CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
This guide would be remiss if it failed to mention the necessary yet distasteful topic of money. As there is no certain method to safeguard one’s traveling funds against thieves, highwaymen, gypsies, scoundrels and one’s own incompetence, we shall not attempt to provide one. Our apologies.
—The Lady Travelers Society Guide
“GOOD DAY, INDIA,” Derek said, stepping out from behind the grouping of potted palms that flanked each side of the closed ballroom doors.
“Derek!” India pulled up short, her breath caught in her throat. “I didn’t see you.”
“I was trying to find a button that popped off my coat and rolled away under the foliage.” He chuckled. “Although I suppose I could have been hiding.”
She raised a brow. “From me?”
“I would hate to scare you away.”
“Nonsense. I see nothing to be scared about. Not really.” Although she had been something of a coward. She needed to apologize and perhaps confess or whatever else might be necessary to set things right with Derek. Last night was the first time she’d seen him for more than a moment since their altercation at the Eiffel Tower. Thanks to Lady Westvale, India had had barely any time in the last few days to dwell on what had passed between them. Still, their quarrel, as well as the kisses they’d shared, refused to be banished from her mind, especially late at night when sleep eluded her. And when she did sleep, her slumber was filled with dreams of flying like a bird over the city of Paris, or the feel of his lips pressing against hers and the distinct longing for more, or the hurt in his blue eyes.
She never should have told him she didn’t trust him. Her heart twisted every time she remembered the look on his face. If she believed in him—and she did—surely she trusted him, as well. Pity, she hadn’t realized that sooner. At least she now knew she was wrong. Now she wondered what else she was wrong about. “Although I suspect matters like this are always difficult.”
“Matters like this?”
“I have been the worst sort of coward, Derek.” She straightened her shoulders and met his gaze firmly, ignoring the way her heart beat faster in her chest. “It has always been difficult for me to admit when I’m wrong—”
“As you are never wrong.”
“Apparently, in that, too, I’m wrong. It is something of a revelation.” She wasn’t exactly sure what to say next even though she’d rehearsed this over and over. “Paris seems to be fraught with all sorts of revelations for me.”
“Being in unfamiliar surroundings can have that effect on people.”
“Quite possible I suppose.”
“I must say you look lovely today.” His gaze skimmed over her in an approving manner. “This new way of wearing your hair is most becoming.”
“How kind of you to say.” Suzette continued to do her hair in a softer style that framed her face. India had to admit she rather liked it.
“Is that one of the new dresses?”
“It is.”
He grinned. “My mother has excellent taste.”
“And I am delighted to be the beneficiary of it.” India glanced down at the new dress and smiled with satisfaction. “It arrived this morning.”
She couldn’t remember ever having a dress that was as lovely as it was practical. The new day dress was a fetching salmon color, with a draped overskirt and a touch of lace at the neck, wrists and waist. It was far and away the frilliest thing she’d ever owned but not nearly as fussy as Estelle’s gowns. India still found it hard to believe, but Estelle was right. There was nothing like a new dress to make you feel, well, new. And not the least bit ordinary.
India had been assisting Lady Westvale with preparations for the ball all morning. Preparations that had come to an abrupt halt the moment several of India’s new dresses were delivered. Derek’s mother had insisted India try each one on before they did anything else. The older woman had been very much like a child with a new toy at Christmas. India wasn’t at all sure how she felt about being a new toy, but she’d been nearly as excited as her ladyship.
As much as she had tried to rein in Lady Westvale’s enthusiastic assault on the dressmakers of Paris, even India was no match for the older lady’s resolve. The more India had protested, the more determined Lady Westvale became until India finally realized the only way to curb the lady’s excesses was to capitulate. Still, the end result was four day dresses, three dresses suitable for evening, two dresses for traveling and a ball gown. None of which, her ladyship had insisted, would do by themselves, and the appropriate shoes, hats, gloves and everything else Lady Westvale deemed necessary was ordered or purchased. And all, India suspected, at exorbitant prices as Lady Westvale wanted everything as quickly as possible. India could never repay her, not merely for her expenditures but for her kindness.
“But I’m afraid your mother was entirely too generous. I can’t even imagine the total expenditure.” India shook her head. “I can never repay her.”
“Nor does she wish to be repaid,” Derek said firmly. “She has had a great deal of fun, and I am grateful to you for giving that to her. And grateful as well that you have kept her occupied.” He lowered his voice in a confidential manner. “There is nothing more dangerous than my mother with time on her hands.”
