Chapter 3
By the time supper had ended and the musicians set up for the commencement of the next set, Albert had all but lost his nerve. It was one thing to invite a woman out to dance, but it was quite another to follow through with the act.
What if he stumbled and fell, pulled Lady Victoria down with him? What if he grew more nervous than he already was and sweated profusely? The idea of stepping on her toes, hurting her delicate feet was beyond reprehensible and unforgivable.
She would never dance with him again, and he wanted her to dance with him, especially now. Now that she was out of mourning for her husband. The fool Armstrong had lost a prize when he tossed Lady Victoria over for a maid not long after their marriage. Whatever was the man thinking! Albert certainly did not know or understand such motives.
He would never throw her over for anyone else. How could he, she was perfection personified.
Like an angel, she materialized before him, holding out her hand, a mischievous light in her eyes. "Our dance, I believe, Lord Melvin."
He led her out onto the floor, hoping his nervousness did not shine through. Women in general made him fumble like a fool, but Victoria more so than any. He didn't want her to view him as some simpleton. He wanted her to view him as so much more.
Like a gentleman. A man.
Albert pulled her into his arms as the music commenced. She was tall for a woman. Her eyes level with his chin. Her body was soft, womanly, and his, for a little time at least.
She smelled divine, like jasmine and soap. Never had he ever smelled something so sweet before. Her fingers flexed on his shoulder, and she looked up to meet his gaze. "I do believe this is our first dance, my lord."
How he wished it were more than that pitiful number. Albert had longed to ask her during the seasons he traveled to town to step out with him. He had wanted to have her in his arms more times than he could count, but his nerves never allowed him to speak the words necessary.
He wasn't sure why he was the way he was, and as much as he tried to hide his anxieties from the ton, they were always there, beneath his skin and threatening to make him miss out on life.
He supposed maybe his father's mistreatment of his family had something to do with it.
"We missed you this Season in town, my lord. Do say you're to attend next year."
He glanced down and met Lady Victoria's eyes. She was always so genuine and kind. Was it wishful thinking on his behalf that she would look at him more than a friend? If she gave him a chance to prove himself, he would not let her down.
Not an easy conquest when she was determined never to marry again, or so the gossips tittered behind their fans.
"I may attend. Will you be there, my lady, or has a gentleman now won your heart, and you're to be married?" Albert wasn't sure where the words came from, inappropriate and rude. He frowned, wishing he had a filter on his mouth at times. If he could have smacked himself about the head, he would have, knowing she wasn’t long out of mourning.
Victoria laughed, easing a little of his tension. "No, I'm not engaged as I'm certain you already know. I'm home at Dunsleigh for the foreseeable future, until my brother returns home and helps me with my travels abroad. My sister is in a delicate state yet again you see, and I wish to be close to her. Josh will return from abroad before Christmas so it will be a jolly good time here. One that is sorely needed after the past two years we have endured."
Albert understood her words but did not pry any further. The scandal her husband caused, the pain and embarrassment she must have withstood would have been enough to cripple him in society permanently. And yet, here she was, rising from the ashes like the strong, capable woman he knew her to be. How fortunate she was to have a supportive family. Other than his mama, there was no one else he could turn to, but a distant cousin he hardly knew. His father had passed, and he had no siblings.
It was no wonder people concerned him so much. He wasn't used to them.
"I shall like to see Penworth again. It has been almost a year."
"Yes, by the time Josh returns home, he would have been away that long. We're all so very excited to see him again." She looked up at him, her eyes wide and clear and direct. Always with the ability to pin someone to the ground with one look. "I forget you are friends with Josh. He has so many, but you were very close once. Still are, I hope."
They were still close. He received a monthly letter from the duke, one person other than Victoria he was calm around. Not that he was so very calm around Victoria right at this moment. Having her in his arms made him want things he'd never imagined before.
His gaze dipped to her lips, and he watched as she spoke of this and that, the ball and the guests, the food, and how late the night would be. All the while, all he could think about was if the pink, pouty flesh of her lips was as soft as it
