Free His By Christmas (Hamilton Sisters) by Kaitlin O'Riley Page B

eyes said yes, he did mind, but Lord Shelley removed his hand from Yvette’s arm with great reluctance and gave a brief nod of assent. “Eddington.”
    Yvette began to protest the interruption. “Why, Jeffrey, Lord Shelley and I were just about to—” Before she could continue, Jeffrey had her in his arms and was twirling her away to a waltz.
    It had all happened so quickly that Lord Shelley was left standing alone with a somewhat stunned expression on his face.
    “Really, Jeffrey, that was quite rude of you!” she scolded him in irritation. She was certain Lord Shelley had been about to ask her something important! Then Jeffrey had come along and spoiled it!
    Grinning mischievously, he asked, “It was rude of me to ask the most beautiful woman in the room to dance with me?”
    His charming, magnetic smile melted her, as she was sure he intended it to. Yvette shook her head in exasperation. It was impossible to stay angry with Jeffrey. And he was so handsome it was difficult to refuse him. He looked very dashing in his black evening clothes. But she was still piqued, for she was sure that Lord Shelley had been about to ask her to go outside for some air. “Thank you for the compliment, but I was in the middle of something with Lord Shelley.”
    “It’s good to keep a man like him on his toes.” Jeffrey winked at her. “You shall thank me for it later.”
    Perhaps Jeffrey, rogue that he was, was correct, she mused as they danced. Lord Shelley was already a bit jealous, so perhaps making him more so would spur him to greater action. All she could do now was hope that was the case.
    Yvette began to enjoy the waltz and noted that Jeffrey did not hold her as tightly as Lord Shelley had, but he moved with greater confidence and she felt lighter and more secure in his arms. He guided her effortlessly across the floor in perfect time with the music. It suddenly occurred to her that she had never danced with him before. Why, Jeffrey was an expert dancing partner! Although it shouldn’t surprise her that he was, oddly enough it did.
    “I believe that this is the first time we have ever danced together, Jeffrey.”
    “Is it?” His expression was amused. “Then we must note the name of this waltz to remember the occasion and then it shall be our song.”
    Yvette laughed at his suggestion. “Do you do this with all the women you consort with? Have a special song with them?”
    His blue eyes met hers directly. “No. I do not.”
    “Oh.” Yvette felt suddenly awkward with him, not sure what he meant by that.
    The waltzing was heavenly, she had to admit. She even closed her eyes for a moment to enjoy it as she floated in his arms.
    “Who the hell let you out of the house wearing this gown?”
    Her eyes flew open to find Jeffrey’s expression of displeasure. “Whatever do you mean?” Her reddening cheeks belied her words.
    “You know exactly what I mean.” He leveled her with his gaze. “It’s no mystery you have men falling over themselves to dance with you this evening. Surely your aunt must disapprove?”
    Yvette defended her wardrobe choice. “Mother said it was fine and my modiste told me it was the height of fashion. Besides, Aunt Cecilia didn’t see it until we arrived here and I removed my cape.” She smiled wickedly. “It was too late then.”
    He rolled his eyes at her.
    “Don’t you like it?” she asked.
    He gave her a wolfish grin. “Oh, I like it just fine. That’s the trouble. Because I’m certain every other man here tonight likes it as well. It’s a beautiful gown and you look ravishing in it.” The smile disappeared from his face. “But it’s too low for you, Yvette.”
    “It’s not that low!” she pointed out heatedly. “And I’m not the only one wearing such a neckline.”
    His eyes locked with hers. “I don’t care what anyone else is wearing.”
    “I love this gown! It’s beautiful and elegant. Stop acting like an overbearing older brother.”
    His blue eyes were