Though Tabitha had caught glimpses of Andrew as she danced, she’d been denied the opportunity to observe his first entrance into the ballroom because others had surrounded her. As she glanced him standing with Danby, he turned, focused on her and Tabitha’s blood heated and there were the queerest sensations in her lower belly as her breasts tightened. Goodness what had overcome her?
Tonight he was dressed in formal attire in dark grey long trousers and a black double-breasted coat with the claw-hammer tails in contrast to a sapphire waistcoat and snowy white shirt and cravat. His blue eyes were dark, intense. In fact, Andrew was not smiling as he stalked toward her with determination. His jaw tight, cheekbones high and pronounced, and every strand of his auburn hair in place.
His masculine beauty nearly stole her breath as he claimed her for their waltz. Claim indeed! Oh, if only it were so. Tabitha would gladly let Andrew lay claim to her for all of eternity.
Tabitha took his offered arm to be led to the center of the dance floor. As the music struck, he pulled her close, though keeping the proper distance, and swept her from one end of the floor to the other as they stared into each other’s eyes. They didn’t need to look where they were going, and Tabitha was secure that Andrew would not steer her into anyone else. Nor did they talk, but she couldn’t help but feel as if they’d spoken a thousand words as she memorized each and every detail of his face and how it felt to be in his arms, the strength of his hand at the small of her back and the secure hold on her hand. She’d never danced with a gentleman who exuded the grace of Andrew, or felt as if she’d become a part of him and that they were one.
As the music came to an end and he slowed the steps, Tabitha took a few moments in an attempt to catch her breath.
Only then did he smile. “It was my honor to share this waltz with you, Tabitha,” he whispered.”
“My honor as well, Andrew.”
He offered his arm. “Shall we go into supper?”
“Yes, please,” she answered, though she wasn’t the least bit hungry.
After finding a seat, Andrew went to retrieve plates for the two of them and Tabitha hoped that nobody would join them. Unfortunately, Neither Sarah nor Peter read her mind as they took the two remaining chairs at the small table.
“Where are your dance partners?” Tabitha asked.
“Neither one of us participated in the last waltz,” Peter shrugged.
It was all Tabitha could do not to ask them to go somewhere else, but she didn’t wish for Peter to question her reasons.
A moment later, Andrew returned and Peter left to fill plates for him and Sarah.
“You dance divinely, Lord Straffan,” Sarah gushed.
Her sister really did need to learn to school her features and her words. It was something they’d need to work on before spring or the gentlemen would only view Sarah as another silly miss fresh from the schoolroom.
Luckily, Peter kept up a conversation with Andrew, mostly focused on horse racing and Tabitha certainly hoped that if he were sitting with ladies who were not his sisters, Peter would have talked of something else. However, Andrew was equally involved in the discussion for upcoming circuits to renew in the spring.
Then Andrew turned to her. “However, this year, I might see where the ladies may be competing.”
Tabitha’s face heated. “I didn’t know gentlemen were allowed to attend such events.”
“Sometimes they are, sometimes not. I’m to understand that the ladies who hold events make the decisions for themselves.”
“In that case, perhaps I can prevail upon my brother to escort me.”
Andrew’s blue eyes looked deeply into hers. “As long as you can compete. And, if I would be so lucky to be in attendance, my money would be on you, Lady Tabitha.”
Goodness! With the way he looked at her, and the low timber of his voice, heat sliced through her body. She lifted her glass of punch and drained the contents hoping it would cool her.
“Would you care to take a turn about the room, or perhaps a walk outside before the dancing renews.”
“Yes,” she breathed out. Hopefully they did find their way outside so that she could cool her skin.
It wasn’t well done of him and Storm to discuss the racing circuit in front of Tabitha and her sister, but anything on Andrew’s mind could not be voiced. The entire time he’d waltzed with Tabitha it was all he could do not to dance right out of the room where they could be alone and he could kiss her senseless. In the past, he’d been the one to pull back and she pursued. Andrew was no longer fighting the attraction or concerned with what was right or wrong. He wanted Lady Tabitha Storm.
The waltz had only confirmed that they were perfect for one another. There was not one moment of awkwardness as she followed and flowed with him as if they were one being. If the waltz could be so perfect, then intimacy would be beyond his imagination. Never had the desire been so strong to hold a woman, kiss her and take her away to his chamber where he might divest her of all clothing and be truly intimate. He wanted to kiss her everywhere and let his fingers slide along her silky skin, listen to her bated breaths each time he gave her pleasure and wondered if she’d cry out his name as they joined.
Yes, a walk outside in the cold air was something he definitely needed because if he didn’t get this thoughts under control, everyone in attendance would know exactly what was on his mind.
As they returned to the ballroom, Andrew asked a servant to retrieve Lady Tabitha’s cloak. As lovely as her gown was, and as beautiful as she’d been in the moonlight with the snow and castle as a backdrop, he did not wish for her to become chilled.
“My mother expects me to attend her in the morning,” Tabitha stated as they waited.
“Does this mean we will not ride?” His heart sank. He’d come to look forward to their early morning visits.
“It is our family tradition to attend church, and being at Danby Castle is no exception.”
“Perhaps when you return?” If Danby needed her to be ready for the hunt, then they must ride at one point tomorrow or she’d be too skittish. Tabitha hadn’t even taken a jump yet, though he wasn’t certain any would be required.
“That will depend on if I can get away from her,” Tabitha explained. “With the guests and feasting, I’m not certain it will be possible.”
At least she was as disappointed as he was.
“If I can manage it, I’ll be certain to let you know.”
And with that one statement, Andrew knew that he’d not be hiding in his chamber, but in the common rooms, and most likely, whichever one Tabitha happened to inhabit. And if she managed to escape to the stables, so would he.
“Your cloak, Lady Tabitha,” a maid announced as she came forward.
“Thank you,” Tabitha murmured as Andrew took it and assist her in putting it on before offering his arm. “Shall we adjourn outside?”
Her smile was bright. “Yes, please.”