Behind The Baron's Mask_A Regency Romance by Penny Fairbanks

Author:Penny Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Drat it all, Henry cursed to himself as Mrs. Richards dragged her daughter away. He’d just been about to ask for a second dance—something he had never done before.

But the look of hope that lit up her face as he’d wished her luck would suffice.

He followed behind Miss Richards and her mother toward the front of the ballroom, where the pianoforte and the musicians’ instruments had been set up.

This time he was careful to keep his distance and remain out of view. He dared not risk a repeat of Solomon’s dinner, especially since tonight’s crowd was far larger. He chose a spot nearby but facing her back so that she would not be thrown by him again and lose her confidence.

The Master of Ceremonies called the guests' attention and introduced Miss Richards. She took her seat on the bench and adjusted the sheet music, finding the piece she wanted. But before she began, Miss Richards turned slightly to look over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the room for something or someone.

Henry hoped that she wouldn’t turn far enough to notice him. Just as he was about to slip further back, Miss Richards found him.

Those ocean blue eyes locked onto his, and the corners of her lips curled up into a shy smile. Perhaps, Henry realized with a shock, Miss Richards had been looking for him after all.

He nearly brushed the thought away as absurd. Their dance had been pleasant, and they seemed to have overcome the awkwardness that had settled between them and worried him into a state of near silence at the dinner in the Richards home last night.

Certainly, Henry found that he had enjoyed the dance far more than he’d thought possible. Despite their numerous meetings over the course of the last two months, conversation had been limited. Henry blamed that on himself, as conversation had never been his strong suit. But the few glimpses he caught into Miss Richards’s character and thoughts intrigued him.

Even from what little Miss Richards had said during their outings, Henry could see that she had a unique way of viewing the world. In her eyes, everything was lovely and charming and funny. Every person was a friend, until they proved otherwise as Mr. Faxby had done.

And yes, he had certainly noticed the way her eyes softened when they passed by young courting couples or newlyweds in the park. But there was always a hint of something else in her expression. Longing, perhaps.

He wished to speak with her and learn more, but he felt that he’d made the impression that he would rather be in his library or study than spending time in her company. And that had been true initially.

Henry knew he should have done more to prompt friendliness between them. Goodness knew he’d had plenty of opportunities. They weren’t unfriendly, but any time they were together Henry could feel the weight of some wordless unease between them.

But the more time passed, the more Henry found it difficult to speak up.

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