Chapter 15 #2
The baroness of Lidden-Way was the biggest gossip in town. She didn’t dare spread any lies, but after all, the truth had a way of revealing itself and no one would be able to prove that she had revealed it.
The baroness was going to love the fact that de Warenne was launching a pirate’s daughter.
Dulcea finally breathed and she finally smiled.
AMANDA WAS LIGHT on her feet, but because she had been told to stretch her body to an impossible height, to keep her spine stiff, and to somehow keep a book on her head while waltzing, she couldn’t follow the dance master now.
“One two three, one two three,” he kept saying, but before he ever reached the second “three,” the book fell from her head to the floor.
He released her. “Miss Carre! The waltz is terribly simple. All you have to do is master three steps and stay erect! How difficult can it be?”
Amanda flushed, retrieving the book. She knew the steps, she just couldn’t comprehend how to move her feet and not move her back or her head while doing so.
It seemed impossible and she was discouraged, but she would not give up.
Ladies had to dance, and they had to dance well.
Sooner or later, she was going to master the waltz.
However, she knew everyone in Cliff’s family was hoping she would be ready to attend the Carrington ball, and that was only weeks away.
Mr. Burns sighed. “Shall we?”
Amanda put the book oh so carefully on her head and placed one hand on his shoulder, the other in his palm. He smiled briefly, his expression strained, and chanted, “One two three.”
The book fell, clattering on the floor.
“I am sorry!” Amanda cried, flushing with humiliation again. She had never felt clumsier until she straightened. Clutching the book to her chest, her heart stopped. Dismayed, she saw that Cliff stood on the ballroom’s threshold, apparently watching her.
She felt her cheeks flame, but there were so many other reactions, as well. She always thrilled to glimpse him, and her heart told her that now, speeding as their eyes met. “How long have you been standing there?” she managed.
He sent her the most beautiful smile she had ever received. “A few minutes,” he said, slowly crossing the room, his gaze never wandering from hers.
Amanda became still. There was something powerful and magnetic about his approach, his long, lazy strides, and the intent way he was looking at her.
She couldn’t help wishing he had agreed to become her husband.
The moment the terrible and unbidden thought occurred, she shoved it far away.
He was her guardian, her protector and her champion.
He was her friend. Nothing more, and she must always remember that.
But he seemed entranced as he approached, and she somehow knew he was coming to take her into his arms. His gaze remaining on hers, he said, “I will show Miss Carre the waltz, Mr. Burns. You may leave us.”
Burns nodded, swiftly leaving but hiding a smile Amanda did not comprehend.
Cliff paused before her, reaching toward her. Before she knew it, he had taken the book from her hands. Another heart-wrenching smile came her way. “It is a beautiful dance, an elegant dance,” he murmured, walking away. He placed the book on one of the many velvet chairs lining the huge room.
Amanda’s heart was racing with intense anticipation now.
As he returned to her, she somehow whispered, “You will teach me to waltz?” She had dreamed so many times of the dance they would share at the Carrington ball and it had felt as if she must wait an eternity for that single dance.
But finally, she would be in his arms, dancing across the room.
If she managed to keep up with him.
He smiled again, taking her left hand and placing it on his broad shoulder, then taking her right in his palm. “Do you object?” he asked softly.
Her heart leaped wildly. She was in his arms and there was no place she would rather be. “How could I possibly object?” she murmured, aware that no more than a single inch separated their bodies. Hers had heated, yearning for more than he was ever going to give her.
But it was all right. This was better than nothing.
His soft smile played again and his eyes warmed impossibly more. His gaze holding hers, he started to dance with her.
He did not count or chant. He waltzed across the floor and Amanda found herself whirling effortlessly with him, their steps so light and perfect, miraculously synchronized, so that the floor seemed to vanish and they were dancing in clouds.
She laughed as he whirled her about the room and he smiled back, into her eyes.
They floated and swirled, back and forth, again and again, the dance effortless, perfect and magical.
And Amanda never missed a step. She did not trip or falter.
She felt as if she had been dancing this way with Cliff forever and ever.
She could not look away from his beloved, handsome face.
He would always take her breath away. He was so beautiful and she had never loved him more.
Amanda did not know how long they danced—it could have been five minutes, it could have been an hour. She knew she could waltz with Cliff forever.
