"Indulging in fantasies about you," he finished for her.
Noelle missed a step. "Have you?"
"Constantly." Ashford's hand tightened about her waist, easing her back into the rhythm of the waltz. "The Season hasn't even begun, and already I want to kill every man who so much as approaches you."
Noelle wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. "What a coincidence. So does Papa."
"Not for the same reason, I assure you." Ashford's gloved fingers caressed hers. "Speaking of your father, he's still watching us."
"How do you know that? You haven't looked away from me for an instant."
"Pure instinct. I sense his scrutiny." A quick glance over Noelle's head. "Ah, good. Your mother is guiding him over to speak with my parents. The moment they're immersed in conversation, you and I are slipping away. We have some unfinished business to attend to." A pause. "And I don't only mean verbal business. If I don't feel you against me, I'm going to explode."
Noelle sucked in her breath, Ashford's declaration surging through her like a fiery wave. "I feel the same way," she admitted. "Not to mention that it's our last chance to be alone together. My family is leaving Markham early tomorrow morning. And once we're back at Farrington Manor—"
"Don't even think of saying we can't see each other until after your court presentation," Ashford ordered, "because I don't intend to accept that—not anymore."
"You never did," Noelle reminded him with a hint of a smile. "Nor did I want you to. And now—after these past few days? I wouldn't consider suggesting you stay away for five long weeks. Any more than I expect that you would. I know how resourceful you can be, and I didn't doubt you'd find a way to visit
me. What I was going to say was that we'll be hard-pressed to find time alone. Grace was blessedly absent from this excursion, thanks to Papa's decision that only the four of us travel to Markham. But normally? My overbearing lady's maid watches me like a hawk."
"Yes, I recall." Ashford didn't look the slightest bit concerned. "But that won't deter me. As you just pointed out, I'm very resourceful. Especially when it comes to something I want badly."
"Something you want badly—do I fall into that category?"
A corner of his mouth lifted. "Without question."
Noelle inclined her head, tossing him a saucy look. "I know a most plausible excuse you could provide for visiting Farrington. Just tell Papa you need to see me in order to negotiate a way to recoup your gambling losses. Juliet and I did divest you and Carston of several hundred pounds apiece at the whist table."
"Don't remind me. My sister will never let me forget your victory. She'll forever throw it in my face."
"If she forgets to do so, I'll remember," Noelle assured him. "You really are a very good whist player," she added consolingly. "Just not good enough."
"So you demonstrated."
"Wasn't it cordial of your brothers to bet on me?" Noelle continued, her expression innocent. "After all, Juliet is their sister and they know how skilled she is, but I was a total stranger. A total stranger they've been warned not to so much as glance at, for fear of their lives. Yet, they placed all their wagers—"
"Enough." Laughter danced in Ashford's eyes. "It's a good thing all your winnings went to charity. Otherwise, my pride would be in complete shambles."
"Charity or not, I still won. So your pride should be no less shattered."
A chuckle. "You're impossible, tempête. But revel while you can. I'll get even—when you least expect it."
"I'm counting on that."
All humor faded away, along with the final strains of the waltz.
"Our parents are in deep discussion," Ashford noted with a satisfied nod. "Let's go."
He didn't wait for an answer, just guided her through the throng of people and out into the hall. There he veered sharply to the right, away from the crowd, and led Noelle a short distance away, to a quiet and unoccupied anteroom.
The door shut behind them with a quiet click.
"We're alone," Ashford said softly. "Also, we have a perfect avenue of escape." He pointed across the room, where a set of French doors led out to the grounds. "That's why I chose this particular anteroom. If we hear someone coming, we'll simply slip outside, walk around, then reenter the manor from the front. Everyone will think we were milling about inside the entranceway."
"It's the dead of winter. We might freeze," Noelle managed, anticipation already coursing through her.
"Somehow I doubt that."