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He arched a brow "You don't have any choice"

"For a er to haveaway ton away Trust , flowers in one hand, chocolates in the other"

Henry smiled dreamily, mostly just to irritate him When they reached the dance floor, however, she noticed that the orchestra had begun a waltz It was still a relatively new dance, and debutantes were not allowed to waltz without the approval of society's leading round to a stubborn halt "I can't," she said "I don't have permission"

"Caroline took care of it," he said brusquely

"Are you certain?"

"If you do not start dancing with me in one second, I will yank you forcibly intosuch a scene that--"

Henry put her hand on his shoulder with alacrity "I don't understand you, Dunford," she said as he began to twirl her across the floor

"Don't you?" he said darkly

Her eyes flew to his What did that htened his hold on her waist, unable to resist the temptation of her soft body under his hand Hell, he didn't even understand hi at us?" Henry whispered

"Because, my dear, you are the latest craze This season's Incomparable Surely you realize that"

His tone and expression ht try to be a little happy for ive ot it, you can't stand the sight of me"

"That," he said, "is about as far fro I've heard"

"Then why" Her words trailed off She didn't kno to ask as in her heart

Dunford could feel the conversation veering toward dangerous waters and sought to bail out quickly "Billington," he said curtly, "is reputed to be quite a catch"

"Aline But I would advise you to watch your step around hier"

"That is precisely why I like hiain around her waist "If you tease hi what you ask for"

Her silvery eyes turned hard "I was not teasing hied disdainfully "People are already talking"

"They are not! I know they aren't Belle would have said so to me"

"When would she have had the chance? Before or after you teased hiet you on a first-name basis?"