“I can imagine,” India murmured.
The past three days with his mother had confirmed that India was right about the kind of man Derek truly was. Certainly one should take what a man’s mother said about him with a grain of salt, but Lady Westvale was far too clever to simply detail Derek’s good points. Instead she regaled India with stories about Derek and Lord Brookings’s boyhood. Stories about the time Derek had talked his brother into giving him his collection of foreign coins to add to his own savings so the boys could purchase a horse that was being mistreated. The horse had been old and had died some months later, but both boys learned that the reward of helping those who cannot help themselves was as much for those who give as those who receive. Or the time he had been forced against his will to ask a less-than-pretty wallflower to dance, only to discover she was quite nice and very sweet when one looked past her plain appearance. That, too, was a lesson that things aren’t always as they appear that Lady Westvale said her sons had never forgotten.
India wasn’t sure how it happened, but she found herself telling Derek’s mother things she had never told anyone. During one of her dress fittings, Lady Westvale was curious as to why India thought herself ordinary in appearance. Without thinking, India told her that during her school years, there was a young man who would come to escort his sister home for holidays. While India had thought it her secret, apparently some of the other girls noticed that India had a crush on the young gentleman, and she overheard them say the youthful Lord So-and-So would never give someone as ordinary as India Prendergast so much as a second look. Why, she’d be lucky ever to find a husband. Odd, that until Lady Westvale had asked, India would have said she didn’t remember the incident at all. The older lady had pointed out, whether India recognized it or not, she was no longer ordinary but rather striking in appearance with her green eyes and ripe figure and, of course, well-fitting, stylish clothing. Lady Westvale had also noted that, while she herself had been considered a beauty in her youth, when she was a young girl, she was more than a little plump. Some of us, she’d said to India, blossom at our own pace.
When they had stopped at a charming café—but then Lady Westvale had declared nearly all the cafés in Paris to be charming—for tea and she had again brought up her desire for her sons to find love, India had mentioned in an offhand manner that she was not especially enamored of love and considered romance a silly notion. She’d also confessed that her parents’ union had been considered a love match, a great romance that had ultimately led them to abandon home and family to wander the world together in search of adventure, in the guise of spreading the word of God. The older woman agreed that abandoning one’s responsibilities to a child was selfish and unforgivable but that could not be blamed on love. The fault she’d said, quoting Shakespeare—apparently it ran in the family—is not in our stars but in ourselves, and added that the very best thing about love was that it knows no bounds but is open and endless. Indeed, when one has opened one’s heart to one person it’s easy to love others, as well. Before India could respond, Lady Westvale had gone on to another topic, but her words lingered in India’s head.
“What were you wrong about this time, India?” Derek asked abruptly.
“You,” she said without thinking, then plunged ahead. “Or rather me. When I said I didn’t trust you—” she shook her head “—I shouldn’t have said it as it isn’t true.”
“It isn’t?” Caution sounded in his voice.
“I didn’t realize it at the time but...” She met his gaze directly. “If I believe that you, at heart, are a good, decent man, if I have faith that you can indeed reform, and be a better man, the man I think you want to be, then, whether I wish to acknowledge it or not, I do trust you.” She drew a steadying breath. “I am truly sorry that I did not say so when I should have.”
He stared at her. “I see.”
“And I am indeed a coward, not only because I refuse to face that I am—or have been of late—frequently wrong...” In for a penny, she supposed. She braced herself. “But because I like you, Derek Saunders. I like you a great deal, and I find it somewhat terrifying.”
“I—”
She held out her hand to stop him. “I didn’t expect to like you at all. Nor did I ever expect to trust you even the tiniest bit.” The words seemed to come of their own accord. “And I liked kissing you. But as much as I liked kissing you, I liked you kissing me more. While I would prefer to think that the enjoyment of it had more to do with who you were kissing than the fact that you no doubt have had a great deal of practice—”
“I can assure you—”
“I would not be averse to you kissing me again.” She raised her chin. “Frequently and with a great deal of enthusiasm.” She ignored the heat washing up her face. How could she have said that? What was she thinking?
“I see,” he said thoughtfully.
“Goodness, Derek.” She huffed. “You cannot continue to respond with ‘I see.’ That’s a most unsatisfactory answer. It says nothing at all. What exactly do you see?”
“I see that what you are trying to say is more or less in the way of an apology.”
“It is an apology, I thought that was apparent. And quite sincere, too, I might add.”
“As well as a confession.”
“Yes, well, perhaps,” she said weakly.
