Page 16 of Regency in Color

Chapter Six

Colin spotted Juliana as soon as she entered Lord Fansworth’s ballroom. He watched her follow Lady Roxburrow to the edge of the dance floor, in a prime position to allow any passing gentleman to see Juliana if he wished to ask her to dance.

Her golden yellow gown accentuated her smooth, copper complexion, giving it an ethereal glow in the dim candlelight. His amusement soared at seeing the fichu wrapped securely around her shoulders and tucked into the bodice of her dress. He might have to repeat his lesson on confidence tonight.

Like the true artist she was, her focus immediately strayed to the elaborate floral chalk design drawn onto the wooden floor. He could almost feel the restraint she called upon to keep herself from bending over to get a closer look. He made his way around the room, wanting to be closer to her.

To his absolute relief and delight, Juliana smiled at him as he approached. He hadn’t been sure what her reaction to him would be after the moment they had shared yesterday.

All he’d been able to think about since was how close he’d come once more to the bliss of her soft lips on his. That unsure hopefulness reflected in her big brown eyes, hinting that despite what happened, a part of her might still want him as much as he still wanted her.

He hadn’t allowed himself the indulgence of expecting that she could forgive him. But now, the door of possibility had been cracked, and he wanted to ease it open further to see where it could lead.

“Lady Roxburrow.” He bowed, then lifted her hand to his lips. “You look mesmerizing this evening.” He employed every ounce of charm he possessed in his greeting. If there were a chance of something more developing between him and Juliana, he’d make sure to do things properly this time. Starting with gaining the approval of her guardian.

“Thank you. You’re too kind.”

“With your permission, may I accompany Juliana during this next dance?”

“You most certainly may,” she beamed. “She’d be delighted to dance with you, my lord. Wouldn’t you, Juliana?”

“I would.”

“Thank you.”

Lady Roxburrow placed a hand on the small of Juliana’s back and all but shoved her into Colin’s arms. He took Juliana’s left hand in his right and ushered her away. They assumed their place among the other couples, and then he drew her close for the next waltz. Although considered scandalous when it first reached Britain’s shores, Colin adored the dance. Its main draw being, of course, that he could hold Juliana against him and speak softly in her ear.

“Are you ready for lesson three?” he asked.

“Yes, oh, wise tutor. I am ready for whatever you have to teach me.”

They both laughed. A joke. Good. She was becoming comfortable with him again.

“Lesson three,” he said, his voice imperious like a high-handed schoolmaster. “Men want what they cannot have, which is why mothers keep their daughter so heavily guarded. The temptation of the forbidden is hard for any man to ignore. This dance will increase your allure tenfold.”

“What does the jealousy of men have to do with our dancing?”

“It is an offshoot of the principle ‘men want what another has.’ Dancing with me makes other men curious to know what about you has captivated me. Look around. People are already beginning to watch us, wondering what it is I am whispering to you.”

Juliana glanced about, taking in the men and women huddled about the room, their attention riveted on them. Several groups of young men had gathered at the edge of the dance floor, nodding and whispering to each other while their eyes tracked Juliana’s movements.

“It seems your assertion has merit.”

“It helps that I have a reputation as a bit of a scandal’s rogue. They are all saying to themselves, ‘good heavens. Herstshire is shown an inordinate amount of interest in Miss Drake. He hasn’t been able to keep his eyes off her since she arrived. She must have the power of the heavens hidden beneath her skirts to get that scoundrel to behave. ’”

Juliana laughed so hard she choked, followed by a short coughing fit.

“Now they are wondering if they too should employ such an unladylike laugh to garner my favor.”

“It’s your fault for making me laugh so hard. And they are saying no such thing.”

“Mark my words. They are.”

They shared another laugh, an experience Colin hadn’t realized he missed so much. Seeing her smile and laugh so freely made him want to do all in his power to make sure her joy never faded.

He loved her. Always had and always would. If he could figure a way out of this ruse of wanting to help her find another to marry, he would. But just because she laughed with him didn’t mean she would forgive him.

He held back a flinch when she stepped on his toes yet again. “You are rather graceful, you know.”