The Brahmin Ball (A Sweet Historical Romance Novella) (Brahmin Brides Book 1) Read Free Page A

mother doesn’t see us on the dance floor, she’ll send Clara back immediately.”
    “You mean…you really want to dance?”
    “If you don’t mind. I’m just eager for a break from her motherly concern. You don’t think me bold?”
    “No, not at all. It’s just…” he gazed at the dance floor, swallowing hard.
    “Don’t fret. Just ignore everyone else and pay attention to me.”
    “When you put it like that…” he smiled, extending a hand to her.
    She took it, and followed him back into the library, where a new dance was just starting. He took her into his arms, whirling her about until they melded with the crowd, stepping and turning in time to the music.
    “I fear I’ve been fooled, Mr. Gladstone. Your dance skills are far better than you let on.” Though his movements were stiff and his posture rigid, his footwork was practiced, and more than passable.
    “You flatter me.”
    “No, it’s true. You’ve not stepped on my foot once. You had me thinking that you’d pummel my poor toes, the way you paled at the mention of dancing.”
    He grinned. “It’s early yet…give these clodhopper feet of mine a little time.” He looked away, growing serious. “I suppose I don’t care to be watched when I dance. I was taunted a bit as a lad. I grew taller sooner than the other boys, and my long legs made learning to dance an awkward experience. I worked hard to improve, but I fear somewhere inside I’ll always be that shy lad whose friends jeered him at lessons.”
    “You shouldn’t. I doubt anyone is noticing at all.”
    “More the pity…I had hoped that you had finally noticed me, after all these years.”
    “Have we met before?” Gazing at his face, she noted that he did look somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t place him.
    “Not in years. I was present for the Winter Ball a few years back, after your coming out.”
    “Oh! Did we dance? I’m afraid my memory is terrible.”
    He chuckled. “No, we did not. As usual, I hesitated in asking, for fear you’d think me a clumsy dancer. We did meet briefly, but before I could gain my courage, you were whisked away by someone you’d promised a dance to. I’m afraid your dance card was quite full that evening. You were the belle of the ball.”
    “That night is one of my fondest memories.” She blinked away the tears that threatened, upon remembering that wonderful night four years prior. “I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to dance. I’m sure I’d remember you if we had.”
    “You would. My dancing was even less refined back then.”
    “Oh, stop,” she laughed.
    “Now that you’ve seen my mediocre skill on the dance floor, dare I hope you will save me at least one more dance later on?”
    “Of course.” She blushed…though she’d danced several times, her dance card was by no means full that evening.
    “I’m rather surprised you’ve had a chance to rest at all. A beautiful lady such as yourself…you should be besieged with admirers.”
    Her blush deepened. He had noticed her long spell spent standing beside her mother. “Yes…well…with a new batch of girls having just come out—my sister among them…there are many pretty girls to dance with. Girls much younger than myself.” She looked away, forcing her face into a pleasant mask. The man clearly wasn’t aware that she was fresh out of mourning, and it wasn’t a subject she was eager to discuss.
    “I’m sorry, how rude of me to mention it. I’m merely surprised that the other men aren’t fighting over you…but I’m delighted as well. I’ve finally got my turn.”
    Looking up into his eyes, Grace found herself lost in their depths. She didn’t much care whether his dancing was smooth or not. It had been well beyond a year since her feet had moved across a dance floor…and just as long since she’d felt a man’s strong arms around her. It felt so natural, so easy, that she felt guilty for enjoying it so much.
    She forced her thoughts to more mundane things, before