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“Shall we dance then, Miss Bonnet?” Sebastian asked her. “I fear it is the cost of our introduction.”
The Master of Ceremonies laughed heartily, sending his wig bouncing on his head. “Oh, indeed it is.”
“Alas, there is no escaping our responsibility. Everyone is watching. Miss Bonnet?” Sebastian offered his arm to the wide-eyed beauty, and to his surprise, she took it and allowed herself to be led to the center of the ballroom.
“A waltz has been called.” She looked into his eyes quizzically. “It is very new.”
“If you prefer, we can wait for a contradance.” Truth to tell, he actually hoped she would choose to do just that. It would be very telling. What sort of instructor of the art of being a lady would she be without knowledge of the waltz, one of the most fashionable new dances in all of England? He awaited her reply with baited breath.
She tilted her head to the side, and flicked up an eyebrow. “I confess, I adore the waltz. Forgive me, my lord, I only wondered if you were comfortable. It has only recently been performed in court.”
“Quite comfortable, I assure you.” An adequate reply, but the true test would be her skill. “Shall we dance?”
Miss Bonnet tilted her head and smiled as she moved into position.
He flashed a bright smile in response.
The Master of Ceremonies deserved Sebastian’s great thanks for not only arranging an introduction to Miss Bonnet, but for using his position to convince the reluctant woman to dance with him. And a waltz, no less. The intimate position would allow conversation, as well as a very nearer study of the infamous Miss Bonnet.
The music began, and within a moment she was in his arms looking directly into his eyes as they turned.
This was no shy and retiring instructor. There was an elegance about her, as well as an attractive assurance he’d never witnessed in a young woman. This, from an instructor at a school for young ladies?
It hardly seemed possible. From the moment they were introduced he noted her complete ease in what to most would be a very uncomfortable situation. There were too many incongruities. He definitely required further study of her.
As they turned to the closed position again, he studied her face. Her wide eyes, delicate nose and high cheekbones were nearly identical to those of Lady Priscilla Sinclair. But there were differences too, and the longer he examined those, the less convinced he was that she was a relation.
Her top lip was slightly plumper than the lower, and for a fleeting moment, he wondered how those lips might feel moving over his. And her jaw was stronger, deliciously feminine, but more square than oval. Her form, well, it was far more womanly.
Her cheeks flushed becomingly, pinking her ivory face. Damn, she knew he was studying her.
“Y-you are Scottish, Miss Bonnet,” he noted awkwardly, feeling a need to say something.
“Aye.” Her mouth twitched upward before she schooled her features once more. “You are tall.”
“As are you.” He groaned inwardly. Brilliant repartee.
“My, you are very observant, my lord.” Her gaze shifted to momentarily his feet. Damn. Off step.
Miss Bonnet, however, was more graceful and fluid in her movements than any other on the dance floor, and though his intent might well see her removed from her teaching position at Gemma’s school, he simply could not remove his gaze from her.
“What other startling skills have you to recommend yourself?” she asked.
Had he not seen the flash of amusement on her lips a moment before, he might have misread her question as derisive, instead of intriguingly flirtatious.
“I can claim a clutch of accomplishments that might impress one such as you, Miss Bonnet.” He peered at her very expensive gown that so perfectly accentuated the soft curves of her body. “Though I confess,” he added, “dressing well is not one of them.”
“I suppose it is not.” She shot a glance at his riding boots and then at the slippered feet of the gentleman dancing beside them. “It is a learned skill, however, and it is my belief that it is never too late to add dressing appropriately as an accomplishment.”
That was a pinch, but also his opening to confront her about her curriculum. “Is it a skill you are teaching my charge?”
“Aye, among many others essential to the students’ development as ladies.”
As they turned, he misstepped again and moved against her, his chest momentarily pressing against her full breasts. Bloody hell. From the twitch of her eyebrow he was sure she believed he had done so intentionally. “So sorry.”
“Everyone makes mistakes when learning, Lord Wentworth.” She peered directly into his eyes and instantly set him worrying that beneath her scrutiny, he would err again.
“Miss Bonnet.” Now it was his turn to unsettle her. “Do you not believe French, history, literature and art more appropriate subjects for the young ladies?”
Without realizing it, he tightened his grip on her gloved hand and her waist, drawing her closer. Though her wit and tongue were sharp, her body was soft...the feel of her against him, pleasing.
“My lord.” She cast her gaze at their clasped hands. “I assure you, I will not fall. You may loosen your grasp, unless you are concerned that you may misstep again and tumble to the floor.”
Suddenly he was all too aware of how close he’d drawn her body to his. “I beg your forgiveness, Miss Bonnet. My experience waltzing may be somewhat less than I led you to believe.”
“Evidently.” When he increased the space between them, she seemed to relax. “To answer your question regarding the students, I do believe in a well-rounded education rich in all of the subjects you mentioned. However, an education lacking in etiquette and the social graces is incomplete.” A slow smile slid across her rose-hued lips. “How fortuitous for your ward that I am here to offer an opportunity to complete her education.”
“Indeed. Mayhap I shall visit the school tomorrow to better understand the value of your instruction.” He cast down the gauntlet.
And she instantly snatched it up. “Mayhap you should, my lord.” She dropped her head back and a low, entirely seductive laugh welled up from her middle as he spun them around a little too fast. She raised her head up and as they came to rest, there was a challenging gleam in her eyes. “You may find that you too will learn something of value.”
His pulse quickened as his gaze silently accepted the dare they both knew had nothing to do with the school. The music ended and as the dancers applauded, he leaned his mouth to her ear and whispered hotly into it. “I may already have, my dear Miss Bonnet.”
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