Page 30 of Yours Truly, the Duke
“His family line can measure up to anyone’s,” Hurst offered. “Lord Tartanville is his cousin.”
“None of that matters,” Rick said offhandedly, “nor anything else. If he makes your heart flutter in your breasts, accept his pursuit.”
Grant and Hurst cleared their throats uncomfortably.
Priscilla giggled.
“Chest,” Rick corrected quickly. “Not brea—never mind.” He grimaced. “I should always drink brandy or port. Champagne gives me a damned headache. Grant, don’t look at me like that. I swear I meant ‘chest.’ That’s where the heart beats. The chest. Right? Not in the—well.”
“We’re trying to tell you if the man asks you to go for a ride in the park, we approve.”
Rick and Hurst added yeses to Wyatt’s sentiments.
Priscilla looked over at the young man before turning back to Wyatt. “I’m glad all of you approve of him.” She sighed softly. “It’s enchanting to be the center of attention for the evening. To have one duke host a party for me and for two others to attend makes me feel like a princess at a ball.”
“It’s your night,” Wyatt said with a sincere smile.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Priscilla looked directly at Wyatt. “Would you mind doing one more favor and have a short dance with me?”
“Pris, whatever are you doing?” Grant glared at his sister.
“I must ask,” she insisted. “Some guests will soon start leaving to attend other parties, and I want to make sure everyone sees me with His Grace.”
“Priscilla, please, don’t,” her brother continued. “You can’t ask a gentleman to dance! Nor is it polite to ask theduke to do more for you than he has already done. Show some well-mannered behavior instilled in you and—”
“It’s all right, Grant,” Wyatt said, hoping to calm his friend. “The three of us were already thinking a dance might be in order to cap off the evening.” Wyatt glanced from Rick to Hurst to be sure they would back him in agreeing to something they’d never discussed.
“I’ll give you thirty seconds,” Hurst said, “and then I’ll cut in and take over.”
Priscilla’s pretty face lit up with delight.
“You will only get twenty seconds from me,” Rick answered with a smirk. “I’ll finish the dance.”
“I knew you would do it!” Priscilla exclaimed, seeming to hum with excitement as she looked at each duke, favoring them with more gleaming smiles. “Well, of course, I mean I was hoping all of you would agree. I couldn’t be sure.”
“This is most inappropriate, Priscilla,” Grant insisted, looking distressed. “I don’t want any of you to feel you must accommodate my little sister making a nuisance of herself. She’s outrageous and you are encouraging her.”
“It’s her party,” Hurst answered. “Both of you should enjoy it.”
“But she’s imposed quite enough on our friendships already. She’s making a pest of herself,” he grumbled.
“Why would we ever feel as if wehadto dance with a beautiful young lady?” Rick injected. “Besides, I see Mr. Altman continues to give his concentration to your sister. Perhaps it would be good for us to make him think he has competition.”
Wyatt hid his amusement and added, “Grant, go tell the musicians to play a waltz.”
Priscilla folded her hands together in front of herand said, “I could kiss all of you for doing this for me.” She gave Grant an engaging smile before adding, “But I won’t, of course. Don’t get worried, dear brother. Not even a sisterly kiss. That would be far too presumptuous of me.”
“As if you haven’t already been so,” Grant muttered under his breath before heading toward the ensemble.
Wyatt handed his glass to Hurst and offered an expression that said,Interrupt the dance whenever you are ready.He then proceeded to walk with Priscilla to the center of the room.
As if realizing what was happening as Wyatt and Priscilla took a dance position in the center of the room, the crowd parted and gave them a wide circle to move around the floor with the sweeping moves the newly fashionable waltz required.
After they were only a few seconds into the dance and she had taken a couple of twirls under Wyatt’s arm, he sensed something wasn’t right in the room. Looking over Priscilla’s shoulder, he could see no one was watching his partner.
Every guest’s head seemed to be turned toward the double doors that led to the corridor. Must be a newcomer to the party that had everyone’s attention. Curious, Wyatt maneuvered Priscilla so he could see what the attraction was.
Staring at him in disbelief was his beautiful wife.
