Free The Temptation of Lady Serena by Ella Quinn

make her smile again. “Oh, no, you must converse, Lady Serena. People will think I’ve said something I shouldn’t have if you blush so delightfully and don’t speak.”
    “I am unused to these types of conversations. I thought with you, as you are a friend of my family, I could be more myself.”
    Her hand trembled in his, but she gave him a small smile.
    There, that was better.
    Enjoying her artlessness, Robert grinned. “Then I’m honored you feel you do not have to speak with me.”
    He tightened his hand on her waist through the turn, making sure not to hold her as tightly as he wished.
    “You are funning with me,” she said in consternation. “I wish you would not do so while I am dancing. I might miss a step.”
    Taken aback, he searched for another subject. “You don’t live in Yorkshire. Where do you live?”
    She tensed during the last turn. Maybe that was the problem. She was unused to dancing so close to a man.
    “I live—I used to live in an old and drafty castle, Vere Castle.” Her smile did not reach her eyes. “It’s in Scotland, almost on the border. You must live very close to my Aunt Ware.”
    “Yes, my principal estate is in Yorkshire. Your aunt’s land and mine march together. Of recent years, I’ve remained mostly in London. But I must, of course, visit Yorkshire several times during the year on estate business. We are coming to the next turn, and I shall need to hold you closer.”
    She nodded, but still stiffened as his arm drew her in and only eased when he loosened his grip.
    “You visit only on estate business? How sad. I found the country to be very beautiful in its own right.”
    Well, that was better. He forced himself to relax his hands. “If I had a family, I’d spend more time there. When I was a child, we had parties during Christmas. All the men, even my father, who was a very high stickler, went out to the forest to bring in a Yule log. I remember it burned for months.”
    “Oh, yes,” Serena said animatedly. “At the castle, we have a Christmas party for all our dependants, and they help bring in the Yule log. It is my favorite time of year.”
    The music ended and he brought them to a stop. Robert leaned in as close as propriety would allow and tried to breathe in her scent. “How did you happen to come to London?”
    “My brother returned recently with his new wife, and it was decided I should finally have a London Season.”
    He could tell Serena was making an effort to keep her tone light, but pain lingered in her voice, so he changed topics. “Have you been to any of the museums? They have some very interesting exhibits.”
    “No, I would love to see them. There’s been no time.”
    Robert met her gaze. Those amber eyes haunted his sleep. “Perhaps I may escort you.”
    Serena innocently returned his look. “Yes, thank you. I would be delighted.”
    “Do you know if you are free to-morrow at two o’clock?” He held his breath—
    “Yes, I think I am.”
    —and released it. “May I come for you then?”
    Serena smiled, her pleasure unfeigned. “How wonderful. I’ll look forward to it.”
    Robert was unable to believe she was looking at him with such simple joy. Had a woman ever gazed at him in that manner?
    He reluctantly released her hand and bowed, first to her, then to Phoebe and Anna, who’d appeared from nowhere. Not allowed to stand up with her again that night, yet unwilling to either leave the ball or dance with anyone else, he leaned back against a wall with his arms folded and scowled at Serena’s next dance partner, oblivious to the other ladies in their brightly colored plumage.
    “Robert, you are making a spectacle of yourself.” Phoebe’s lips were tight. “You cannot dance only with Lady Serena, then stand there staring at her. You will cause just the sort of talk you should be trying to avoid. Find some other lady with whom to partner.”
    That was not what he’d planned. “I suppose you’re right. Phoebe, will you dance