Page 59 of An Offer By the Beastly Duke

“Yes, you are.”

Penelope lifted her fan, snapping it open. “It is warm in here.”

“Might I remind you that I’m your dearest friend, and you don’t need to lie to me?”

Lord Hayworth followed their gaze. A grin spread across his face. “Ah,” he said. “Now the evening improves.”

Across the room, Malcolm finally moved.

Her pulse skipped. He crossed the ballroom slowly, people parting before him almost unconsciously. A young lord stepped backward so quickly he nearly collided with a potted palm. Malcolm’s dark gaze never left hers. Not once.

Penelope became painfully aware of everything. The tightness of her silk bodice. The sudden warmth beneath her skin. The way her fingers pressed bruised marks into her fan.

He stopped directly before her. The sheer size of him blocked out the rest of the room.

“Lady Romwich.”

“Your Grace.”

His eyes moved over her face once, then lower, taking in the deep plum silk of her gown. “You look very beautiful tonight.”

Heat climbed straight into her cheeks, hot and sudden.

Violet made a suspicious choking sound beside her. Malcolm looked at her friend only briefly. “Lady Violet, Lady Amelia.”

“Your Grace,” Violet replied innocently.

Amelia said nothing; she was only too clearly trying to control her smirk.

Malcolm extended one large hand toward Penelope. “I would be honored to share this next dance with you.”

Penelope hesitated for half a heartbeat. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Then, she placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers immediately, warm and heavy even through her glove.

Behind her, Lord Hayworth muttered, “Finally.”

Malcolm led her onto the floor, his grip firm. The orchestra shifted, the violins taking up a waltz. Penelope’s stomach tightened into a knot.

“I was not aware you danced, Your Grace.”

“Not if I can help it,” he responded, “but there are exceptions to that rule.”

His hand settled at her waist. Even through layers of silk and corset stays, she felt the branding weight of it.

She drew a careful breath as they began to move.

Malcolm danced far better than she expected. He danced smoothly and confidently. One turn flowed effortlessly into the next, his powerful body guiding hers with maddening ease.

“You look surprised,” he said.

“I merely expected you to glower through the evening from some dark corner.”

His mouth shifted slightly at one corner. Not quite a smile, but close. The movement sent warmth racing unexpectedly through her chest.

“You are enjoying yourself,” he observed.

“I was not aware I was forbidden from doing so.”

“You looked determined to behave sensibly when you arrived.”