When We Dance by Alanna Lucas

Author:Alanna Lucas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, alanna lucas, family scandal, abandoned and embarassed, clearing his name, complications caused by disappearances, earl breaks up a wedding, gossip and the ton in regency england, jilted and left at the alter, unstoppable waltz of desire
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Chapter Ten

Marcus and Nigel had disappeared for most of the day, leaving Artemisia and Aunt Lou to enjoy each other’s company.

Since it was just the two of them, her aunt seemed determined to discuss Artemisia’s future prospects. “What do you intend to do once you return to London?”

Artemisia had been avoiding this topic ever since she arrived. She did not want to think about it, let alone discuss it out loud.

“I suppose father will insist on finding me another match.” She sighed and looked at her aunt, ready to confess her greatest fear. “The problem is who will have me? It wasn’t as if I was sought after before this scandal.”

Aunt Lou started to laugh. “I see your point, dear Arte.” Her voice was full of sarcasm as she continued, “You are not at all pretty, and have no interests, no accomplishments. You might as well be an ogre living under a bridge.”

Matching her aunt’s sarcasm, Artemisia corrected her, “I believe ogres live in caves. Trolls live under bridges.” Her tone turned more serious as she tried to help her aunt see reason. “You don’t understand, Aunt Lou. I’m taller than most girls, my skin is too dark, I cannot dance, and I have curves that I am not sure any respectable female should have.” She sighed heavily, “I’m just different from the other girls.”

“You’re unique. You just have not found that special someone.” Her aunt’s voice lightened to a tease. “And besides, men adore an ample bosom.”

Artemisia glared at her aunt. It was not a teasing matter. She had always been self-conscious of how she looked. She was so different from her sisters. They had never treated her differently, but she felt it just the same.

“And,” her aunt’s voice softened and filled with pride, “you have a beautiful singing voice, my dear.”

My dear. Her aunt always resorted to that endearment when she was trying to make a specific point. Perhaps she did have more to offer than what met the eye.

“Would you like me to sing for you?”

“I thought you would never ask.” Aunt Lou’s smile warmed her heart.

***

Nigel entered the foyer and was taken aback by the faint sound that met his ears. Artemisia was singing.

“She must be in the Green Parlor.” He followed the sound of her sultry voice.

Standing to one side of the open door, so as not to be seen, he leaned against the wall and listened to the beautiful melody that flowed from her sensuous lips. Nigel could not see her, but imagined her singing only to him. Long auburn hair swirling around a lush body, a seductive Italian love song, eyes filled with passion.

Lady Hawthorne’s loud praise broke the spell. “That was most beautiful, my dear.”

Nigel entered the parlor, expressing his admiration as well. “That was most delightful.”

Artemisia’s cheeks reddened.

Lady Hawthorne unexpectedly stood and announced. “I believe I have forgotten to write a letter to…someone.” Nigel suspected what the old gel was up to, and was thankful to have a moment alone with Artemisia.

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