“Do you? Let me see.”

He came closer to take hold of her right hand, turning it to the candlelight. Brushing his thumb over the dark blot on her middle finger, he brought it to his mouth for a soft kiss. “Poor girl, and you didn’t even want this ball to be given in your honor. Rest assured, all the fuss will be worthwhile in the end. You’ll have a chance to see that we aristocrats are not all ogres as you’ve been led to believe.”

Her heart quaked as they stared at each other. Heat leaped between them, almost palpable in the dim-lit room, as his nearness eroded her ability to think. It was clear that if she gave him the least encouragement, he’d be more than willing to make love to her. Her blood throbbed with such longing that she had difficulty keeping her own desires firmly in check.

Whirling around, she stepped away from him. “I lost count of the number of titles I had to inscribe on the invitations. Lord this and Lady that, earls and marquesses and dukes and viscounts and honorables. To be candid, Hadrian, I don’t see how a common American woman can possibly fit in with such exalted company.”

“Are you truly so much opposed to the ball?”

He looked genuinely concerned, so she answered him honestly. “Part of me would like to step into your world for one night, if only out of curiosity. And I do very much enjoy dancing and conversing. But if I’m expected to simper and curtsy to snooty people who are no better than any other person on God’s earth, well, it may be difficult for me not to disgrace you and your mother.”

“You needn’t simper and curtsy. Just be your usual lovely self. No one will dare to criticize you in my house, or they’ll hear from me.” He closed the distance between them, his warm hands coming to rest on her shoulders. “To be perfectly clear, Natalie, I want you there with me in the receiving line. At my side, as my honored guest.”

His nearness, along with his declaration, set her mind in a turmoil. She tried to fathom the strange intensity that seemed to vibrate in him. Surely it wasn’t acceptable even for a duke to flaunt a potential paramour in front of polite society. Especially when the girl he was courting would be in attendance.

Swallowing hard, she found the courage to address the issue directly. “What about Lady Ellen? Wouldn’t you prefer to have her beside you?”

“No, I most certainly would not.”

“Your mother and sister questioned me today about your intentions toward her. I gave nothing away, but told them that they must ask you.”

His fingers gently rubbed at the tension in her shoulders, making her want to purr like a kitten being petted. That small smile was playing at the corners of his mouth again. “I’ll admit I’ve been remiss in telling them the truth.”