Rose felt a sensation of power swell in her chest as Lord Rupert’s eyes never left hers. He seemed to drown in her presence, as though they were the only two people in the room. Could he truly fall in love with her?
Perhaps a more pertinent question was, could Lord Rupert, son of a powerful prince of the Holy Roman Empire, wed anyone he pleased—even Rose? From his mother’s reactions tonight, perhaps that was exactly what the duchess was afraid of. The only thing he stood to inherit was a manor house and farm within a half-day’s ride from the castle. Rose, on the other hand, was as poor as—as a woodcutter’s daughter. How could he ever think of marrying her?
Marriage was surely the last thing on Lord Rupert’s mind, but she didn’t care. She would enjoy this moment. She refused to think about the probability that Lord Rupert wanted the selfsame thing the black-smith’s son wanted.
The dance ended, but Lord Rupert didn’t let go of her hand. He didn’t move, either, as he stared into her eyes. “I must have you sit with me at the feast.”
She had not expected this. “I’m…not sure that would be appropriate. Your mother—”
“I will arrange it with Mother. You will be my dinner partner.”
The person in question was coming their way. Rose leaned away from Lord Rupert, pulling her hand free.
“Rose.” The duchess’s eyes pierced her then turned on Lord Rupert. She placed her hand on his arm. “Rupert, you must dance with more of our guests.” She turned to Rose for a moment. “You understand, of course. He has obligations.”
“Of course.” Rose curtsied as the duchess led Lord Rupert away.
He looked back at her, and his expression said, “I shall return.”
Rose clasped her hands together, trying to squeeze out her nervousness as she remembered the duchess’s cold stare and Lord Rupert’s determination to have her sit with him. How awkward. Her heart fluttered. She took in the Great Hall in a sweeping glance, trying to get her mind off the conflict she was causing.
Everyone seemed small, swishing around the enormous hall in their colorful clothes. The torches reached upward with bright tongues of light, the flags were majestic, and the marble floor was as elegant and smooth as the silk garments floating above it. Rose stared again at the wall but didn’t see it. She was thinking of the dances, the way her lungs had filled with air and her body floated as she’d executed the steps—correctly too, thank goodness. And she thought of Lord Rupert, his attentiveness, the look in his eyes.
“Rose?”
She turned. “Lord Hamlin.” Her heart seemed to stick in her throat as she curtsied.
“I saw you dancing. I hope you’re enjoying the ball.”
She swallowed, trying to push her heart back down where it belonged. “Oh, yes, and the music is heavenly. I thank you. Please tell the other musicians that I think they are wonderful.”
“I will. I’m sure they’ll be pleased.” He looked at her intently. His dark blue eyes seemed more brilliant than ever, and his suntanned face contrasted handsomely with his white shirt and sleeveless sapphire doublet. “Will you honor me with the next dance?”
Me? Rose swallowed. “Yes.”
Her knees shook as they joined the dancers. The musicians began to play and the large human circle moved in unison. His hand was warm around hers, sending a tingle through her arm that spread additional warmth all through her. All thoughts of Lord Rupert disappeared from her head.
Since the song being played was a carol, all the dancers were expected to sing. She couldn’t help but close her eyes for a moment in pleasure at hearing Lord Hamlin’s voice, so deep, rich and masculine, and perfectly in tune.
They stepped to the left, then to the right, forward and then back. Rose was so aware of his hand holding hers, of his closeness, that she couldn’t utter a sound. Lord Hamlin glanced at her, and his gentle look made her heart twist. She wished the dance would never end.
But it did, and Lord Hamlin turned to her, gently releasing her hand. To cover her nervousness, she gave her voice a teasing tone. “I thought you said you couldn’t sing. In fact, you sing very well.”
“I thank you.” He smiled at her, and her legs seemed to melt. He had such an earnest, sincere expression on his face, and Rose couldn’t imagine worrying that Lord Hamlin’s intentions were immoral.
People were beginning to form two lines for another almain.
Lord Hamlin raised his eyebrows at her. “I suppose they can do without me for one more song. Would you dance with me again?”
“Yes.” She didn’t understand the strange emotions that were going through her. Lord Hamlin had proved himself to be her friend, but these feelings were not those she would feel for a friend.