“There is no perhaps about it.” He stepped closer and stared down at her. “You said you liked kissing me, you liked my kissing you and you would not be disinclined to do so again. I’m fairly certain that’s a confession.”
“Very well then.” She raised a shoulder in a casual shrug. “It’s a confession.”
“I see.” He grinned. He was close enough to kiss her again if he was so inclined.
“And what do you see this time?” Her pulse pounded in her ears.
“I see a lovely woman who is clever and stubborn and perhaps the most annoying creature I have ever met.”
“Oh?”
“I have a confession to make, as well. I said kissing you was a mistake. The mistake was in the time and place.” He lowered his head, his lips close to hers. “Not in the kiss itself.”
“Then do you intend to kiss me again?” She held her breath.
“I do.”
“Now?” The word was little more than an odd sort of squeak.
“No.” He straightened.
Her heart plummeted. “I see.”
He laughed. “You’re right. ‘I see’ is not a good response.”
“Well, I don’t know how else to respond,” she said sharply, ignoring the overwhelming sense of disappointment and dismay that rushed through her. “I was quite clear about my feelings regarding our previous kissing and my willingness to do so again and you said—”
“Good God, India, shut up.” He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers in a kiss hard and fast and utterly intoxicating. Far too quickly he released her and shook his head. “You drive me stark, raving mad.”
“Do I?” She struggled to catch her breath. “Good.”
“Furthermore, the next time I kiss you—” his eyes narrowed “—and make no mistake, I fully intend to kiss you again, it will be at a place and time of my choosing. It will not be in a public place, it will not be for luck and it will not be simply to stop your incessant arguing!”
“Excellent.” She glared at him, but it was extraordinarily difficult to maintain her indignation when all she wanted to do was throw herself back into his arms. “I shall expect nothing less.”
“Then we are agreed!” He blew a long breath. “You are unlike any woman I have ever met, India Prendergast. You are the most confusing, annoying—”
“You’ve already mentioned annoying.”
“It bears repeating.” He shook his head. “Nonetheless, I can think of nothing but you.”
She stared at him for a long moment, then cast him a brilliant smile. “How truly delightful.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
“You should know I find you extremely annoying, as well.”
“Then we are well suited.” A slow smile spread across his face. “Now, I believe you were to meet my mother in the ballroom.”
“She wanted to arrange the urns I think.”
“Very well then.” He opened the ballroom doors and ushered her inside.
The doors were at the top of a short flight of eight or so steps allowing one to see the entire ballroom at a glance upon entering. Huge vases and urns were clustered around the perimeter awaiting the flowers that were to be delivered later today. The room itself was paneled in shades of white adorned with plaster swags and intricate molding. Crystal sconces matched a huge chandelier hanging from a ceiling painted with scenes of the heavens. White marble columns defined galleries along two walls. A balcony hung over the far end, above a series of glass-paned doors leading into the gardens. Every architectural detail was accented and highlighted with gilt. It was so decidedly French and every bit as grand as the very nicest Grand Hotels they’d seen.
“Ahem.”
India’s attention jerked toward the sound of a throat being cleared. Lord Westvale, Lord Brookings and Professor Greer stood at the bottom of the steps, off to one side. Derek’s mother was nowhere in sight.
India’s gaze shifted from the three gentlemen to Derek, who grinned in a satisfied manner.
“Dare I ask what this is about?” she said cautiously.
“My mother told me you had never been to a ball.”
“The opportunity has never presented itself.” Nor had she ever particularly wished to attend a ball.
“But you do know how to dance?”
“Of course. Miss Bicklesham’s has excellent instructors.” If she recalled correctly, she had excelled at dancing. Although, admittedly, she’d never danced with a male partner before.
“No doubt. However, as it has been some time, I thought you might wish for a bit of practice before tomorrow night,” he said in an offhand manner as if this was of no importance at all. But it was. “My stepfather, my brother and the professor have offered to provide you with partners.”
Lord Westvale stepped forward. “I believe the first dance is mine, Miss Prendergast.”
“Well?” An uncertain smile played on Derek’s lips.
“You arranged this,” she said slowly.
He nodded. “I did.”
Somehow the man knew she would be apprehensive about attending a ball, about being in a situation she’d never been in before. She would be ill at ease and out of place. And he did what he could to make it easier for her. It was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her.
She leaned close to him and spoke softly into his ear. “You can be shockingly thoughtful, Mr. Saunders.”
“Do try to keep that in mind, Miss Prendergast,” he said quietly. She could hear the smile in his voice.
