime with one woman. All he was contemplating was a few enjoyable months with Lina as his mistress.
‘You married a man considered beneath you.’
‘I was young and in love. Anyway, Richard and I were only a few rungs apart on the social ladder.’
‘I like Lina and I will admit on one or two occasions I have found myself attracted to her, but I also respect her.’ Alex realised it was the truth, but a small part of him wondered if that was enough to temper the desire he felt building whenever her hand brushed against his or their bodies swayed together. Alongside that desire was a budding friendship. Not in a long time had he felt able to talk and laugh with anyone like he did Lina. She was witty and sharp, but had a kindness about her that you didn’t encounter much amongst the people of the ton.
‘I’m glad to hear it. I wouldn’t want her to get her heart broken. I think she rather likes you, too.’
‘What is there not to like?’
Georgina raised her eyebrows but didn’t answer, instead she swooped out of the room.
Alex sank on to the piano stool and ran his fingers across the keys, picking out a few notes. He could play the piano proficiently, but he was no master of music like his sister. Too long spent on horseback rather than practising his scales meant he would never be able to play a piece by heart as Georgina just had.
Closing his eyes, he pictured Lina in his arms as they
waltzed around the room. It felt right to hold her body so close to his, to feel her fingers gripping his shoulder. Georgina was right, probably nothing good could come out of a liaison with Lina, but it didn’t mean his imagination wasn’t already building the fantasy in his mind.
Chapter Ten
‘I will only be able to dance two, maybe three dances with you,’ Alex said as he helped Lina from the carriage. She pulled a face. For the duration of the journey to Pottersdown Alex had been running through the rules and etiquette of a country dance.
‘What if you wished to dance only with me and I with you?’ Lina asked.
‘To dance three dances with the same person causes raised eyebrows and any more than that is verging on scandalous.’
‘What if you didn’t like a single other person there?’
‘Then I wouldn’t dance with anyone else, but I still could only dance with you three times.’
‘What if...?’
Alex gave her a hard look and Lina fell silent. She’d learnt over the past couple of weeks that there were many rules governing these social situations. It appeared you didn’t have to agree with them, but you did have to abide by them.
‘Is there any time limit on how long we can converse with one another?’ Lina asked.
‘No. As your sponsors for the Season, it will be expected that you return to either Georgina or myself in between dances. We can then introduce you to the other attendees.’
‘And if no one asks me to dance, I have to be content with just watching?’ It seemed unfair to Lina that it was the gentlemen who chose whom they danced with and when, but Alex had assured her there were few quicker ways to disgrace than a lady asking a gentleman to dance.
‘You will be asked to dance.’
‘You don’t know that.’
He frowned at her for a second and then shook his head, but didn’t elaborate any further.
The country dance was being held in a large hall in the centre of Pottersdown and their carriage had been forced to stop at the other end of the square due to the large number of people hurrying towards the festivities. As they drew closer, Lina could see the doors of the hall had been thrown open and soft music drifted out into the summer evening. Groups of young women, their arms linked, rushed past Lina and Alex, laughing and talking in excited voices.
‘It seems quite the occasion,’ Lina commented.
‘I suppose many of the young ladies and gentlemen of Pottersdown will never have the opportunity to have a London Season. This will be one of the highlights of the social calendar.’
Whilst Lina had been absorbed in Debrett’s earlier in the week Alex had explained the difference between the aristocracy and the gentry, and how it was only the ladies and gentlemen of the aristocracy and the very top levels of the gentry who travelled to London every year to partake in the whirlwind of balls, dinner parties and social events for a few months of the year.
‘Remember, it is only a month until the first ball of the Season. We will not have many opportunities to practise, so make the most of tonight. Think of this as a rehearsal, so try to fill your dance card and avoid any potentially scandalous situations.’
With her fingers gripping Alex’s arm, Lina allowed him to lead her into the hall. Despite the thumping of her heart in her chest, she was excited to finally attend one of these dances and the relaxed, happy atmosphere as they stepped into the hall helped her to let go of the tension she was holding in her shoulders and summon a sunny smile.
‘Lord Whitemore and Miss Lock,’ Alex said to a man to his left, who promptly announced their names to the room.
Lina wasn’t sure if she imagined it, but for a second people seemed to pause in their conversations and glance their way, before quickly trying to make it appear as if nothing unusual had happened.
‘You’re causing some excitement amongst these country girls,’ Lina murmured in Alex’s ear. She saw him grin quickly, before adopting a more serious expression. For the first few days of her stay at Whitemore House Lina had doubted if Alex even had a sense of humour, but as she’d got to know him more and more she realised she’d been mistaken. He had a quick, dry wit, which he covered well with a serious expression, so Lina had made it her aim to make him laugh at least once an hour and crack through the sober facade.
‘Behave,’ he said quietly.
‘I wager at least one or two are wondering how they can lure you off into a dark corner and compromise you.’
