Free A Christmas Wedding Wager by Michelle Styles

would now do the polite thing and depart. She waited. He did not move. Instead he settled himself in the armchair and picked up the latest edition of the Newcastle Courant and noisily began turning the pages. She sat down at her desk and bent her head.
    'Mr Stanton, if you please, I am trying to work.'
    Jack Stanton's eyes twinkled as he put the news sheet down. 'Do you mean that as a challenge? Is that why you are holding that paper up like a shield? What are you frightened of, Miss Harrison?'
    'I am not frightened of anything.' Emma dropped the paper back on the desk with a thump.
    She placed her hands in her lap and grasped them together to prevent her from making wild hand gestures.
    'I think, Miss Harrison, it is not your father you are worried about, but yourself.' Jack Stanton leant forward as his eyes assessed her. He lowered his voice. 'Could it be that the latest dances scare you? Has the once sought-after Miss Harrison not yet learned to polka? Are you afraid of losing your hard-won dignity? The polka, Miss Harrison, combines all the intimacy of a waltz with the vibrancy of the Irish jig, or so my dancing master assured me when I learnt the steps two years ago.'

    Emma rolled her eyes heavenwards. She had to remain aloof, control her temper. 'Polkaing reached Newcastle several years ago, and I do know the steps. As in London, it is wildly popular.'
    'Show me.' Jack placed the news sheet down and rose. 'Will you do me the honour, Miss Harrison?'
    Emma's mouth dropped open. She looked over to where Jack stood with his hands outstretched. Her mouth went dry. What would it be like to be enfolded in those strong arms again?
    'This room is not big enough for a demonstration.' Emma narrowed her eyes.
    'Take the risk, Miss Harrison.' He came forward with outstretched hands. 'The only thing that will happen is a few pieces of knocked furniture. Inanimate objects, easily repaired.'
    'Mr Stanton, the space is limited.' Emma tried to ignore the tiny thrill that ran through her.
    Her breath caught slightly in her throat as she remembered his hand brushing against hers last night. 'I hate to think of my mother's ornaments suffering damage. They are a lasting reminder of her.'
    'What a pity. But if there was enough space, would you polka with me?' A shadow of a smile touched his lips. 'Speaking hypothetically.'
    'Yes, I see no reason in theory why I should not polka with you. The experience could be quite amusing.' Emma lifted her chin. 'It is nonsense to speculate on such things. It can't be done.'
    'All we would have to do is move the tables and chairs. Put a few Dresden shepherdesses beyond reach.' Jack tapped a finger against his cheek. 'There will be space, Miss Harrison.'
    He began to move the small table where several Dresden figurines stood, blank-faced and garishly dressed. Her mother's choice, rather than hers. Emma watched, horrified. He intended to make her dance. They would be alone in the room with his hand on her waist, her hand on his shoulder. Heat infused her cheeks.
    'Mr Stanton, I must protest. There is no music. Cease this foolishness.'
    'I will hum.' Jack start to move about the room, holding out his arms. 'A partner would make this much easier, Miss Harrison.'
    'Stop, stop!' Emma shook her head and tried to contain the laughter that threatened to bubble out over her. 'Do you always talk such nonsense, Mr Stanton?'
    'Only when it is required.' His eyes sobered as he came to a standstill, no more than a breath away from her. So close she could see the gold stud that held his collar together. 'If not dancing, tell me what you are afraid of. Why are you not going?'

    'Why should I be afraid of attending such a thing?' Emma looked away from his deeply penetrating eyes. 'I am as disappointed as my father. My ball dress was ordered months ago.
    Rose silk with Belgian lace. Quite the thing. Some might even say daring.'
    'And you a confirmed spinster.'
    'Spinsters dance, Mr Stanton.' Emma swallowed hard. There was no