Free To Protect An Heiress (Zebra Historical Romance) by Adrienne Basso

countless gentlemen in her life. Men who flattered her outrageously, pledged undying devotion and love, threatened to do themselves bodily harm if she did not look upon them with favor.
    Yet she found none of these bucks as compelling as being held in the arms of the Marquess of Dardington. That surprising realization troubled her greatly.
    “You disappoint me, Lady Meredith. Luring me onto the dance floor with subtle hints of outrageous behavior and then retreating behind a wall of proper silence. ’Tis most unfair.”
    She gave him a tentative smile. “Please, forgive my proper, reflective behavior. I shall endeavor most studiously to utter something of monumental impropriety the moment I catch my breath.”
    “Excellent.”
    “Ahh, now I am truly feeling the pressure to be sparkling and witty.” She felt his shrewd eyes on her face, but surprisingly her nerves began to ease. He led her into a graceful turn and her mouth curved broadly. “You must allow me a moment to marshal my composure, or I shall trod upon your shiny shoes. It has been a long time since I danced a waltz.”
    “I do not believe you.”
    “ ’Tis true.” She paused a moment, allowing the enchanting music and graceful rhythm of the dance to lull her. She felt like she was floating as the cool air rushed by her cheek. “I spend the majority of my evenings at home. There is hardly anyone appropriate to waltz with, though I suppose if I were desperate I could ask one of the footmen. I am, however, uncertain if they know the steps.”
    “Are you as much of a recluse from society as I?”
    “Nearly. I find I attend fewer and fewer events each year,” Meredith admitted. “I do not enjoy the activities of the Season, nor the company of many of the esteemed members of Society.”
    “Why?”
    Meredith gave a shrug of nonchalance. “I fear I have never been able to discuss feminine pursuits with much authority, and my competence in business affairs long ago labeled me a bluestocking.”
    “What has saved you from utter ruin?”
    “My outrageous sense of propriety?”
    “I think it is more your ready sense of humor.” His hold around her waist tightened fractionally, drawing her closer.
    Meredith smiled. “Alas, my unusual appreciation for the absurd has offended more than one self-centered, overblown aristocrat.”
    “You have easily described half the people in this room.”
    “I think two thirds is a more accurate count. Many object to me and my odd ideas on principle alone.”
    The marquess shook his head. “And yet you hold no grudges?”
    Meredith lifted her chin. “I react without malice to their slights, for that only frustrates them more. It was a trick Lavinia taught me, though I know in my heart I shall never achieve her grace and charm and kindness with such easy fluency. She was a dear friend, and one of the finest women I have ever known.”
    “That is because conversation and wit came naturally to her,” the marquess answered readily. “As well as her affinity for society.”
    “ ’Tis true. Her natural gifts made her a well-respected and sought-after addition to any social gathering.” Meredith felt a tug at her heart, remembering her friend. “I, on the other hand, must work very hard at being amusing and entertaining.”
    “Not so very hard, I think.”
    “You are being kind, my lord.”
    The marquess’s gaze clung to hers and it was dark with emotion. “I am being honest.”
    The unexpected compliment startled Meredith and she nearly missed a step. He held her tightly as she swayed unsteadily, and she could feel the heat of his body, the raw strength in his arms.
    She fought to hold herself stiffly, for the sudden urge to mold her body softly against his was overwhelming. Her heart jolted at this thoroughly disconcerting notion.
    Meredith’s cheeks went warm. Though she knew he could hardly read her thoughts, she worried he had somehow known what she felt, for his gaze was probing and far too perceptive.
    They