‘I’m not easily lured,’ Alex said.
‘But easily compromised?’
He shuddered at the thought of being forced into marriage by being caught in a compromising situation, but recovered quickly as they were approached by a middle-aged woman and a gaggle of daughters.
‘Lord Whitemore,’ the mother gushed. ‘How lovely to see you here at our modest little country dance! It was quite the surprise when they announced your name. I don’t suppose you remember little old me, but we were introduced at Mr Sotherby’s ball a few years ago.’
Lina watched as Alex bowed in greeting. It was clear that he didn’t have the slightest idea who this woman standing in front of him was, but he didn’t seem fazed at all.
‘How lovely to see you again,’ he said. ‘Are these your daughters? I do not think I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them.’
‘Oh, no, you wouldn’t have met them. This is Miss Annabelle Potton, my eldest. And then there is Olivia and Amelia.’
‘Miss Potton.’ Alex inclined his head in the direction of the eldest. ‘Miss Olivia, Miss Amelia.’
Lina wasn’t certain which of the younger two was which, but it was clear Annabelle was the focus of their mother’s attention today so it didn’t much matter.
‘Annabelle loves to dance,’ Mrs Potton prompted.
‘Indeed?’
‘Do you dance, Lord Whitemore?’
Not the most subtle of enquiries, but Lina supposed with three daughters of marriageable age Mrs Potton had long since lost any qualms about being so direct.
‘Alas, I am not blessed as one of the world’s great dancers,’ Alex said. ‘If you would excuse me, Mrs Potton, Miss Potton, I think I have spotted my sister and it would be most remiss of me if I failed to greet her.’
Quickly he pulled Lina away.
‘Not one of the world’s great dancers?’ Lina asked as they wove through the crowd.
Alex grinned at her. ‘Well, the Miss Pottons don’t need to know I’m better at waltzing than the celebrated Monsieur LeBon.’
‘You could have asked one of them to dance.’
‘You are sounding more like Georgina every day.’ He shook his head. ‘It starts with a dance, then they suggest a little air or a glass of lemonade together and before you know it they’re expecting to be wooed with flowers and poetry.’
‘You write poetry?’
‘I’ve never tried, but I can’t imagine it would be too difficult.’ He paused for a second. ‘Her hair was as soft as the finest silk, her skin as pale as a bucket of milk. Her eyes were as dark as a burning coal, her legs as long as a newborn foal.’
‘That’s truly terrible.’
‘I’m sure Miss Potton would swoon if I recited it to her. Would you care to dance?’
Lina felt her heart soar as Alex led her to the dance floor. Already the music was starting as the couples took their places and Lina was infused with the familiar rush of energy as her body started swaying to the beat.
‘Follow my lead,’ Alex whispered as he positioned her a few paces away from him, in the middle of a line of women. With her eyes locked on his, Lina’s pulse began to quicken. There was something sensual about dancing, even when standing a few feet apart amidst a crowd of people. It almost felt as though it were only she and Alex in the room and she wanted to reach out and pull him closer to her.
The dance began and although Lina had never learnt the steps it was a basic country dance and she picked it up quickly, moving in the same direction as the women on either side of her. A
s they came together with their partners, Lina felt Alex’s strong hands take hers and guide her towards the top of the line, before they came together for their dance through the middle of the couples to the bottom. The music was lively, the pace fast and soon Lina was laughing as the musicians got faster and faster with every couple that came together.
‘I never imagined it would be this fun,’ she panted as the music finished and Alex took her hand to escort her from the dance floor.
‘That was fun,’ Alex said, although he seemed a little surprised by his comment.
‘Do my ears deceive me?’ Georgina asked as she hurried over. ‘My brother is actually enjoying a social function?’
‘I merely commented that the last dance was pleasurable,’ Alex grumbled.
‘Wonderful.’ Georgina clapped her hands. ‘Who have you asked to dance next?’
There was a prolonged silence as Alex regarded his sister with raised eyebrows.
‘You haven’t won the wager yet. I can still pair you off with eligible young ladies for the next few weeks at least.’
‘My sister is under the misguided impression that she can influence who I ask to dance tonight,’ Alex said to Lina.
‘I don’t see why you wouldn’t dance every single dance.’
‘If it was just about the dancing, then I agree it is an enjoyable way to spend the evening, but the romantic politics of asking a young lady to dance discourages many men from doing so.’
‘How do you mean?’ Lina asked.
‘Well, I can ask you to dance without needing to worry about your expectations from me. You are aware my invitation to dance has no romantic undercurrent, but imagine if I danced with just one other young lady tonight.’
‘I can’t see there would be a problem.’
‘People would ask why I had chosen her, was I interested in a courtship? The young lady might come to expect something more than just a dance and then when it didn’t materialise she would be disappointed.’
‘Then dance with lots of young ladies. No one will expect anything from you if you share out your attentions,’ Lina suggested.