Without music, the room seemed somehow smaller, more intimate, and the space between them charged with a specific energy that only they could generate. Without music, it was not really a dance, but a joining in which they used the waltz as an excuse to move as one.

After a few circuits, he said, “I think you’ve mastered this.”

“I’m only following your lead. I suspect I may only be as good as my partner.”

He smiled. “Not true. You’ve become quite good at the other dances you learned. I saw how well you danced at the ball the other night.”

He’d watched her? “Did you?”

“It is my responsibility to supervise you.” The words should have disappointed her, for she wanted to be more than a responsibility. However, the way he continued to look at her made her feel a bit giddy.

“Do you like me at all, my lord?” She’d meant to tease him, but she found she wanted to know the truth. She was his father’s ward, and she’d caused him a great deal of trouble and expense since coming into his life.

He slowed until they came to a stop. “Fiona.”

Her heart beat fast and hard. He’d said her name, not Miss Wingate.

His thumb stroked her hand, and his fingers moved like a whisper along her spine. “I like you very much,” he breathed.

Fiona slid her hand along his shoulder until she met the stiff, vertical collar of his shirt. She leaned slightly toward him, erasing half the distance that separated them. Focusing on his lips once more, she could almost taste his kiss…

He abruptly released her and took a step back. A cold disappointment washed over her. She wrapped her arms about her middle. He didn’t want to kiss her again—he’d said they couldn’t. He was her guardian. But what of this magnetism or whatever it was she was feeling toward him? She’d have to find a way to put a stop to it.

“I’d say you are more than ready to waltz with Lord Gregory,” he said, his features stoic. “He is an excellent match.”

She was growing tired of hearing people say that. “I know. However, marriage between us is not a foregone conclusion. I am still not quite ready to make that leap.” Except she’d told the earl that she would. She owed it to him to stop being a nuisance. Particularly when he clearly saw her that way.

“You’ll have to decide soon. Lord Gregory is not stupid, and you are an excellent catch.”

“Why? I’m a nobody from the country.”

“You’re intelligent, beautiful, and you have a rather large dowry,” he added wryly. “Thanks to my father. As a second son, that will undoubtedly be enticing to Lord Gregory.”

“I’m a good investment,” she muttered.

“It’s an added benefit. Lord Gregory may have pursued you even without it.”

Fiona froze. Cocking her head, she stared at him a moment. “He knows about my dowry?”

“I would assume so.”