Dancing At Midnight

'No. Have you?'

'No.'

There was a moment of silence and then John said, 'How am I doing?'

'How are you doing at what?' Belle asked with a perplexed expression.

'Making polite conversation. I've been trying very, very hard for the last few minutes.' He flashed her a boyish smile.

Belle couldn't keep down the gurgling laugh which welled up in her throat. 'Oh, you're making great strides!'

'I shall be ready for a London season in no time.' He popped the last bit of scone in his mouth.

Belle leaned forward excitedly. 'Are you planning to come to town for the season, then?' The thought thrilled her. She was starting to get bored with the social whirl, and John would certainly liven things up. Besides, she found the idea of dancing in his arms strangely erotic. An electric tingle traveled up her spine just at the thought of being so close to him, and she blushed.

John noticed the color in her cheeks and was wildly curious as to what scandalous thought could make her blush after she'd brazenly come to his home at nine in the morning. He had no desire to embarrass her by asking, however, and so he merely said, 'No. I haven't the blunt.'

Belle sat back, surprised at his forthrightness. 'Well, that's no matter,' she tried to joke. 'Half the ton hasn't the blunt. Most simply manage to get invited to parties every evening and thus never have to pay for their own food.'

'I've never been one for parties every evening.'

'No, I didn't think you were. Neither am I, as it happens.'

'Really? I would have thought you'd be the belle of the ball, if you pardon the pun.'

Belle smiled wryly. 'I won't be falsely modest and say that I haven't enjoyed a measure of social success-'

John chuckled at her careful choice of words.

'But I must admit, I'm growing weary of the season.'

'Is that so?'

'Yes. But I suppose I'll have to go back next year.'

'Why go if you find it so dull?'

She grimaced. 'One's got to get a husband, after all.'

'Ah,' was all John said.

'It isn't as easy as you might think.'

'I cannot imagine finding a husband would be especially difficult for you, Lady Arabella. You must know that you are extremely beautiful.'

Belle flushed with pleasure at his compliment. 'I had some offers, but none were suitable.'

'Not enough money?'

This time when Belle flushed, it was with consternation. 'I take offense at that, Lord Blackwood.'

'I'm sorry, I thought it was the way of things.'

Belle had to admit that for many women, it was the way of things, and she accepted his apology with a brief nod. 'A few of the gentlemen informed me that they would be able to overlook my appalling bluestocking tendencies on account of my looks and fortune.'

'I find your bluestocking tendencies quite appealing.'

Belle sighed happily. 'How nice it is to hear someone-a man-say that.'

John shrugged. 'It always seemed silly to me to desire a woman who cannot converse any better than a sheep.'

Belle leaned forward, her eyes glittering mischievously. 'Really? I would have thought you'd prefersuch a woman, considering your difficulty with polite conversation.'

'Touche, my lady. I cede this round to you.'

Belle felt absurdly pleased and was suddenly very, very glad that she'd ventured out that morning. 'I'll take that as high praise, indeed.'

'It was meant as such.' John waved his hand toward the diminishing number of scones. 'Don't you want one? I'm liable to eat the whole plateful if you don't intervene soon.'

'Well, I already had breakfast but…' Belle eyed the mouth-watering scones. 'I suppose one wouldn't hurt.'

'Good, I haven't the patience for ladies who try to eat like rabbits.'

'No, you prefer sheep, I understand.'

'Touche again, my lady.' John glanced out the window. 'Are those your horses out there?'

Belle followed his gaze and then got up and walked to the window. 'Yes, the one on the left is my mare Amber. I didn't see the stables, so I just tied her to the tree. She seems content.'

John had stood when Belle had gotten up, and now he walked over to join her at the window. 'The stables are in the back.'

Belle was intensely aware of his nearness, of the spicy masculine scent of him. The breath seemed to leave her body, and for the first time that morning, she felt robbed of all speech. While he was watching her mare, she stole a quick glance at his profile. He had a straight, patrician nose, and a strong chin. His lips were simply beautiful, full and sensual. She swallowed uncomfortably and forced herself to move her gaze to his eyes. They looked bleak. Belle found herself desperately wishing that she could erase the pain and loneliness she saw there.

Abruptly, John turned and caught Belle watching him. His eyes locked with hers, and for a moment he left his expression unshuttered, allowing her to look into his very soul. Then he quirked a smile, breaking the spell, and turned away.

'She's a lovely mare,' he said.

It took a few moments before Belle could catch her breath. 'Yes, I've had her for several years.'

'I cannot imagine she gets much exercise in London.'

'No.' And why were they speaking so flatly now, Belle wanted to know. Why had he pulled away from her? She didn't think she could bear being with him for one more moment if they were only going to speak inanities and, God forbid, make polite conversation. 'I'd better go,' she said abruptly. 'It's getting late.'

John chuckled at that. It was barely ten in the morning.

In her haste to compose herself and leave, Belle didn't hear his mirth. 'You can keep the basket,' she said. 'It's a gift, after all, along with all the food.'

'I shall treasure it always.' He pulled the bell-cord to summon Belle's maid from the kitchens.

Belle smiled, and then to her horror and surprise, she felt a tear welling up in her eye. 'Thank you for your company. I had a lovely morning.'

'As did I.' John escorted her to the front hall. She smiled before turning away from him, rocking him to his very soul and sending a fresh wave of desire through his body. 'Lady Arabella,' he said hoarsely.

She turned around, concern clouding her features. 'Is something wrong?'

'It isn't wise for you to keep company with me.'

'What do you mean?'

'Don't come here again.'

'But you just said-'

'I said don't come again. At least not alone.'

She blinked. 'Don't be silly. You sound like the hero in a gothic novel.'

'I'm not a hero,' he said darkly. 'You'd do well to remember that.'

'Stop funning me.' Her voice lacked conviction.

'I'm not, my lady.' He closed his eyes, and for a split second an expression of pure agony washed over his features. 'There are many dangers in this world about which you don't know. About which you should never know,' he added harshly.

The maid arrived in the hall.

'I'd better go,' Belle said quickly, completely unnerved.

'Yes.'

She turned and fled down the steps to her horse. She mounted quickly and set off down the drive to the main