Page 44 of To Ensnare a Duke

Unfortunately, I'm not well acquainted with the Duke of Whiteham's London house, and so finding a spot where I may hide away while I concoct my plan is proving difficult. Turning back to my partner, I do my best to give them a bright smile. The last thing I want is to have more suspicion cast upon me.

The dances seem to go forever, and every so often, I do wonder if I should have taken Portswell up on his advice to pace them out so as to not overexert myself. My backside aches as I move about, pretending to be in the best of health. But then, the stubborn man probably already knows that.

Another quick glance his way, and our eyes lock. His gaze sears me to the soul, robbing me of breath. How are we not the best match of the Ton? How can he not see what is clearly right in front of his face?

All too soon, the number ends, and I'm led back to my little cadre of supporters. Off to the side, Miss Campbell beams at me and claps her hands in delight.

"Oh, but your feet look as if they never touch the floor. How are you so well accomplished? I've tried to master the steps but still feel like a clumsy fool whenever I take even a small step."

"Come now," Norhaven booms behind us, causing Miss Campbell to jolt forward. "I have seen you dance and find you neither clumsy nor inept."

A light flush creeps up her neck as we curtsy to the newcomer. "Your praise is most appreciated, Your Grace. If only it were enough to snag the sights of a willing suitor."

I study the duke as he clears his throat and loosens his cravat. "Take heart, Miss Campbell. Once the current ladies of the season are spoken for, I'm sure another will come to claim you."

Her face falls, but it is so imperceptible, I might miss it if I were not watching. Poor thing. I know what it's like to be besotted with one who will not yield. Doing my best to change the subject, I lift my shoulders and look out onto the floor where Lord Harhall makes his way forward.

"I do say I am rather intrigued by Lord Harhall. He seems quite the gentleman. Portswell takes some unknown umbrage with him but refuses to tell me what it is. Perhaps you can enlighten me, Your Grace?"

Norhaven's blue eyes quickly slide over to Portswell. "If Portswell is against a match between the two of you, he must have his reasons. I've never known this man to be unreasonable."

"Fie," I cry out, a laugh rippling along the word. "I dare say most men seem to have a penchant for being unreasonable. What say you, Miss Campbell?"

The look Norhaven cuts her is unable to be missed. There's such heat in their glances, such unspoken words. Eventually, the omega bows and gives a shy smile.

"I fear I cannot say what a man's penchant is. I believe men and women alike have the ability to not see reason."

"Well said," Portswell says, nodding in agreement.

But of course he would. Sullen, I turn from the group and seek out my next partner. Without fail, he approaches and bows, once more going for my hand. This time, his lips descend even lower. It's not quite a kiss, but the heat of his breath stings me through the gloves.

"Lord Harhall," Portswell grinds out. "Take care with my charge. I will do all I can to ensure this dance is without scandal."

The man lays a hand over his heart and laughs. "What think you, Miss Hunt? Do you think me capable of causing a scandal?"

"That is not for her to answer," Portswell grinds out, his tone laced with a warning growl.

"As a woman who can speak for herself," I interject, ignoring the glare my duke sends over. "I have no knowledge of you in this manner. Are you indeed scandalous? I fear I must find out."

"A plucky spirit," he grins, extending his arm. "I do so love interacting with a woman with spirit."

"Be sure she returns to us just the same as when you've extracted her from my side." This time, there's no denying the tenor of his voice as he sneers at the man.

I cannot resist the urge to tease the man. "Careful, Portswell. You do not wish others here to think you are giving him the cut. With a man of your honor and integrity, that would be a slight unforgivable. Would it not?" If he notices my emphasis on the words honor and integrity, he does not show it.

Not that he would. He is, after all, a vision chiseled in stone. Doing my best to put on a carefree air, I walk out to the floor with Lord Harhall. After we all partner up for the quadrille, the music swells as we step in time.

"Do I dare hope you might hold some affection for me?" Lord Harhall murmurs by my side as we do the intricate steps. "Or is your championing of me in pursuit of another?"

I do my best to hide my giggle as we turn around before standing off to the side for the others to take their turn.

"I have been warned against you, you know. But none will tell me why."

He gives me a dashing smile that would be sure to turn anyone's head if their heart were not already spoken for. Unfortunately, I can also see the darkness lurking deep in his eyes. No matter how large he smiles, it looms there like a storm on the horizon.

"You mustn't believe everything you hear, Miss. London deals in secrets, lies, and false aspersions." Pausing, we take up again with the group and keep our conversation light until we are off to ourselves once more.

"Though I know nearly nothing about you, I feel that you are a man who enjoys a spot of fun. Do I assume correctly?"