“Why don’t you ask her y
ourself, then?”
“Because I have reason to believe she will decline my invitation. But if I cut in on you, she’ll have no choice but to dance with me.”
“Why would she turn you down? You’re a duke.”
“Let’s just say she might and leave it at that.”
“What the devil did you do to her?” Polk’s ears reddened a bit.
Damn, did his friend carry a torch for this woman?
“Nothing, nothing. Just do as I ask. Or do I have to bring up that old debt about saving your life back at Weston?”
“When in hell will that damned debt be repaid? You’ve been holding it over my head for fifteen years. It was just a silly fistfight.”
“With three ham-fisted oarsmen, Polk. They would have bloody killed you. You never have learned how to keep your big mouth shut.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll ask her, and you can cut in.” Polk relented. “But I’m warning you, if she prefers me over you, I’ll fight you for her. This one is worth it.”
I don’t doubt it.
Polk walked toward Lily’s table, sat down for a moment, and then took her hand when the next waltz started. Daniel adjusted his gloves and began to walk toward them. Polk was holding her a little too closely. A stab of jealousy erupted like a knife in Daniel’s gut. It was a new emotion. He had never felt it before. If one woman left him, ten others were willing to take her place. He didn’t like the feeling, and he liked even less the smile that Lily was bestowing upon his friend.
He took a deep breath and tapped Polk on the shoulder. “May I?”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Polk bowed politely, playing his part well.
Daniel’s stomach darted as he led Lily’s left hand to his shoulder and took her in his arms. Why was he nervous around a woman?
“My lady, I wish to apologize for my abominable behavior earlier.”
“You simply mistook me for someone else,” Lily said. “It happens.”
“Why would you think that, my lady?”
“I just assumed so. Since we haven’t been formally introduced, you couldn’t have meant to…”
“Perhaps I did.” Daniel summoned his best rakish grin. “Perhaps I saw you and wanted you.”
“I suppose that is possible, knowing your reputation.”
He winced. “I deserved that one. The fact is, I was waiting for someone else. But I can’t say I’m sorry it turned out to be you.”
He twirled Lily into an ornate step and was impressed when she followed fluidly. She felt perfect in his arms, as though they were one body moving to the elegant music.
When the waltz ended, Daniel didn’t let go of her, couldn’t force his gaze away from her cognac eyes. “My lady,” he said softly, “If there’s anything I can do for you…anything at all…to make up for my disgraceful behavior, please—”
“Might I have the pleasure of the next dance?” Polk interrupted.
“Yes, of course.” Daniel let go of her reluctantly, scowling at his friend.
As Polk waltzed away with Lily in his arms, Daniel clenched his fists. She was smiling at him, damn her.
To cut in on them again would be bad form. But he couldn’t help himself, he was going to do it. As he began walking, someone grabbed his hand. He turned to look into the flushed face of Amelia Gregory.
“Darling,” she whispered wickedly, “I’m so sorry I didn’t meet you earlier. I was unavoidably detained. Perhaps we could enjoy our little reunion now?”