She straightened, then moved down the steps to greet Lord Westvale.
He offered his arm and escorted her toward the center of the floor. Derek waved in the direction of the balcony, and a moment later, the strains of a sedate waltz played on a violin drifted over the room.
Surprise caught her breath. “Derek arranged for music?”
“Derek arranged for everything, my dear.” The marquess took her right hand in his left and placed his other hand lightly on the small of her back. She rested her free hand on his arm below his shoulder. “Ready?”
“I am.” She forced a light laugh. “I do so love to waltz,” she lied.
God bless him, his lordship was as thoughtful as his stepson. He steered her around the floor with a gentle hand, guiding and directing her steps. He didn’t so much as wince when she stepped on his toes, and he smoothly saved her from falling when she stumbled over her own.
“Did you enjoy your shopping excursion with my wife?” his lordship asked pleasantly after she had begun to feel at ease enough to move with the music rather than against it.
“I’ve never experienced anything quite like it, my lord.”
He chuckled. “Celia considers shopping something of a cross between art and sport.”
“She may well be the nicest woman I have ever met.”
“She speaks highly of you, as well.” He steered her through a simple turn, and she followed with scarcely any effort at all. “She also said you are concerned about her expenditures. You needn’t be. My wife knows the value of the patronage of the Marchioness of Westvale to the merchants she deals with as do they. I am always rather astonished when her bills come in to find they are far less than I would have expected.”
“That is something of a relief.”
“It scarcely matters really. My fortune is more than sufficient. I inherited great wealth, and assorted business enterprises have enabled me to increase it. My father would be shocked, of course, to know that I have dabbled in business, but the world has changed since his day.” He paused. “Derek has been assisting his uncle in recent months with the earl’s business pursuits, management of his properties and that sort of thing. I hear he’s doing more than satisfactory. Derek’s inheritance will be quite significant.”
“So I have heard.”
“I understand from my wife that Derek’s financial future is of no particular concern to you.”
“Her ladyship is wrong, my lord.” Fortune aside, she was not right for Derek, and she did not wish to explain that yet again. Although perhaps in that, too, she was wrong. “I want nothing more than for Derek to receive exactly what he deserves.”
He studied her. “Are we still speaking of his inheritance?”
“I can’t imagine what else we would be talking about.” She shrugged and promptly tripped.
His lordship managed to keep her upright with barely noticeable effort. “I have always thought it beneficial to be able to talk while I dance but perhaps until you are more...”
“Accomplished?”
He smiled. “I was going to say confident. At any rate, perhaps we should forgo conversation and concentrate on the steps for now.”
“I think that is indeed a good idea.” She smiled up at him and tried to concentrate on her feet and the music even though the more she danced, the less she had to think about it.
Every now and then she would catch sight of Derek with the other men, and her heart would do the oddest things. The effort he’d gone to was most impressive and rather touching. There was far more to the man than she had ever imagined.
What did Derek deserve? The more she’d grown to know him, the more her opinions had changed. She no longer wanted to see him thrown in prison. And, as he would make right the fraudulent nature of the Lady Travelers Society, that was no longer necessary.
The music drew to a close. Lord Westvale released her and stepped back. “Excellent effort, Miss Prendergast. Why, a few more turns around the floor and no one will ever suspect you don’t dance every night.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she said with a grateful smile.
“If I might give you one piece of advice.” He leaned close and lowered his voice. “You have a rather strong tendency to try to lead. Most partners are not fond of having to battle for control at every step.”
She winced. “I shall keep that in mind.”
He flashed her an encouraging smile, then nodded at the professor waiting to take his place.
“I quite enjoy dancing, India, but I fear I am not as fine a dancer as his lordship,” the professor said, assuming the correct position.
“I can’t imagine such a thing.”
The music began, another waltz, this one a bit more sprightly, and they started off. With every note, more and more of what she’d been taught came back to her. Why, this was actually enjoyable. A realization helped by the fact that Professor Greer’s skill on the dance floor was more comparable to India’s than to Derek’s stepfather. But what he lacked in proficiency, he made up for in enthusiasm.
The professor cleared his throat. “I am most impressed by the effort Derek went to on your behalf today.”
“As am I.” India shook her head. “It was very kind of him.”
“I am well aware that you are not overly fond of him.”
“On the contrary, Professor. We have forged a firm friendship.”
“I see.” The professor paused to lead her through a turn. “I have grown quite fond of Derek, as has Estelle. He flirts outrageously with her, you know.”
