Cynthia smiled at that though she was still feeling awkward. She took his hand, and he led her out into the throng. He put his arm around her waist, pulled her close to him, and they began to spin along with the rest of the dancers.
“This can’t be your first Season.” Daniel said, his warm breath whispering through her hair to her ear. It gave her chills. “Why have I not seen you before?”
“I have been to two previous Seasons, my lord. Before that, I was betrothed and wedded to a fine young man who died suddenly.”
“How tragic! You have my condolences. What happened, if I may be so bold?”
Cynthia was able to speak of it casually now. It had been four long years. “He was thrown from his horse, struck his head on a rock and died instantly.”
“Good Lord! I am sorry, my lady.”
His voice sounded genuinely sorry when he said it. Though she had heard genuine sympathy before, she had previously thought that would not be possible for this brash Duke. She knew who he was, and she knew his reputation among the ladies of the town. He was known as a scoundrel by some, a rake by others and a charmer by still others. She was going to have to decide for herself who he really was. She looked up into his dark brown eyes. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Do you have an opinion of the ladies and gentlemen of the Season?”
“The pickings are light, my lord.”
“What makes you say that?” He was curious.
“I have been to two of these, as I said. The same young men and women are recycled through when they do not find a match. New arrivals are quickly absorbed. It can sometimes be a bit chaotic if you ask me.”
He nodded. “I truly agree with you. This has been my thought for some time, as well.”
She looked at him. “Forgive me for speaking honestly, my lord, but you have a reputation that precedes you. There are many women here that you have courted, even for a short period of time. In fact, would I dare say most of them?”
He was a little taken aback by her frankness. He gazed into her blue eyes the way he had across the table. She interested him. She was quite a character, and he felt instinctively that he could trust her. So he decided to be perfectly honest with her, as well.
“I have, in fact, courted most of these women, yes. I can probably mention on one hand those that I haven’t courted. At least those between the ages of 18 and 30. It was what made me curious that I do not remember seeing you here before.”
“It is my instinct to stay on the sidelines, my lord,” she responded. Her head was becoming a bit dizzy, and the dance floor was hot. She longed for her fan. She wondered if he noticed how faint she was becoming.
“But you are not a quiet woman.” As soon as he said it, Daniel wished he could take it back. His surprise had gotten the better of him, and he blurted the words out without thinking. She was not a wallflower. She was a bright and interesting woman. He supposed being a widow could have made the difference in her approach to the Season.
She gave him an amused look. “I am not sure whether to thank you or to take offense, my lord,” she said with a small smile.
“I just meant…I apologize, I usually do not pay attention to the ladies who do not come out to dance. I am surprised I did not notice you before.”
“I know who you are.” She wanted to stick her tongue out at him playfully but did not dare push her luck.
“So you mentioned,” he responded. The song was finally over, and he was leading her back to the table. She was slightly out of breath and gestured for a new drink as soon as she reached the table. When it was brought to her, she drank half of it at once.
“All you all right, my lady?” Daniel asked, sitting in a chair that was closer to hers this time. He leaned in closely and looked at her face; concern openly displayed on his. She nodded and held open her fan, waving it so that a nice breeze blew over her.
“My, I was just so out of breath. Dancing is fun, but sometimes it can wear a girl out.”
“Would you like another drink?” He watched her down the second half of her wine and was on his feet to retrieve another.
“Thank you, my lord.”
Without a word, he disappeared.
Cynthia’s head was spinning. It felt like she hadn’t left the dance floor. She couldn’t decide if she had had too much wine or if the motion of the dance was just lingering in her mind. She didn’t remember having this much trouble in the past. But then, it was quite a few years ago since she was looking for a man.
And she wasn’t really looking for a man. She thought about Duke Willingham, who certainly didn’t seem like the bad boy all of her friends made him out to be. But then, how would he have gotten time with them all if he wasn’t a charmer?
Her mind became even more confused. Was he using that charm on her now? Was she mistaking his behavior as genuine because he was so good at playing the role?
She felt a bit angry now. She wasn’t one to be taken advantage of.