The Scoundrel and the Lady by Robyn DeHart

Author:Robyn DeHart
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2017-09-24T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Iris had brought Harriet along with her to Merritt’s townhome that afternoon because she was a most accomplished pianist and they certainly needed music to refine Lucy’s dancing skills. Merritt sat in the corner of the parlor reading a newspaper whilst he waited to play his sister’s dancing partner. At the moment, though, Iris had to ensure that Lucy understood the etiquette of the dance floor.

Lucy beamed and nodded as she accepted Iris’s instructions.

“I believe we’re ready to begin,” Iris said. “Harriet, if you would?”

Harriet’s skillful fingers began a familiar Mozart waltz.

“Merritt, come and dance with your sister.” Iris motioned him forward.

He methodically set down the newspaper then uncrossed his legs to stand. She’d never before thought of a man as graceful, but Merritt’s every move embodied power and elegance.

“That’s it. Now, Lucy, you place your right hand in his and your left on his shoulder.”

Merritt moved his sister backward across the parlor floor. She stumbled a few times but eventually caught on to his rhythm and was better able to follow his lead.

The door opened, and Merritt’s assistant, Rand, stepped inside then stopped midstride. His eyes immediately fell on Lucy and warmed.

“Rand,” Merritt said. “Is there a problem?”

“Not exactly.” The man glanced at Lucy and his eyes widened slightly. He visibly swallowed. “I, uh—”

“Mr. Rand, do you know how to waltz?” Iris asked.

He frowned then turned to face her. “What? Oh, the dance. Yes, my mother taught me.”

“Splendid. It is important that you learn to dance with more than one suitor, Lucy,” Iris said. “All men dance a little differently.”

“Yes, of course,” Lucy said.

“Mr. Rand, come and dance with Lucy.”

Rand shook his head.

“Yes,” Lucy said. “And then you can dance with Iris, Merritt.”

Lucy grabbed Rand and pulled him farther into the room, then placed her hands precisely where they should be.

Merritt swept Iris into the waltz. “Couldn’t wait for me to touch you again?”

Blush heated up Iris’s neck and cheeks. “No, of course not.” Yet the strength and warmth of his arms around her did not escape her attention. “But it is quite evident that your assistant has tender feelings toward your sister.”

“He has for quite a while now.”

“You’ve noticed, then?”

“As I’ve mentioned before, I am quite observant. And he is not very subtle.”

They danced in silence for a moment, and she couldn’t help wondering if he’d used his keen observation skills on her. It was on her tongue to ask him, but she thought better of it. Perhaps she did not want to know his opinions of her.

“By the by, his christian name is Rand, his surname is Lockwood.”

“Well, he did not seem to mind me referring to him incorrectly. Then again, he was rather struck dumb looking at Lucy.” Iris eyed the couple in question. “What do you suppose they’re talking about?”

“Are you matchmaking, Iris?”

“Perhaps a little. Would it be such a terrible match?” she asked.

“No. On the contrary, I would approve. I trust Rand above anyone else. He is worth two of any member of the peerage are.

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