'And how is Mr. Smith getting along,' Bradford asked when he could gain control of himself.
Caroline smiled at Bradford and then turned back to Brummell. 'Why, he's looking quite fit in my opinion. He was having a bit of trouble with one leg but I do believe, from the way he gets around now, that it must have healed to his satisfaction.'
'What was the poor man's ailment?' the earl interrupted to ask.
'Gout,' Caroline immediately answered.
Brummell started coughing and Bradford had to whack him on the back. 'I have not laughed so in years,' Beau admitted. 'Madam, it has been a pleasure and I look forward to seeing you again.' Brummell's voice had risen during the last of his conversation and Caroline realized it was for the benefit of those in attendance. 'Before the evening is out, I must be allowed to meet your cousin.' Caroline nodded and watched Brummell retreat. She finally turned to Bradford and wished she had the nerve to ask him if he didn't have somewhere to go also.
The music started up again just when her father announced that he was going to fetch some champagne for the marquis. Bradford requested formal permission from her father to dance with Caroline. A waltz was beginning, and while the earl gave his permission, Caroline was shaking her head.
Bradford ignored her denial and took hold of her hand. He all but pulled her along, until they were almost to the doors that led outside. Then he turned and took her into his arms.
Caroline kept her gaze focused on his black jacket. 'I don't know how to waltz,' she said in a whisper.
Bradford took his hand from her waist and used it to turn her face up to him. 'My buttons will not answer you,' he said in a voice filled with humor.
'I said that I do not know how to dance the waltz,' Caroline repeated. Bradford's fingers were brushing against the sensitive area below her chin, and she felt a sudden tremor take hold of her legs.
'Put your arm around me,' Bradford whispered, his voice silky. He had leaned down, so that their faces were almost touching.
Caroline shook her head. Bradford again ignored her and placed her hand high up on his shoulder. If she as much as shifted her hand an inch, she would be touching his hair. And then they were moving and she was being twirled around and around and the only thing she could concentrate on was the feeling of being held in his arms.
They didn't speak another word during the dance and Caroline was thankful for it. She felt awkward and unsure of herself. His hand seemed to burn through her gown, branding her.
Caroline shifted her left hand and took advantage of the position; her fingers slowly reached up until they were touching the silken brown hair at the base of his neck. She was surprised that it felt so soft. Her fingers retreated before Bradford would realize her boldness.
But he did notice. The light brush against the sensitive skin on the back of his neck drove him to distraction. He had a sudden urge to pick Caroline up and kiss her until she was overwhelmed with desire, as overwhelmed as he was at this very moment.
Caroline glanced around and immediately noticed that the other ladies dancing did not have their left hands so high up on their partners' shoulders. She immediately moved her hand, copying the correct stance, and shot Bradford a glare. 'We are dancing entirely too close,' Caroline stated. 'I will not have my father embarrassed.'
Bradford reluctantly released his grip and let her move back a space. He grinned a true rascal's grin and asked, 'Is that the only reason you do not want to be close to me?'
'Of course,' Caroline answered. Her legs felt weak and her heart was fluttering a mad tune but she would admit to neither of those reactions. She refused to look up at him and only then noticed that many of the women watching from the sidelines were frowning with obvious displeasure. 'Bradford? Why are those women frowning at us?' she asked, daring a quick look up.
Bradford glanced around the room and then turned back to Caroline.
'Are you doing something that isn't correct?' she demanded against his shoulder, her voice sounding suspicious.
Bradford laughed. 'Unfortunately, we are being very correct,' he informed her. 'Some of the older ladies do not care for this new dance. The waltz hasn't gained approval of the traditionals.'
Caroline nodded. 'I see.' She glanced up again, met his gaze, and smiled. 'And are you a radical or a traditionalist?'
'What do you think?' Bradford inquired. 'Oh, a radical I would imagine,' Caroline immediately answered. 'I'll bet you are a troublemaker in the House of Lords. I'm right, aren't I?'
Bradford shrugged. 'I have been known to be obstinate on occasion, but only when the issue I am backing is in jeopardy.'
'Yet you are respected,' Caroline announced. 'Is it because of the title you inherited or because you have made a name for yourself?'
Bradford laughed. 'Are you asking me if I have accomplished anything of value?' He paused and then asked, 'And how do you know that I am respected?'
'Because of the way people look at you,' Caroline answered. 'My father is a traditionalist. If he was still active in your politics, he would probably be your enemy on every issue. Bradford, could we please stop this circling? I'm getting quite dizzy.'
Bradford immediately stopped dancing, took hold of Caroline's elbow, and led her toward the doorway to the balcony.
'Your father was more of a radical in his day than I will ever be,' Bradford remarked.
Caroline showed her astonishment. 'It's true,' Bradford continued. 'He was known as the champion for the Irish cause.'
'What Irish cause?' Caroline asked. 'Self-rule,' Bradford explained. 'Your father didn't believe that the Irish were ready to rule themselves, but he fought to gain them a voice in government and to improve conditions.'
Caroline was amazed by Bradford's remarks. She tried to picture her father as a younger man, fighting for what he believed to be just. 'He is such a gentle, soft-spoken man today,' Caroline commented. 'It's difficult to believe what you are telling me. I do believe you,' she rushed on, hoping she hadn't offended him by suggesting that she doubted his word.
Bradford couldn't quit grinning. He noticed how she had hurried to offset her remark about not believing him. Was she always so conscious of other people's feelings?
Caroline didn't notice Bradford watching her. She was thinking about her father, wondering what had caused him to give up his causes. Why had he withdrawn from everything… from life?
Bradford saw that several would-be suitors were making their way, quite determinedly, to their corner. The music started up and Bradford pulled Caroline into his arms again. He wasn't ready to give her up just yet. He remembered his comment to Milford about wanting to see Caroline one more time, so that he could get her out of his blood, and now found the remark absurd.
Caroline didn't argue when Bradford took her in his arms again. She didn't care about the frowns either. She felt bewitched in his arms, trembled when she felt his fingers caressing her back. Caroline had never reacted to a man the way she was reacting to Bradford. She was confused by this intense physical attraction. She knew she must be proper, yet realized she would be most content to stay in his arms the rest of the evening. When she began to wonder what it would feel like to be kissed by him, she knew it was time to remove herself from the temptation.
'I do not like-'
She wasn't allowed to finish her sentence. She was about to tell him that she didn't care for the waltz, but he interrupted with an arrogant remark. 'You don't like what's happening to you?'
Caroline's eyes widened and she almost nodded. She caught herself in time and frowned. 'Whatever do you mean?'
'Don't deny it, Caroline. It's happening to me, too.'
'Nothing is happening,' Caroline answered in a tight voice. 'Except that you are making me dizzy again with the constant circles. It's rather warm in here too. Don't you think we've danced enough?' she asked in a hopeful voice.
'Yes, it has gone warm,' Bradford returned. They had just completed another turn around the room and were again in front of the doors. Caroline smiled, thinking she was about to get away from Bradford, but when they
