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What was he saying? Did he not want her? Did he not feel the sa in his belly? Would he ever learn to love her again, love her enough to make her his wife?

An aard silence ensued

The nature of their relationship was complex Once, they had loved each other deeply It had been a pure love Sweet Hardly innocent She had given herself to hiht before they had eloped The s of utter bliss Now, despite believing her heart was but a pit of cold, charred embers, the fiery flickers of desire sparked and burned anew

Perhaps they could fall in love again All she could do was hope

“Well, ill ignore the gossips,” she said feeling a renewed sense of determination to win his heart “After a wretched few months, we deserve some enjoyment”

A smile touched the corners of his listened “The Holbrooks are hosting a ball to It is said to be an event to surpass all others I’m told everyone will be there It will be the perfect opportunity for me to speak to Henry Fernall”

If it was to be such an elaborate soiree why had she not heard of it? “What deelers?”

He shook his head “There is to be a card ga for some, disaster for others Whilst the matrons would ordinary disapprove, people will speak of the winners and losers for years to come”

“And no one would want to admit they were not there to witness such a momentous event”

“Precisely In light of what tragedies will coether”

Her heart fluttered up to her throat He intended to take her in his arms then “I cannot recall the last time I took to the floor There is every chance I will step on your toes”

“Then I shall just have to hold you a little tighter than would be appropriate”

“And how tight would that be?” Carried along on a buoyant wave of euphoria, she found it impossible not to continue their amorous banter

He leant forward and placed his cup on the tray “Perhaps I should show you It would not do for you to gasp in shock e are trying to remain inconspicuous” He stood and held out his hand

She glanced at it for a moment, noted that the skin was not as soft and smooth as she remembered His work in France e of his lance in the mirror to know a blush touched her cheeks