“Yes, sir, I have noticed that.”
“She quite enjoys it.”
“I have noticed that, as well.” She drew her brows together. “You don’t find it bothersome?”
“Why should I?”
“You just said it was outrageous.”
“Precisely why she adores it.” He chuckled. “I have no concerns as to my wife’s fealty or affections, India. As you are still young, I doubt you will be able to understand this, but when Derek flirts with Estelle, she feels her youth again. There is nothing like the attentions of a dashing, handsome young man to make a woman remember when that was a common occurrence. He understands that, as well. And I am the, oh, how to phrase this delicately, beneficiary, if you will, of her remembrances.”
India summoned an awkward smile.
“I do hope I haven’t shocked you.”
“No, of course not.” She swallowed hard. “Not at all.”
“One doesn’t spend a lifetime molding the minds of young men without learning a thing or two about them in the process. I consider myself an excellent judge of character. Derek is a good man, India.”
“You’re certain of that, are you?” She adopted a teasing tone.
“As certain as experience allows. But I assure you, I cannot recall being in error in my assessment of a man’s nature.” The music faded, and the professor guided her to a halt with a bit of an unexpected flourish. “Even the finest among us makes mistakes, India. Through errors in judgment or even good intentions. You would be wise to remember that.”
“Thank you, Professor, I shall.”
“I believe it is my turn.” Lord Brookings’s voice sounded behind her.
“India.” The professor took her hand and raised it to his lips. “This has been my pleasure. And I fully intend to claim at least one dance tomorrow night.” He placed her hand in Lord Brookings’s, nodded a bow and walked away.
“I should warn you, Miss Prendergast.” A wicked twinkle shone in Lord Brookings’s eyes. He placed his free hand firmly on her back, glanced in Derek’s direction and the music began. “You have saved the best for last.”
“Have I, my lord?”
“Apparently, I shall have to prove it to you. Although, I must say, for a woman who has never been to a ball, you are doing far better than I expected.”
“I was well taught,” she said in a prim manner, then smiled. “But I will admit, I have had little opportunity to dance since I learned at Miss Bicklesham’s. I thought I’d forgotten everything. I find it reassuring how quickly it has all come back to me.”
“You may be one of those people to whom it comes easily.”
“Then I am grateful for that. I would hate to be an embarrassment.” She paused. “I must say, I’d forgotten as well how much I liked dancing.”
“Then you should do it more often,” he said firmly. “Life is entirely too short not to indulge in those things that bring pleasure. And dancing is perhaps the most innocent among those.”
“I would never be so bold or so foolish as to ask what else brings you pleasure, my lord.”
“Why, Miss Prendergast.” He stared down at her. “I do believe you are flirting with me.”
“On the contrary, Lord Brookings—”
His brow shot upward.
“Percy.” She laughed. “I have never flirted in my entire life.”
“It appears, under the appropriate circumstances, that comes easily to you, as well.” He led her through a quick turn and she followed him with relative ease. “Excellent, Miss Prendergast. You are doing extremely well.”
“I am quite enjoying it.”
“Derek thought you might.” His tone was matter-of-fact. “My brother went to a great deal of trouble to arrange this for you.”
“It was extremely thoughtful of him.”
“He can be quite thoughtful, even when one least expects it. He always has been,” he added in an offhand manner. “Although I can’t imagine he would have done all this for anyone else.”
“Only me?” she said lightly.
“Only you.” His gaze met hers, and she nearly stumbled at the honesty in his eyes.
At once the truth hit her. These men weren’t merely helping her dance; they were laying out a case in Derek’s favor. Regaling her with his good points. It was a concerted effort to—what? Win her over? The idea that Derek had asked these men to not only dance with her but make mention of his virtues was an outrage, and she should be furious. But the fact that he had gone to all this trouble so that she might see him in a better light was most endearing. How could she possibly be annoyed with him for that?
“The lady who captures his heart will be a lucky creature indeed.” Sincerity colored his words. “No woman could ever do better. He will spend the rest of his life making her happy.
She stared up at him. “I have no idea what to say to that.”
“Say nothing, Miss Prendergast.” He smiled and executed a quick spin. “Simply remember it.”
The tempo of the music increased and the rest of the dance was spent in a thoughtful silence. At least on India’s part. His lordship was no doubt letting her dwell on his comment, beast of a man that he was.
“Miss Prendergast, I look forward to our next dance,” he said when the music had ended. “Now, unfortunately, I must relinquish you to my brother.” Derek stepped up beside him. Lord Brookings cast him a pitying look. “Not as accomplished a dancer, not as handsome or as clever but not totally objectionable.”
