The Reluctant Duke (A Seabrook Family Saga)(32)

Sebastian’s heart sank to his knees when the music ended and he escorted her back to his sisters to wait for another dance partner. Before he bowed off he leaned close to her. “Emma, I—”

He could hardly declare himself in love with her here. He spoke through the lump in his throat. “Thank you for the most enchanting dance.” He nodded his head. “I beg your leave.”

She curtsied. “Most certainly.” Emma stared after Sebastian and wondered about his sudden solemn mood. Then she turned to Bella who looked positively radiant after dancing the waltz with Myles. Emma quickly forgot about Sebastian’s intensity.

Bella flipped open her fan and waved it quickly. “I swear that man does unholy things to me.” She giggled and her eyes widened. “Do you know I batted my lashes and flirted shamelessly with Myles during our waltz? Mother will take me to task for my unladylike behavior if she noticed.”

Bella leaned in close to Emma. “If one does not behave like that to the man she loves, how will he know? I recently turned ten-and-nine and it’s my first season. Many young ladies my age are already married. And I have this feeling…” She covered her heart with a hand. “That my time is running out with Myles. That if I don’t let my intentions and feelings be known, he will find some other lady to marry. I must speak to Thomas tonight and admit my feelings for Myles and beg his help to secure my heart and my future happiness.”

Emma’s heart pained at the desperation in Bella’s voice. She was no expert in affairs of the heart, but she knew Myles flirted with everyone, including her.

Yet she sensed there might be another reason he didn’t really notice Bella, or any other young woman here. When they traveled across the Atlantic to return to England, there was a touch of melancholy in his usually exuberant self. She had broached the subject once, but Myles had politely waved her off. It was possible that during his time in America something or someone had hurt him.

Tonight, though, he seemed like the Myles she’d first met. And it bothered her for Bella’s sake that he did not look at Bella differently than he looked at any other lady he spent time with. She silently prayed she was wrong. That Myles secretly pined away for Bella. That he was only waiting for the perfect moment to declare his regard for Bella to her brother, Wentworth.

Emma could see it perfectly… Myles declaring his love for Bella and Wentworth throwing him out on his arse. Emma frowned. Yes, that’s likely what he’d do.

Emma and Bella sat the next dance out, begging thirst. They made their way to the refreshment table and sipped weak punch.

“Oh, my, Amesbury is finally dancing with Lady Beth,” Bella whispered behind her punch glass, for Emma’s ears alone.

“Indeed. They look the picture of the perfect couple.” Emma felt herself blush. “Do you think I will ever look like that?”

Bella giggled. “If you saw what I saw when you danced with Sebastian you would have your answer. I do believe my brother is enamored of you. His eyes never left your face, and he had this lovesick grin.” She paused and looked hopefully at her. “Do you suppose you and Sebastian will marry? If you do we will truly be sisters.”

Emma opened her mouth to speak, but words escaped her as her eyes fell on His Grace, strolling toward them. His turbulent blue eyes never wavered from her, and a lovely chill of awareness danced up her spine.

Then Emma remembered that staring at the opposite sex was deemed risqué behavior, and she looked down at her trembling hands instead. Why did Wentworth make her weak in the knees and raise her pulse? Why, by the grace of God, could it not be Sebastian that affected her this way?

Life was unfair. She knew then Wentworth would never want her the way she wanted him.

She was an American and not of his class. A part of her wanted to shout out that her father was a good man, that she came from good stock. But more than that was expected of the woman Wentworth would choose to be his bride.

He was her guardian, and she certainly was not worthy of marrying a duke of the realm. Surely he must marry within his social class? That made Sebastian, as a second son, perfect for her. If only her heart would consent.

The duke did not notice all the female eyes following him wantonly. Emma saw that some hid behind fans, others not, as he crossed the room. Emma noted many of those eyes belonged to married ladies. Her breath caught in her throat as a thought came to mind. Could one of those ladies be his mistress? Oh, I need to put aside all feelings for the duke and look elsewhere for my happiness and future.

“Miss Hamilton.” The duke bowed and held out his arm. “May I have this dance?”