She had unintentionally gazed at him frequently through the duration of the evening, although she had tried not to. She felt foolish in longing for a man who would never truly be hers as William had made it abundantly clear that he wished nothing to do with her in any real, respectable sense.
However, those previous statements about her personality now puzzled her, since he was the one who approached her.
“My lord,” Emma greeted him politely, attempting to keep up appearances, since she had promised Kitty that she and Lord William were now on polite terms.
“My lady. Please do pardon my sudden appearance,” Lord William said, “but there is something I wish to inquire upon.”
Emma narrowed her eyes, studying his face. “Have you been drinking this evening, my lord?”
William burst into amused laughter and shook his head. “No, not at all.”
“That is certainly good to hear, but perhaps you should imbibe at least one. You seem rather nervous, my lord.”
“Perhaps, but I do not think it is a well thought out plan, my lady,” William said, and held out his hand towards Emma. “I simply wished to ask you for a dance.”
“A dance?” she repeated like a simpleton, too shocked to think of a better reply.
“Is that too much to ask?” William queried.
Emma’s stomach tightened and she struggled to contain the grin that lifted her lips.
She glanced briefly around her, then turned to Lord William. “Certainly not. We would not wish for people to think we are not being civil to one another.”
“Of course. We would not wish that,” William grinned.
Emma placed her hand on William’s without a moment’s hesitation and allowed him to lead her to the center of the ballroom, where a few guests elegantly glided across the floor. The small orchestra was strategically placed in the far corner, ensuring the entire space was filled with sweet and melodious sounds.
Emma was not in the least bit surprised how graceful William was on his feet, and he skillfully led her across the ballroom in a delightful dance, which left Emma breathless in more ways than one.
His hand pressed against her back, causing her to shiver with delight, her body responding to his touch in the most intense manner possible. All her attempts to prevent herself from feeling anything for William had officially dissolved into smoke.
Emma glanced up at him and smiled. “My lord, you are quite light on your feet.”
“Thank you. It was one of the social graces my mother deemed important for a man to perform. She taught me everything I know today,” William answered gallantly.
“Does that include your warped opinion of marriage and women, my lord?” Emma retorted, but instantly regretted her words. She cringed and shook her head. “I do apologize, my lord. I did not mean to offend or upset, or in fact, belittle you this evening.”
“It is quite all right, my lady,” William answered, and his words surprised Emma. “It was my father who instilled those opinions in me. He wished me to choose a wife carefully, one who would ensure that I would be treated with respect and importance.”
Emma narrowed her gaze at the gentleman before her. “You can still find a wife such as that, my lord, but there is no need to treat her differently than how you wish to be treated. Women deserve respect and wish to feel important to the man whom we love. We are human beings with feelings and emotions as well.”
“Indeed,” William answered simply, but still gazed at Emma intently.
It was obvious William wished to speak, but he was reluctant to do so.
“My lord?” Emma said, expecting to lead him into saying what he wished to.
“Yes, my lady?” William whispered.
“Is there something that you wish to speak about?”
“Why would you ask me such a thing?” William scoffed.
Emma stopped for a moment. So, he didn’t wish to share?
Interesting. Since when had he held back with her?
“As I can clearly see there is something on your mind. Something is weighing heavily on you. I can see it in your eyes. Is something amiss?” Emma inquired.
“There are several things, but this is neither the time nor the place to discuss those matters. I also would not wish to spoil your evening by doing so, my lady,” William answered, ever the polite gentleman once again.
Emma cocked her head then noticed the music had changed. The melody turned into a waltz—a rather scandalous dance—and Emma glanced up at William, wondering if he wished to continue.
It was a rather intimate dance, performed mostly by lovers and brave-hearted souls who cared not if they were gossiped about. Clearly, it was requested by the Duchess of Waltham herself, as the duke and duchess quickly paired up beside William and Emma, swaying in perfect synchronicity to the melody.
“Would you care for another dance, my lady??” William asked gallantly.
“That would be lovely,” Emma said with a smile. “Although I feel we may be stared at by most of the guests.”
“My lady,” William said and spun Emma around gracefully and quite skillfully, “let them stare as much as they wish.”
Excitement bubbled up inside her as their bodies swayed to the music, their steps in perfect alignment with one another. Emma’s feet felt like they danced on the clouds, the strong arms of William holding her tightly, yet with such lightness at the same time.
Emma wondered what had suddenly befallen William to change his attitude towards her so drastically, but at this moment, she did not care. She was having a delightful time with him and nothing else mattered.
His blue gaze remained fixed on hers, and the intensity caused her stomach to contract, lighting a fire inside her she had vowed to keep under control.
Emma’s thoughts kept returning to Woodlock Manor’s study, and her cheeks heated as the vivid memories flashed before her eyes. Her body quivered as William’s breath gently caressed her cheek.
Emma was twirled around once more by her dance partner, and as he pulled her close again, Emma’s heart pounded
