Somewhat of a Ruse: A Sweet Regency Novella by Jess Heileman

Author:Jess Heileman [Heileman, Jess]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vagabond Publishing, LLC
Published: 2024-03-26T00:00:00+00:00

Mr. Huntington and I started toward one another, our quick steps matching the lively pace of the music. Fidget was a perfect name for the tune. It was the second of the two dances, and my chest was heaving from the exertion—or possibly from how much I had laughed during the last half of an hour.

“I admit, I am sorely disappointed you are not a terrible dancer in the least,” he said as I sashayed passed him.

I released the lady’s hand to my right and returned to the middle, meeting him there. “The dance is not over yet.” I took hold of his hands, and we began our promenade around the set.

“Do not raise my hopes. Though perhaps if I tripped you⁠—”

“You would not dare!”

He lifted a teasing brow. “Before this moment, I would not have dreamed of it. But now …”

I squeezed his hands in warning, but it only caused his smile to grow. “I do not require assistance in embarrassing myself. I manage that quite well on my own.”

Once we arrived where we had started, the dance forced us to move away from one another to our starting spots. Through the entire poussettes formation, I could sense his eyes on me. When the first couple began their double triangles, circling Mr. Huntington and me respectively, I finally met his gaze. He watched me with such intensity, I found I could not hold it, and I looked away again.

With fate ever proving itself my foe, the music drew to an end. While the surrounding couples clapped for the orchestra, Mr. Huntington strode toward me with purpose. “Laura.”

“Shhhh. Someone will overhear you.”

“Forgive me, Miss Turner.” He glanced from side to side as though making certain he appeased our nonexistent audience, then looked back at me. “Better?”

I took a few steps toward the edge of the ballroom, and he followed. “You look near to bursting. What is it you wish to say before I must return to my aunt?”

“My mother is certain she has met you previously.”

My pulse quickened. Why would he mention that now? “I do remember her saying as much, but I am positive we were never introduced until the two of you visited Linwick.” That was not a lie.

He stepped closer, causing me to crane my neck upward. “And yet, when I recall that introduction, your shock at first seeing her was unmistakable. It was as though you also recognized her ... and not favorably." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Did the two of you cross paths at the Claybournes' Ball? Or did you perhaps have an exchange with someone else that she might have witnessed?"

I swallowed down the lump forming in my throat. Though he did not ask me outright, I now understood the actual question behind his inquiry: did something occur the night of the Claybournes' ball that would lead me to seek refuge in a darkened room? Something that would cause me such embarrassment that I would audibly rebuke myself and my foolish ways when I assumed I was alone? The idea of Matilda being that person was laughable, while I was a perfect fit.

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