Page 26 of The Trouble with Tweed

He smiled warmly down at her. “The opposite, which is why I asked.”

“I don’t want to say anything foolish.”

“On the contrary, my dear,” he said, snagging two sparkling flutes from a passing servant, “three glasses of champagne will make you stupid, but one will make you far more human.”

She accepted the glass and lifted her chin. “As opposed to what?”

“I’m not sure,” he said, “but it appeared as if I were leading a fire poker in that first dance.”

“Did you really just call me a fire poker?”

“No, of course not. I said you appeared to be a fire poker. Anyone with two eyes can see that you are, in fact, just a very stressed lady.”

“I’m not stressed.” She winced and took a sip of the champagne. The lovely bubbles rushed over her tongue with a crisp sweetness.

“Wonderful to hear it. I must be mistaken.”

“Isn’t there anyone you wish to introduce me to?”

Claire looked about but didn’t see any appropriate gentlemen. The only ones she saw appeared too handsome and charming to fit her parameters. Did sensible gentlemen even attend balls? She suddenly didn’t know.

His eyes scanned the surrounding crowd. “No.”

“The whole point of you pretending to court me is to ingratiate me with the other gentlemen.”

“There is no need to remind me of that, madam,” he nearly growled. “But all in due time. If I try to foist you off on the nearest man after only one dance, it will appear as if I wish to be rid of you. We want everyone to think the opposite is true.”

“Very well.”

“You forget, Claire, that I have four more years of experience than you when it comes to social maneuvering. I wish you’d put a little more trust in me.”

“Fine.” She finished her champagne and set the empty glass on a passing tray. “What now?”

“Now we wait till that champagne takes effect, or we get you a second glass.”

She tilted her head. “Do be serious.”

“I am, entirely. Ah, look. You won our wager.” He nodded to the center of the dance floor, where another waltz was taking place.

Claire did her best to see around the milling people without craning her neck in an obvious fashion. Lily was waltzing with a gentleman Claire didn’t know. He was tall with broad shoulders and a handsome face. However, he appeared to be glowering down at her.

“It appears as if she’s having as much fun as you are,” Michael said.

Lily looked exceptionally beautiful that evening in an emerald-green dress that flowed close to her lovely figure from shoulder to waist and then draped in loose folds to the floor. Lily was always beautiful, but she was astoundingly so tonight. If Claire hadn’t loved her so well, she might have been tempted toward jealousy.

“It appears she needs a glass of champagne, too,” Claire noted.

In fact, Lily looked distinctly uncomfortable. She was being swirled around by the handsome stranger, who looked as dangerous as a knife. They made quite the stunning contrast. No wonder people were staring at the couple—Claire could barely help it herself.

“I’ll be sure to hear the full story later this evening.”

He turned to her. “Of course. Now, how are you? Do you require another beverage?”

Claire pressed a hand to quell the nervous fluttering in her stomach. “I think I’d better wait. I never was one for drinking. It seems to go straight to my head.”

Michael reached out, gently gripped her wrist, and gave her arm a little shake. He nodded. “There’s more movement in your limbs, which is an excellent start.”

She yanked her hand from his grasp. “Don’t forget we’re in public.”