“Ah, brother.” Derek shook his head in a mournful manner. “The fictional world you live in must be a strange and lonely place.”
“Strange perhaps.” A knowing grin curved his lips. “But never lonely.” He nodded, turned and strode across the floor.
“Miss Prendergast,” Derek began, “may I have the honor of this dance?”
“I’m not sure another dance is necessary, Mr. Saunders.” She furrowed her brow thoughtfully. “I feel quite confident now, and your mother will be wondering where I have disappeared to.”
“My mother will be wondering no such thing, and another dance is always necessary.” He signaled to the violinist, and the music started once again.
“Still...” She shook her head even as she moved into his arms. “I don’t know...”
“Trust me, Miss Prendergast.” He gazed down at her, held her a bit more tightly than was proper and moved to the music.
“I do, Mr. Saunders.” Her throat tightened. “I do.”
He smiled, his eyes shining with something unknown, something extraordinary. Shivers raced up her spine. “Then you feel more comfortable, about the ball, that is?”
“Yes, I believe I do. Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure.”
They moved together effortlessly, and she suspected he was making accommodations for her because they couldn’t possibly dance this well together. As if their feet were barely touching the floor.
“It was most kind of their lordships and the professor to take the time to assist me.” She studied him curiously. “Are you aware that each and every one also took the opportunity to extol your virtues?”
“No!” He gasped. “Did they?”
“Unceasingly.”
He grinned.
“Your stepfather spoke of your expectations and your interest in business, your brother pointed out the thoughtfulness of your nature and the professor commented on your flirtation with his wife.”
“Oh?” Caution sounded in Derek’s voice.
“He’s quite appreciative of it.”
“Excellent,” he said with relief. “I should mention, in the spirit of honesty, I did suggest that if they wished to mention a few of my more noble qualities to you, I would not object.”
“They served you well.”
“Friends and family do that for you.”
The oddest pang shot through her. She glanced at the room flashing by and noticed they were now alone. “They seem to have taken their leave. Part of your plan?”
“It’s a very good plan,” he said firmly. “Although I do find it interesting that what I consider my best qualities were not the ones they chose.”
“I suppose we rarely see ourselves as others do.” Still, hadn’t she been seeing herself through the eyes of others since this all began? “It can be quite startling.”
“Particularly if one thinks one is always right.”
“Yes, well, that does make it more difficult.” She smiled wryly. “Aside from extolling your virtues and the practicality of refreshing my dance skills, this is all part and parcel of a romantic endeavor on your part, isn’t it?”
He glanced around in surprise. “By God, it is!” He shook his head. “I had no idea.”
She laughed.
He stared at her, a bemused smile on his lips. “When we first met you never smiled at me at all. Let alone laughed.”
She stared in surprise. “What utter nonsense, of course I smiled.”
“You did not. Or at least, not a genuine smile. I wasn’t sure you knew how.” He led her through a more complicated set of steps than she had attempted thus far, and she scarcely noticed.
“How dreadful of me.”
“Not really. We did not get off on the best foot, if you recall. Eventually I realized I would have to earn your smile.”
“And I believe you have,” she said lightly.
“Have I really?” His gaze searched hers. “Because when you smile at me it feels as if I’ve been given a gift.” His arms tightened around her. “A gift I am hard-pressed to live without.”
“Then I shall have to give it to you more often.” The music drew to a close, and they came to a halt. But his arms stayed around her, and she made no effort to move.
“I should warn you. I am claiming the first dance tomorrow and the last.”
“How very forward of you,” she teased.
“I know.” He grinned. “You like it.”
“Perhaps. Derek.” She summoned her courage. “I was wrong about something else.”
Once again he gasped in an exaggerated fashion. “Not you!”
“About the type of woman you are supposed to marry. I see now I might possibly...” She hesitated. There would be no going back.
“Yes?”
“I might have been mistaken.” She smiled up at him.
“Might have been?” He grinned and pulled her closer. “Say it, India.”
“Very well.” She couldn’t help but laugh. What Derek had done for her, all this was just so wonderfully...perfect. “I may have been, possibly—”
His brow arched.
“Probably...” She sighed. “I was wrong. Without question, undoubtedly, undeniably wrong.”
“Why, Miss Prendergast.” He lowered his head down, and she raised her lips to meet his. “You say the most alluring things.”
“Miss Prendergast!” An outraged voice sounded from across the room. “What is the meaning of this?”