Cliff suddenly glanced past her. He faltered.
She cried out, as he had stepped on her toes. He seized her shoulders, preventing her from falling. “I am sorry!” he exclaimed. “I have hurt you!” He seemed shocked by what he had done.
She clung as he righted her. “I am fine,” she said breathlessly, and she turned to look at the threshold of the room to see what had distracted him.
A tall, dark, imposing man stood there, splendidly dressed, as regal as a king. He wasn’t smiling. He was watching them closely. She knew it was the Earl of Adare.
Amanda trembled.
The earl came forward, his gaze quickly drifting over her from head to toe before moving to his son.
Amanda stood breathlessly besides Cliff, aware of being inspected and praying she would not be found lacking.
She stole a glance at Cliff and was surprised.
He looked almost as Alexi did when about to be set down.
He seemed guilty of some small crime, for he was flushing.
Cliff was a hero—her hero. After all, he was a great privateer and a wealthy and powerful man. She knew he loved, admired and respected his father but now, she saw he was still the son of a great and titled nobleman. But why did he expect to be reprimanded? All he had done was teach her to waltz.
Cliff inclined his head in a show of vast respect and deference. “My lord,” he said. “This is Miss Carre. Amanda, my father, Adare.”
Instantly Amanda sank into the lowest curtsy she could manage, hoping to touch her nose to the floor.
“Miss Carre, I have heard all about you from my wife, and I am delighted that you have become a member of this family,” the earl said pleasantly, smiling.
Cliff had taken her elbow, undoubtedly to prevent her from crashing face-first into the floor, and she stood up. “Thank you, my lord,” she stammered. This great man seemed to be speaking as if he really welcomed her into his home!
He smiled at her again, the light reaching his vivid blue eyes. “Mary is very fond of you, my dear, and if that is so, I share in her affections. I hope you have been given all that you need to make your stay a comfortable one?”
She blinked and nodded. “More than enough, sir,” she whispered, beginning to realize he looked intimidating but that he might actually be as kind as the rest of his family.
He turned his blue gaze to Cliff, his smile fading a bit. His hand clasped Cliff’s shoulder with affection. “I am so pleased to see you. I was certainly surprised when I arrived today to learn that you are here,” he added.
Cliff seemed to have recovered his composure. “Duty brought me to town a bit sooner that I had planned, as you surely know.” He smiled. “And I have brought Alexi and Ariella with me.”
The earl of Adare beamed. “I have already met your children. Alexi reminds me of you, exactly, and Ariella seems to be an angel.”
Cliff smiled proudly. “My daughter is an angel—a brilliant one, and yes, I am afraid Alexi might become a bit wayward.”
The earl chuckled and turned to Amanda, who was listening raptly to the two men. “I have not seen my son in a year and a half. I have some matters I wish to discuss with him. Would you excuse us?”
Amanda nodded, as she would never defy this man. She curtsied again, this time naturally. “Of course. My lord? Thank you for having me. Your home is wonderful…I do adore your entire family!”
Edward smiled again, and briefly, so did Cliff. “And by the by, you are a beautiful dancer,” the earl said with approval.
Amanda flushed with pleasure and stole a glance at Cliff to share her joy with him, then left.
Cliff stared after Amanda, aware of being proud of her most recent achievement. “I was certain she would be a graceful dancer,” he said, more to himself than his father.
“I have never seen two people dance so beautifully together,” the earl remarked, also watching her leaving the room. “Indeed, the two of you look as if you have been waltzing together for years.”
Cliff tensed. “Obviously, we have but known one another for a few months.” He hesitated, afraid of what his father might be thinking. Then he said, “You should see her with a sword. She could outfence Ty.”
The earl’s brows lifted. “You are entranced.”
Cliff knew his color increased. “She is my ward, sir. I am launching her into society, as Mother must have told you. I am very pleased with her accomplishments.” But he tugged at his shirt collar.
“Miss Carre is beautiful and sweet,” the earl remarked. “I cannot imagine her wielding a sword. She also seems entranced by you, Cliff.” His tone was firm, even stern.
“We were enjoying the waltz,” Cliff said tersely. “She has never waltzed before. The countess has surely told you Amanda’s story.”