Page 30 of Brazen

A moment of silence passed, then the man added, “I would be pleased if you would honor me with a dance.”

Mia scowled, and Magnus tensed in anticipation of the tongue lashing the man was about to receive.

Mia surprised him by saying, “I am fatigued and only want a bit of fresh air before I retire.”

“I am happy to see you to your chambers, my lady.”

“Thank you, but that will not be necessary.”

The man stepped closer to her and said something Magnus couldn’t hear. Her frown deepened and she started back toward the ballroom. Magnus ducked back into the alcove. Once her footsteps receded, he peered around the edge of the alcove in time to see the man turn and saunter down the steps and onto the lawn.

Magnus left the alcove and reentered the ballroom. Lady Mia stood alone to the right of the balcony door. He approached. She caught sight of him and her brow furrowed. He stopped beside her.

“Lady Mia,” he said with a slight bow.

“Lord Magnus,” she replied.

He faced the dance floor. “It’s rather late. I thought you had retired with your aunt.”

“Clearly, you were mistaken.”

“That is my good fortune.”

She studied him. He couldn’t blame her. The mysterious Mr. Barton had left her suspicious.

He looked down at her. “May I have the next dance, my lady?”

The suspicion deepened. “Why?”

He bit back a laugh and managed in an even voice, “I haven’t danced all night and am in the mood to dance with a beautiful woman.”

Humor flickered in her eyes.

He had her.

“Tongues are already wagging,” she said.

He nodded. “Aye.”

“You had best beware, sir. The orchestra has not played a country dance yet this evening. If the next dance is a country dance, you will be forced to endure twenty minutes with me on the dancefloor.”

“I could endure a great deal more than that, my lady.”

Her gaze sharpened. “You do recall I own a large pig.”

He lifted his brows. “Lady Mia, if you have taught Lucy how to dance, I will sell tickets and we will become rich.”

She laughed. He was surprised to realize this was the first time he’d heard her laugh. He liked the sound.

“Lucy can do many things, but dance is not one of them,” she said.

“I must admit, I am relieved.”

She laughed again. “Why?”

“Because a pig that can dance is probably more intelligent than I.”

Mia returned her gaze to the dancers. “Only time will tell on that score, sir.”