“Nonsense,” she retorted. “All I’ve done this evening is follow your lead. I don’t have a clue about the steps.”
She didn’t mention the exhilaration of waltzing in his strong arms, her breasts pressed against his hard body, the tantalizing aroma of his cologne in her nostrils. It was as if they were the only two people on the dance floor.
A few other gentlemen had asked her to dance, but she sensed their discomfort under Griff’s scowling scrutiny. She loved that he was clearly jealous.
He took a sip of his punch. “Be sure to get the recipe for this delicious concoction. We’ll serve it at Clifton Heights when we host our first ball.”
Daughter of an earl, Susan had grown up among the aristocracy. Nevertheless, the imminent prospect of becoming Griff’s countess filled her with immense joy and a degree of trepidation. Clifton Heights was enormous, and there was much to be done to repair both the house and relationships with the local people. However, she’d never been one to back away from a challenge.
Griff took her glass and put it aside with his own when the musicians struck up another waltz. “You know,” he told her as he led her by the hand on to the dance floor, “Thomas Raikes, the well-known diarist, once wrote that no event ever produced so great a sensation in English society as the introduction of the waltz in 1813.”
She had known of Raikes’ comments but preferred not to appear a know-it-all, which struck her as hysterically funny. “Really?”
“Now, they play a waltz almost every second set,” he added, taking her into his arms. “Gentlemen everywhere can’t help but applaud.”
“And we ladies can blame those naughty Germans,” she replied as she melted into his warm embrace.
*
Griff made flippantcomments about men loving the intimacy of the waltz but, the more he danced with Susan, the more difficult it became to keep his hands to himself and his cock from splitting his new trousers. He should perhaps have instructed Mr. Carr to make them a mite less snug. That’s what came of listening to the tailor’s advice that a well-endowed man shouldn’t be shy about showing off God’s generous gifts.
The fit had certainly had the desired effect on Susan who rarely took her eyes off his crotch when they weren’t dancing.
All in all, it was torture and he couldn’t wait for the wedding to be over and for Susan to finally be completely his.
Tonight’s guests were generally aware an important announcement was to be made. They’d likely already read the news inThe Times. A portly man Griff recognized as one of the judges from the trial took him aside and expressed relief Clifton Heights would once again be occupied by the earl and his family. He quietly hinted he waspulling stringsto get the tenants’ sentences reduced.
When Gabriel asked everyone to gather around the dais temporarily vacated by the musicians, people hurried to comply and a hush fell quickly.
Dressed in a full length white gown, her black hair bound up in a very sophisticated style, Patsy appeared at her stepfather’s side and gazed up at him with adoration.
“That’s our cue,” Griff said, leading Susan by the hand as the smiling crowd parted like the Red Sea.
They stood arm in arm. Patsy grinned at them knowingly as if she alone were privy to a great secret, and Gabriel began his speech.
“Firstly, I want to thank my wife for her tireless efforts to make this evening a success.”
Standing beside her husband, Emma blushed deeply as shouts ofhear, hearresounded.
“Secondly, it’s my distinct pleasure to make an announcement concerning a member of my family.”
Susan tightened her grip on Griff’s arm.
“Lady Susan Crompton and I may not be related by blood,” Gabriel continued, “but she’s my wife’s dearest friend, and the closest thing to a sister I’ve ever known.”
Griff patted Susan’s hand, sensing she was close to tears. “He holds you in great esteem.”
She nodded, struggling to maintain her composure. “I will not cry,” she murmured.
“Susan is a rare gem, a woman of compassion and conviction who has never stood idly by when confronted by injustice.
“Some men—myself included when I first met her—might be intimidated by such a strong woman.”
A hint of polite laughter rippled through the assembly.
Gabriel narrowed his eyes at Griff. “A strong woman needs a partner who recognizes that her strength will make him stronger.”
Pride swelled in Griff’s heart as he nodded. Gabriel had said it perfectly. Susan had strengthened him.