Vexing the Viscount

“You did just fine with Lord Upton.” He stopped and stared down at her. “And why in God’s name did you dance with that man?”

“I didn’t seem to have any choice in the matter. We were introduced and then he was escorting me to the dance floor.” She glared up at him. “Not much different than you.”

He leaned and inhaled the sweet, intoxicating scent of jasmine. “Oh, but we were already introduced.” He turned and pulled her closer as the crowd tightened around them. Finally, space opened as they reached the dance floor.

“So what is the dance?” she asked.

He dragged her closer until their bodies almost touched. “The waltz.”

Her eyes widened. “Emily told me I could not dance the waltz until I am given approval by Lady Jersey.”

“We can’t wait until next Season for approval.” Because nothing was going to stop him from dancing a waltz with her tonight. The music started and he led her with ease. “I do believe you lied to me.”

“Oh?”

“You most definitely know how to waltz.” He stared down at her brown eyes and felt mesmerized by the amber flecks, reminding him of a fine sherry. “And would this Emily be Lady Eldridge?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

Of all the women, she had to meet Emily. “Do tell me how a wise woman from the Midlands is suddenly befriended by a countess.”

“

We met at the park the day . . .”

He smirked. “The day you left me?”

She frowned. “You make it sound almost scandalous.”

“Smile, my dear. We are the talk of the party.”

Her brown eyes widened. “No.” She quickly glanced around. “Why would one dance with you cause such talk?”

“Don’t you know how notorious I am?”

“You’re nothing more than a rake, like most of the men your age,” she retorted.

“Perhaps Lady Eldridge should have given you more information about the man you slept with.”

She stiffened. “I did not sleep with you.”

“That is not what every man and woman would think if they discovered you had stayed overnight in my home.”

“Servants stay in your home every night and no one accuses them of sleeping with you.” She tilted her chin, as if in her mind she had won that argument. “Even if they do.”

“I never sleep with the servants. Besides, servants don’t comport themselves at parties and befriend countesses.” He scanned her body again. “And no one would think you are a servant after tonight.”

Her cheeks reddened slightly. “I’m not sure if I should thank you or slap you.”

“Both are options,” he said seductively. He leaned in and whispered, “But I get to tell you where you will slap me.”

“You go too far, Middleton.”

“Nowhere near far enough.”

Her lips gaped slightly. “I believe our dance is over.”

“Excellent,” he said, clasping her upper arm. “Then we can leave now.”