Wildfire Kiss (Sir Edward 1)

“Oh!” exclaimed Corry with great relief. “Here comes Babs now and with the count in attendance, so you see all is well.”

***

“Babs … I must tell you, you shouldn’t be seen alone with that man,” the count advised in a low voice. “It isn’t the thing. Do you know what they call him?”

“No, what?” Babs fibbed.

“Lord Wildfire, and it ain’t just because he was a devil on the battlefield, although that is where it first started …”

“Oh, ah …” she said, trying not to show interest. “I knew something about him being with Wellington …”

“You knew that? Didn’t know you know that.” Otto shook his head. “It don’t signify. Next time you rip your gown and it needs pinning … take your cousin, or me for that matter …”

“You are a dear friend, Otto,” she said patting his arm.

“That I am … care for you …” He saw her expression and burst out laughing. “Not like that, you little devil … but I do enjoy your company. Good fun … and as I consider you perhaps my dearest friend—don’t want the gossip mongers flapping their tongues with your name.” He shook his head. “I am not in the petticoat line … but very comfortable with you.”

Babs laughed. “Otto, I know that you find me useful as a shield. It is quite all right.”

“Nonsense.” He laughed. “You have many uses.”

She slapped him playfully and then said, “Oh—oh. Judging by Corry’s expression, we haven’t come a moment too soon.”

***

Sir Edward Danton was looking his very best as he entered the Rutledges’ ballroom. He thought that even Beau himself would declare his style first-rate.

His black velvet, overly long tails were the height of fashion, and Weston, London’s finest tailor, had fit it to his slender form with perfection. His cravat was tied with precision, and his chestnut curls gleamed around his handsome and angular face. He moved with ease as he walked towards his goal, stopping to make idle chatter with friends and acquaintances.

He had been anxiously awaiting the moment when he would take her into his arms for a waltz. It wouldn’t be the first time he had waltzed with her, and yet he found himself nearly breathless at the thought. It was absurd.

He was a seasoned sophisticate and had enjoyed his fair share of beauties over the years, but this one, this one bouncing madcap had captured all his thoughts and needs and desire.

As it happened, a waltz struck up as he approached her, but Otto had already led her onto the floor. He frowned but did not allow this to stall him as he squeezed through the throng of dancers and tapped Otto on the shoulder.

Otto had no choice but to relinquish his prize, and Danton looked down into her dark eyes and nearly felt stunned. She was exquisite. “Now, I can breathe …” he said softly to her as his gaze caressed her full, rosy lips.

“Oh, were you having trouble, sir?” She flirted with him, giving him a flash of her dark eyes. “Air back in your lungs?”

He knew she was only flirting. He knew she enjoyed flirting, but this time he would show her that flirting with him was playing with fire. “No,” he answered. “Not quite satisfied, but I intend to be … very soon.” His gloved hand took strong hold of her waist and squeezed lightly before he allowed it to slide down her back and lightly touch her rump before returning it to her back.

***

Babs was shocked at his audacious touch. He had taken a liberty no other had ever attempted. She did not believe she had invited him to feel he had the right, or had she? Had she gone too far with her flirting? Perhaps so?

She had been distracted as of late. Her mind forever full with quite another man. All she could think of, all she could see, was the duke with his bright blue eyes looking into hers …

She stiffened against his presumption, and Sir Edward laughed. “My dearest Babs, can it be you do not know what I have been trying to tell you—show you?”

“Just what do you mean, sir?” She really didn’t care, for she had a sudden urge to flee him and the dance.

“I mean to apply to your father and take you as my wife, my lady, my love,” he answered on a serious note.

She nearly stumbled as she missed a step and looked sharply at his face. He was most definitely in earnest. She lowered her eyes. She had no wish to hurt him … or anyone, and she had not realized his attentions had reached this stage. She was sorry for it. “I am honored, Sir Edward, deeply aware of how desirable you are as a match, but I am also very sorry to have to tell you that … that it is not possible.”

He looked stunned, and Babs bit her bottom lip. “Do you know how many women have chased me hoping to hear me propose?”

“I can only imagine.” Babs kept her gaze averted and wanted with all her heart to run. She had to be brave. She had to ease this moment for him, but his expression went from shock to anger, and a tickle of fear made its way into her stomach.