Tall and perfectly still, he watched her approach. Sarah’s pulse leapt and her stomach started to flutter in a way she’d not experienced since her presentation at court. He’d been strikingly handsome in his day clothes, but dressed in his evening attire, she didn’t think there was a man in all of England who could compare. Not even her brothers, who’d always struck her as being blessed with exceptionally good looks.
“Your Grace,” she said when Brunswick didn’t speak. “You wished to see me?”
His expression, cast in shadows, appeared as stern as ever. It was impossible for her to discern the emotion in his eyes which made it difficult to perceive his mood. The flutter in her stomach intensified until it turned into a whirlwind of utter confusion. Why did he affect her so? It didn’t make any sense.
“You look incredible tonight.”
His soft-spoken words felt like a caress, which only confirmed her descent into madness.
“Thank you.” She straightened her spine and hoped she didn’t look too pleased with the compliment. After all, the man was conceited enough as it was. She offered a smile. “You look rather dashing yourself.”
His eyes held hers until her heart hammered against her breast. Something was different tonight. He was different. She wasn’t sure how, but she could feel it.
“I would like to apologize to you,” he eventually said. “My behavior the last time we met was horribly rude. I’m embarrassed by it, Miss Townsbridge, but there are things that plague me - memories I cannot seem to escape. Sometimes, they creep up on me without a moment’s warning, and when that happens my instinct tells me to run.”
Sarah stared at him in rapt silence. She was captivated by his confession, both surprised and honored by what he was willing to share. She’d not expected it. Afraid to push him too hard yet needing to know a bit more, she carefully asked, “Do you know why this happens?”
“Yes.” He reached for her hand and twined his gloved fingers with hers. “Can you forgive my behavior toward you and your brothers?”
“Of course.”
His expression relaxed and he blew out a breath. “Thank God. I was worried you wouldn’t.”
Something else she’d not expected. “Really?”
The edge of his mouth lifted to form an incredibly roguish smile. “Does it surprise you to know I enjoy your company?” When she nodded, he raised her knuckles to his lips for a brief kiss. “It shouldn’t. You’re the only one who can make me smile.”
Speechless, Sarah could only gape at him. She wasn’t sure if he was being honest or deliberately flirtatious. Either way, he made her feel appreciated, as though she’d accomplished something meaningful, something he was grateful for.
“I’m glad,” she heard herself say. “More than you can possibly imagine.”
His eyes gleamed as he bowed his head toward hers. She sucked in a breath. Would he kiss her? She wasn’t yet sure. But what if he did? Should she allow it?
Her heart pounded harder as he drew nearer. She was asking herself the wrong questions. What she ought to be asking was, did she want to allow such intimacy between them?
Yes, her body insisted with wild jubilation. Yes, you most certainly do. You’ve never been kissed before. Don’t pass up this chance.
Her brain was far more hesitant, warning her to be careful, to not give him the wrong impression. If they kissed, surely he’d think they were on their way to the altar.
Before she could finish her internal debate, his cheek brushed the side of her head, and then he whispered against her ear, “Dance with me, Miss Townsbridge.”
A shiver raced through her. She knew she wasn’t a stunning beauty. If asked, she would describe herself as ordinary, perhaps even plain. Athena had always been the one with the almond-shaped eyes, delicate nose, and full lips set in a heart-shaped face surrounded by a thick mass of curls.
Not once in her life had Sarah felt desirable.
Until now in this very moment with Brunwick’s seductive voice breezing over her skin, his masculine scent, a rich blend of brandy and sandalwood, swirling around her, and the warmth of his hand clasping hers.
It was dizzying, and as a result she could only nod.
The moment she did, his lips grazed her cheek, so swiftly she scarcely had time to appreciate the gentle caress.
“Thank you.” He offered his arm and she accepted. A wicked smile teased his lips. “I sincerely hope the next dance is the waltz.”
IT WAS.
Chest tight with emotion, Matthew clasped Miss Townsbridge’s hand while placing his left palm against her back. He hadn’t lied when he’d told her she looked lovely tonight. In fact, she’d stolen his breath when she’d stepped out onto the terrace, dressed in a gown cut from golden silk. The fabric hugged her delectable figure, instilling in him a severe urge to run his hands over each perfect curve.
The music started and he stepped forward, guiding her into the first part of the dance. His apology seemed to have worked, or perhaps it had been his explanation. He’d merely offered some measly crumbs to appease her curiosity, but they’d gained the sympathy and forgiveness he needed. All he had to do now was play the seductive charmer, and he’d no doubt she’d soon give him the answer he wanted.
It wouldn’t be hard.
Pressing his hand more firmly against her back, he caught her gaze and held it while leading her in a wide arc. “I’d like you to join me at the opera tomorrow evening.” He took a deep breath and savored the sweet scent of roses that clung to her skin. “Don Giovanni is playing. Have you seen it?”
“No. I’ve not had the chance yet. And I’d be delighted,” she added softly. “Thank you.”
His heart expanded with an indefinable emotion he dared not explore more fully just then. He cleared his throat. “You’ll need an escort, of course.”
“I’m sure my parents would be happy to accompany me.”
They confirmed this as soon as the dance was over, allowing Matthew to breathe a sigh of relief. Happy with the progress he’d made that evening, he stepped back and gave a short bow. “Until tomorrow then.”
“You’re already leaving?” Miss Townsbridge asked.
He smiled in response to the hint of regret playing in her eyes. “I only came so I could enjoy one dance.”
Her blush made him wish he could stay, but he’d already made up his mind before coming. If he was to win her, he had to move slower and with more finesse. Their interaction this evening was a perfect example. He’d handled it with the skill of a grand master chess player. And now it was time to retreat - to make her miss him a little so she would rejoice when they met again tomorrow.
Slowly but surely he’d make her crave him. Until she dreamed of letting him kiss her. Until the only answer she’d give him was, “Yes.”
He addressed her parents. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“Indeed,” Lord Roxley murmured. “We look forward to seeing you again soon.”
Matthew gave a quick nod, smiled at Miss Townsbridge, and departed. Once in his carriage, he tried not to worry about the anticipation kicking his own heart into a faster rhythm. He was simply excited because his plan appeared to be working. It had nothing to do with anything else, certainly not with an eager desire to spend more time getting to know Miss Townsbridge and absolutely not with some desperate longing he harbored for her to feel affection toward him.