Page 134 of The Dueling Duchess

Guy grinned at his friend. “Ah, Elliot, punctual as usual, I see. Perhaps you might escort Miss Tremblay as well. Miss Brown has promised her first set to me.”

Elliot gave his friend an unreadable look before turning to Cecile. “Would you honor me with a dance?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

As Elliot escorted her up the stairs to the ballroom, he leaned close. “What is Guy up to this evening?”

“Is he up to something?”

“His eyes had a certain gleam in them when they landed on me.”

“Well, I’m glad he is fixated on you this evening rather than me.” She leaned a bit closer and asked softly, “Is it my imagination, or are people staring?”

“No, it’s not your imagination; they’re staring.”

“Do you think they know who I am?”

“Perhaps a few of them, but it is more likely that most of them are staring because you and Josephine are both exceedingly beautiful women. And of course, everyone stares at Guy.”

Cecile laughed, her gaze darting around the grand ballroom as she tried to take in everything. “I am new at this.”

“Balls?”

“Dancing.”

“Ah. Do you wish to sit this one out?”

“Not at all. Guy taught us a good many figures.”

He looked amused. “Well, you couldn’t have had a better teacher.” He guided her toward the far side of the ballroom. “It will be less of a crush away from the entrance,” he explained. “This first set should be an easy one for you—Drops of Brandy, it is called. Do you need—”

Cecile unfurled her fan and quickly found the dance in question.

Elliot laughed. “Good thinking.”

“It was Guy’s idea.”

Cecile couldn’t help noticing that Elliot’s gaze lingered on Blade as she and Guy took their positions. She leaned close to him and said, “He asked her for the first dance because he didn’t want her to feel left out. He knew I’d enjoy myself whether anyone asked me or not. But Blade . . . well, ballroom dancing is not something she ever imagined for herself.”

“I’m stunned you persuaded her to come.” Elliot swallowed, his expression positively ravenous as he stared at Blade. “She looks…”

“Yes?” Cecile prodded, amused by this unprecedented emotional display from such a reserved man.

Elliot wrenched his gaze away from Blade with obvious effort and his sharp cheekbones stained with red when he realized he was staring at another woman while ignoring his own dance partner. “Er, you look quite ravishing this evening, too.”

Cecile laughed and tapped him on the arm with her fan. “Poor Elliot.”

He gave her a sheepish look. “That obvious, am I?”

“I think it’s charming.” Cecile couldn’t help wondering if Blade knew just how taken with her Elliot was.

“We’d best take our positions,” Elliot murmured.

Cecile quickly discovered that dancing in a ballroom with a full orchestra playing and a hundred other people chattering was far more challenging than dancing with three other people at home. She found it extremely difficult to talk, concentrate, and dance, so she was relieved that Elliot was too busy sneaking glances at Blade to require much conversation.

By the time she was comfortable with the formation and steps, and just beginning to enjoy herself, the dance was almost over.

“Well done,” Elliot said as he led her off the floor.