“They certainly are. Perhaps a bit too much.” Dorothy paused at the bottom of the steps before taking Marianna’s elbow and nudging her toward the ballroom. “Come along. You’re better off lost in the crush.” She searched the throng and finally made a selection. “There’s Sir Timothy Sheridan. You might find him companionable. He dabbles in poetry like your father, and he’s certainly a safe partner for the dance. He’ll only want to write a poem about your eyes and hair.”
“What?” Marianna scarcely heard the words; her enraptured gaze was on the domed-glass ceiling in the center of the room. The circle of torches Gregor had lit outside around the dome made the flowers and vines blaze with color. Purple lilacs and ivory gardenias vied with the blazing orange-red of hibiscus. Dark green vines intertwined, separating and displaying the flowers. In each of the four corners peacocks with splendid turquoise and cobalt plumage pranced majestically among the blossoms.
“I did it,” she whispered. “I did well, didn’t I?”
“You did very well. It’s beautiful,” Dorothy said gently. “Now come and let me introduce you to Sir Timothy.”
Dazed, Marianna let her lead her across the room to a fair-haired young man in the corner. The flowers above them cast exotic shadows on the gleaming floor as the dancers moved gracefully in the steps of the cotillion. The sight was everything Marianna had hoped it would be.
She cast a glance over her shoulder at the closed door of the study. Not quite everything. It would do no harm for him to leave that woman and come and tell her that her dome was every bit as good as she knew it to be.
Come, Jordan!” Dorothy threw open the door and marched into the study. She stared intimidatingly at Catherine Carlisle, who hurriedly moved away from the duke. “You will excuse him, I know. He has many demands on his time tonight.”
It was clear to Jordan that Catherine was not pleased but chose not to engage Dorothy. Instead, she concentrated her efforts on him. “Of course.” She smiled sweetly at Jordan. “You will return soon, Your Grace?”
Dorothy whisked Jordan away before he could answer.
“And what have I done now?” Jordan asked as he straightened his cravat. “As usual, it’s clear you’re displeased with me.”
“Besides behaving in your usual shocking fashion and staying half the evening alone in that study with that bovine creature, you’ve done nothing at all,” she hissed, a smile pasted on her face. “You may go back and continue your disgusting pursuit of that demimondaine… after you tell Marianna you like what she’s done.”
He didn’t look at her. “I don’t have to tell her. Everyone is singing paeans of praise.”
“Then tell her. She has a right to hear it from you. Why have you been avoiding her?”
“Don’t pick at me, Dorothy,” he said quietly. “It’s not safe tonight.”
“Fustian. I will not have tonight less than perfect for Marianna.”
“So I’m to add my praises to those of the mob. Very well, where is she?”
She nodded across the room. “With young Sheridan. He’s quite taken with her.”
He glanced at the corner she had indicated, but there were too many people blocking his vision. “He has a passion for infants?”
“Infant?” She looked at him in surprise. “That’s right, you’ve not seen her tonight, have you?”
He had been careful not to seek out Marianna. He didn’t want to look at her or talk to her. He had wanted to lose himself and forget her existence, but Dorothy had foiled that plan.
He felt something twist inside him. Well, so much for Gregor’s injunction. He had made the attempt, but Fate appeared to be against him. He might as well get on with the business. He started across the room. “You want me to pay my respects?” he said roughly. “Then let’s get it over with. Though I don’t see why you think I-” His stride faltered as he caught sight of Marianna.
A promise fulfilled, beautifully, sensually fulfilled.
“Infant?” Dorothy murmured.
Christ, it was as if these last three years had never happened. He was back in the tower room, watching her, wanting her. Relief streamed through him as he felt himself harden, ready. Yes, this was the response he needed. Lust was savage, mindless, without pity. If he let it take control, then he could do anything he had to. Any tenderness and softness would be submerged.
As it
“Jordan,” Dorothy said warningly.
“Be quiet, Dorothy.” He smiled recklessly. “I’m only doing what you wanted me to do.”
“I didn’t think- You haven’t been-”
“You mean I’ve been as tame as Alex’s pony so long you thought I was ready to be turned out to pasture. Perhaps I’m weary of doing tricks.” His gaze went to young Sheridan. “But judging by the way that presumptuous puppy is staring at Marianna, he might be willing to perform for her.” His mouth tightened. “I don’t believe I care for his manner toward my ward. Make an excuse and take him away.”
“I will do nothing of the sort.”
“You will.” He shot her a glittering glance. “Or I may decide to call him out.”
“You don’t mean it,” Dorothy said, horrified. “He would have no chance with you.”
“Then take him away.” The bastard was staring at her breasts as if he would like to free them, lift them in his palms, and then bring his mouth-Jordan could almost taste the softness, feel the peaking of nipples beneath his tongue. He could no longer identify Sheridan’s desire from his own. “Quickly,” he said, between his teeth.
“I won’t leave you alone with her. Do you want to ruin everything I’ve worked for?”
“We’re not alone. I believe you said there would be at least two hundred guests here tonight.”
Marianna had seen him. She stopped in midsentence and smiled tentatively at him.
My God, she was exquisite.
“Jordan, you brought me here to protect her,” Dorothy said desperately.
“And you’ve done very well, but it’s over now.”
“What’s happened?”
“Don’t meddle with something you don’t understand. Just accept that the situation has altered.”
“I would understand, if you explained. I have a true affection for the child and-”
“It appears she’s no longer a child.”
“Jordan, you’ve been very kind to her. I even thought- Blast you, why have you changed?”
He didn’t answer as he crossed the few yards. Then he took Marianna’s gloved hand and brought it to his lips. “A triumph, Marianna.”
The color flew to her cheeks. “You like it?”
“A triumph,” he repeated with perfect sincerity. “My ballroom will be the envy of every hostess in England. I couldn’t be more pleased or more impressed by your skill.” He nodded carelessly to Sheridan. “How do you do, Sheridan? I believe my cousin has a favor to ask of you. Something to do with arranging transport home for a few of the guests…” He trailed off and turned to Dorothy. “I’m sure Sir Timothy will be all that’s accommodating.”
Sheridan looked uncertainly at Dorothy. “Of course, I’m at your service, ma’am.”
Dorothy’s lips thinned. “
Marianna said, “She’s angry with you. Why?”
“I’m not fulfilling expectations. Or perhaps I am. It’s all how one perceives the situation.” He held out his hand. “May I have the honor of this dance?”
She took an eager step forward and then shook her head. “It’s a waltz. Dorothy says I mustn’t dance the waltz.”
“It’s forbidden? Don’t you tire of doing what Dorothy and Gregor tell you to do?”
“No. Yes.” She stared at him, puzzled. “You’ve always wanted me to do what they tell me to do. You’re confusing me.”
“I’m merely asking you to dance.” He held out his hand again. “Don’t you want to waltz beneath your splendid dome?”
“Yes.” Her eyes were bright, and her smile was suddenly as reckless as his own. “Oh, yes.” She put her hand in his. His hand cradled her waist, and he swung her out onto the floor.
