“Yes, your Grace,” Eva felt her newfound confidence erode.
“Where is your wife?” Simon enquired as Daniel approached him.
“She is with my grandmother and Ladies Dunbar and Fairlie.”
“Dear God, what were you thinking? Those three will eat her whole without pausing to draw breath. For shame, Daniel, this is her first social engagement and you cast her to the wolves.” Standing on his toes, Simon looked for Eva.
“I’m fairly sure I should be insulted over that statement about my grandmother, Kelkirk. You have no need to fear for Eva - they will let no harm befall her,” he added defensively. After all, what could possibly happen in a crowded ballroom? Hell, now he was starting to get nervous.
“Those three could have interrogated for Wellington, Daniel. I have suffered their tactics often. Give me Napoleon any day.”
“Christ what was I thinking?” Daniel started retracing his steps.
“For pities sake run!”
Daniel ignored his friend’s words, but his feet did not slow until he heard the twinkle of Eva’s laughter. That was a good sign, surely?
“Where are our refreshments, Duke?”
“A servant will bring them shortly.” Daniel held out his hand to Eva, who instantly took hold of it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. “Come, we will dance. Ladies,” he added, acknowledging the three elderly women who were watching him avidly.
“Are you all right, Eva?”
“Yes thank you, Simon.” Eva smiled as Simon walked past with a pretty lady on his arm.
“He took me to task for leaving you with my grandmother and her cronies,” Daniel said.
“I did feel like the last man on a sinking ship for a moment there.”
“But you are stronger than you realize, Duchess, and I think it is only you who is not aware of that fact yet.”
Was she? Eva thought that perhaps he was right. Looking around her, she became aware of just where she was and what she was doing.
“I’m waltzing in a ballroom.”
“So you are, Duchess, and you dance very well for someone who has not had much practice.” Daniel gently led her through a turn that she managed without tripping over his feet.#p#分页标题#e#
“Yes - ” she gave him a shy smile “ - I do.” Eva looked up at him and even though they were surrounded by hundreds of people, she was aware of only him. His intent grey eyes were focused on her also. “Thank you.”
He understood that the thank you was for so much more than the waltz.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Daniel’s eyes were on her lips. Eva could almost feel his kiss. She longed to rise to her toes and press her mouth to his.
“You’re beautiful,” he said, sounding as if the admission was causing him pain.
“So are you.”
He snorted. “Men are not beautiful, Duchess. Handsome, yes, even pleasing, but beautiful, no.”
“The music has finished, your Graces.”
“Eva looked into the smiling face of the lady who was walking past them with her partner.
“Thank you, Lady Tilbury.”
“Is something wrong, Daniel?” Eva questioned as she noted he was now scowling.
“Come, Duchess.” He did not answer her question, instead grabbing her hand and towing her from the dance floor. They did not stop until Claire stood before them.
“Good evening, Daniel, Eva.”
“I shall leave my wife in your hands, Claire.”
“You’re leaving?” Eva hadn’t meant her words to sound desperate, but the thought of being in this room filled with strangers, without him at her side, was daunting.
“I will return for the second waltz, Duchess.”
“Of course.” Eva straightened her shoulders. “I shall be fine here with Claire.” That sounded better, stronger, as if she was in control and not quaking with nerves inside.
He gave her a last, intent look before walking way.
“You look beautiful, Eva.” Claire took her hands, holding them wide. “It is a far cry from the dress I first saw you in.”
“‘Not quite the thing’, I believe you said.” Eva remembered that day clearly, because after Claire left, she had been attacked by Gilbert Huxley. Was he here? She hoped not.
Thinking of Lord Huxley brought her father to mind. How could she have given him Daniel’s grandfather’s ring? Dear Lord, what would her husband think of her if ever he found out? It had been desperation that had made her hand it to Bartholomew. She’d had nothing else to give at such short notice. If pushed by Daniel to hand it back, she could say she had lost it or it had slipped off her finger. She hated betraying him now, when they seemed to be bridging the gaps that had kept them distant from each other, yet she had to if she was to keep both he and Reggie safe.