The Deceptive Lady Darby (Lost Ladies of London 2)

Left alone, it didn’t take Christian long to find Rose. From the moment he entered the ballroom, he’d sensed her presence. Indeed, when he looked straight ahead, their gazes locked.

His heart swelled, and his knees almost buckled. Why the hell had he let her leave?

Rose cast him a warm smile.

Christian stopped a foot away and bowed. She offered him her hand, and he brushed his lips over her knuckles as he’d wanted to do at their first meeting.

/> “Lord Farleigh, I must say I’m shocked to see you. You assured me you rarely leave Abberton and yet here you are in a ballroom in London no less.” She gestured to Miss Asprey standing at her side. “And of course, you remember Lady Stanton.”

While mildly flirtatious, Rose’s tone lacked the warmth of feeling to which he was accustomed. Was he too late? Was he misguided in thinking she felt something too?

“May I offer my felicitations on your recent marriage.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Lady Stanton cast him a hard stare. “While we are all guilty of leading with the heart, at some point we must act responsibly.”

Christian understood the message clearly. “Hence the reason I stand before you tonight.”

The lady remained at Rose’s side, though turned away and feigned interest in the ridiculously large potted fern.

The first few strains of a waltz punctured the air.

“Would you care to dance, Rose?” He despised the formality of it all when all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss her deeply. “Please tell me I’m not too late and that you have space on your card.”

“Dance? I assume you’re here because there are things you wish to discuss.”

“I hadn’t planned on talking, at least, not just yet.” He hoped the words struck a chord, that they reminded her of the intimate moment they’d shared in his study.

Recognition flashed in her eyes. “Then I hope you are as skilled at dancing as you are other things.”

“Thankfully, I’m able to master anything when I’m with you.”

Her blue eyes sparkled as they journeyed over him. “May I say you look rather dashing in evening attire.”

Rose looked stunning in the pastel-blue gown. “You always take my breath away, even when you have ash on your chin.”

She smiled. “You remembered.”

“I will never forget.” His breath came quickly as his heated blood surged through his veins. “Dance with me, Rose.” Forgive me for letting you go.

She offered her hand, and he led her out onto the floor. Taking her in his arms soothed his fears. She belonged with him, he’d known it since the day she strode into his study pretending to be a maid.

For a few minutes he didn’t speak, but let the music wash over him, savoured the instant feeling of contentment as her body glided in tune with his. Rose was his peace, his harmony.

“Tell me you hold no affection for Lord Cunningham.” Before he allowed himself to hope, he had to know the truth. “Tell me he means nothing to you.”

She stared into his eyes. “My heart is yours, Christian. After all that happened between us, I’m surprised you need to ask.”

He felt foolish. “I didn’t know what to think. You gave yourself to me freely though I’ve spent the last few days questioning whether I’d misread the signs.”

“You misread nothing.” A blush touched her cheeks. “I wanted you then, as much as I want you now.”

Good Lord, if only they were somewhere private. He firmed his hold on her hand as energy sparked between them. The urge to crush her to his chest proved overwhelming.

“Christian, you’re holding me too close.” The whispered words breezed past his ear. “Someone will notice.”

“Forgive me.” He slackened his grip. “The last few days have felt like a lifetime. The house is empty without you. The children are miserable, and Mrs Hibbet mumbles to herself at every given opportunity.”

“And what about you?”