The Monster of Montvale Hall by Nadine Millard

Author:Nadine Millard
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2019-01-07T06:00:00+00:00

ABIGAIL TRIED TO keep the smile on her face as Robert escorted her to the centre of the ballroom.

But it was becoming steadily more difficult.

She’d never considered herself to be the shy or retiring type, but the level of scrutiny she was currently under was excruciating.

It could be the daring colour the dowager had convinced her it would be all right to wear.

It could be that she was new to these shores and people were curious about her.

However, she suspected that it was more likely to be the fact that the Monster of Montvale Hall himself was not only hosting a ball in his home but was about to open it.

With a stranger.

In New York, such a thing would cause weeks’ worth of gossip. In a Northumberland village, it would probably be talked about for years.

She heaved a sigh, trying to rally her courage.

People started to tentatively couple up on either side of her and Robert, but they certainly kept their distance.

Abigail’s heart hammered. Not just because of the blatant staring she was currently enduring but because in just moments, Robert would be touching her, dancing with her.

“That was quite a sigh, Abby. Are you regretting your agreement to dance with me?”

He spoke quietly enough for his words to reach her ears alone, and Abby blinked up at him, shocked and pleased to see a smile playing around his lips.

He was teasing her, she realised. Actually teasing. He didn’t even look like he’d been forced into the room against his will.

In light of his nonchalance about the attention they were drawing, Abby’s own courage grew, and she found herself suddenly not caring who was looking at them or why.

All that mattered was that Robert was holding her hand and smiling down at her and looking younger and more carefree than she’d ever seen him.

Abby arched a brow as the orchestra plucked out the opening chords of the dance.

“I’m not sure yet, your grace,” she quipped. “I have never seen you dance. For all I know, you have two left feet, which you will tramp all over me.”

Robert treated her to one of his swift, heart-stopping grins.

“Minx,” he growled softly, sending all manner of delicious shivers along her spine. “I’ll have you know, I am an impeccable dancer.”

Abby laughed at his haughty tone, relishing this new side of him.

She couldn’t imagine what had affected such a change in him. Oh, but she loved it.

“Because you are such a prolific dancer?”

“Oh, no. My dancing is so wonderful, I save it for very special occasions. To give the others a chance.” He winked.

“And this is a special occasion?” she asked.

He bowed, and she curtsied as the beginning strains of the music began.

In seconds, any meaningful conversation would be rendered nigh on impossible.

“It is,” he answered simply.

The dance began, and Robert took her hand, stepping toward her then back.

“What makes it so special?” she asked.

A sudden gleam of emotion turned his eyes to molten silver, and Abigail’s heart fluttered wildly in response.

“You do,” he whispered before turning away to continue the dance.

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