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even have to glance back to know his cousin was watching him. No matter how debauched Robert had been in the past, he’d always looked after his family. That was what had drawn Serena to him.
    “My lady.” Rupert took Vivian’s hand, pressing his lips to it. “I believe this is my dance.”
    She smiled up at him, her sapphire blue eyes shining with joy. “Yes, my lord.”
    In a matter of minutes she was back in his arms again. For a few moments they said nothing. He spent the time enjoying the feel of her supple form and appreciating her grace as she followed his lead. Although she couldn’t be more than five years older than the young ladies making their come outs, she had an elegance about her none of them yet possessed.
    He wanted Vivian, but more importantly, he wanted to know her. Her likes and dislikes, what she dreamed of, how she preferred to spend her days and her nights. His interest in her was different than anything he’d felt previously. Yet before he encouraged her affections, he must know that she wanted what he did. How would she feel about living much of the year on an estate and being a political hostess when in London? If their goals were not similar, then marriage to him would make her miserable, and he couldn’t bear that.
    “You’re quiet, my lord.”
    When he gazed down at her, no anxiety or trepidation showed in her countenance, merely curiosity. “I was enjoying how well you move through the steps.”
    “It is easy when my partner is so skilled.”
    “Oh no.” She was much more humble and reticent than the ladies he’d met before. Rupert wanted to draw her out, show her how special she was. “I refuse to allow you to throw my compliment back at me. You are by far the most graceful lady I’ve had the pleasure of standing up with this evening.”
    He’d wanted to say forever, but something told him she would take that as mere flummery. The last thing he wanted was for her to think him capable of false flattery.
    Unlike the other women he’d danced with this evening, Vivian did not blush, stammer, or simper. Her eyes glowed with a quiet pleasure. “In that case, I shall gratefully accept your accolade.”
    “Why do some females find it so hard to allow praise?”
    Her finely arched brows drew together as she paused for a moment. “I believe some of us are taught not to put ourselves forward. After all, a lady is supposed to be modest in thoughts, words, and deeds.”
    Yet when Lord Stanstead closed the distance between them during the turn, as he always did, Vivian’s thoughts were not as modest as they should be. She wondered what he would look like without formal clothing, or any clothing at all. Her heart sped and she glanced away from his chest. She had to think of something else before she started blushing.
    A young lady with dark hair and eyes glared at Vivian. How strange. She could not remember even meeting the girl. “Who is the lady in the white gown two couples away?”
    Lord Stanstead slid a quick look in the direction she had indicated. “Miss Banks. Why?”
    “She was staring at us.”
    He shrugged. “I wouldn’t let it bother you. She’s probably admiring the way we dance together.”
    Vivian didn’t think that was it at all. The girl was more than likely interested in his lordship and wishing her in perdition. Not that it mattered. She’d decided not to attend many of the entertainments. Not only did she have a home to find, she should not let anyone think she was ready to marry again. The image of Lord Stanstead in shirt sleeves passed through her mind, and she swallowed a sigh. It would be lovely if she could bring herself to have an affair. If only there were a guide book or something equally helpful to tell her how to go about it.
    “Tell me about your home.”
    He smiled as if thinking of a particularly wonderful memory. “I have always loved Stanstead Court. It is beautiful, with extensive gardens, a natural stream and lake, which are always full of