As Blythe was led from the dance floor, flushed and smiling, he smoothly rejoined their party to keep the wolves at bay. Blythe shifted to stand at his side.
He glanced down at her as she fanned herself. Her breasts rose and fell beneath her gown in the most beguiling way. Her other gowns had much higher necklines and he’d been deprived the excellent view until now. He hoped he could survive the set without gawking and embarrassing them both.
A footman came closer and Tobias secured a glass of punch for Blythe before the wolves descended to do the same.
Her gaze rose to meet his. “Thank you, sir.”
“You’re welcome, B.”
Blythe leaned closer. “You haven’t asked anyone to dance yet,” she whispered. “I strongly recommend you do. There are many young ladies of good family who will be happy to accept you as a partner.”
Tobias wrenched his gaze from the smooth curve of her right breast. “Lady Venables, do you perhaps remember our conversation of last night? I don’t need you to make a match for me, too.”
“Of course I remember. I said dance not propose marriage to them.” Her fan fluttered faster while she looked over the crowd around them. On the surface, Blythe appeared remote, serene even. He just happened to know she kissed like a bad man’s fantasy.
“Well, I’m not keen on having anyone but you in my arms so leave it be,” he murmured.
Her eyes widened, kissable lips parted in surprise. Did she really think other women were more alluring? He wanted to kiss her here and now and damn the consequences. The only thing that stopped him was his determination not to make an arse of himself and embarrass her.
A new dance partner appeared and swept Blythe off for another dance.
Mercy moved to his side and clutched his arm. “Isn’t it a wonderful evening, Mr. Randall?”
He offered her a fraudulent smile. “It is, Your Grace.”
Mercy sighed happily as she clapped in time with the music. “I’m so glad for Blythe. She deserves a bit of fun after all she’s been through. One day, the right man will turn her head and she’ll be the happiest woman in England. Well, after me of course.”
She turned back to converse with Leopold with a laugh, and Tobias cursed under his breath. Three sets seemed an eternity before he could have Blythe in his arms again. Letting her go again, he feared, would be problematic. She was to dance with Lord Archibald before his set and Tobias had the distinct feeling that the earl had something else besides dancing with Blythe on his mind. Some lucky, wealthy bastard would win her.
He headed for the card room so he didn’t have to witness the start of a proper courtship.
~ * ~
It may not seem that way to others, but Blythe was fairly certain that Tobias was well on the way to being foxed. He was polite to everyone he met, but his eyes had a glazed look about them. She executed a turn, linked hands with Lord Archibald, and then continued on. She’d never danced so much in one evening and she was looking forward to her set with Tobias and a quiet supper with him.
He had some explaining to do, too.
She clapped as the dance ended, and walked from the floor at Lord Archibald’s side. His behavior while they danced had increased her anxiety. “You dance like an angel,” he said.
Blythe hoped it was a terrible misunderstanding on her part, but he gave her every indication that he was flirting with her. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Archibald had spoken of his estate, of how pleased he was that she got along with his sisters; he spoke of the future, hinting at how happy he would be then. At no time had he mentioned Emma in his plans. It was as if she didn’t exist to him. Emma would be crushed.
The next set was announced, a waltz, and she looked for Tobias. He was watching her, a frown turning down the corners of his mouth. Oh dear. Did he not know the steps? She hadn’t thought to inquire about that particular dance before she accepted his request.
After a moment’s hesitation, he crossed to her side, and led her out onto the floor. He pulled her into his arms as people craned to see who danced together. His touch took her breath away and she tightened her grip on his hand as panic assailed her. She didn’t want him to fail at this. “Can you waltz, Tobias?”
His smile was brief. “We’re about to find out, aren’t we?”
That didn’t sound terribly promising. When they moved off, Blythe held her breath. Tobias’ movements were not the smooth steps she’d grown accustomed to from her partners, but he wasn’t terrible. As she let her tension drain away, their movements fell into a beautiful symmetry. They could dance together. She just needed to relax and trust him.
She spun in his arms, content and stirred by the music.
“Careful, B. You’ll have everyone whispering.”
She looked up. “Why?”
“Because you are smiling.”