Saved by a Rake by Em Taylor Read Free Book Online Page A

rush of blood under his pantaloons told him his interest in her was much more carnal—something that Lady Rebecca Eversley did not need at this moment in time. And frankly, neither did he.
    The dance was called. It would be a waltz. Rebecca flushed slightly as he approached. Her cheeks almost matched the rose colour of her perfectly shaped lips—lips he would definitely like to kiss in the not-too-distant future.
    “ Oh, Lord Ramsey. I am not sure a waltz is the most appropriate dance tonight.”
    “ The waltz is not to your taste, Lady Rebecca?”
    “ Oh I love to waltz. It’s just…” She blushed deeper and fumbled with her fan. He leaned close.
    He leaned closer. “As you know, the gossips like fresh news every day to discuss at their morning visits. I would suggest that we give them something other than the Earl of Newthorpe to discuss.”
    Her eyes widened—then she smiled and accepted his arm to be led into their first waltz together.
    He twirled her onto the floor before snaking his gloved hand around her waist. She stiffened, and he moved backwards instinctively. But she relaxed again as she raised her gaze to his, placing one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand.
    “ All right?” he murmured. He considered faking a twisted ankle if it looked as if she was going to protest again. He had no doubt that, after her ordeal, she had no wish to be touched by a large, strong and virile man, even if half the Ton was watching her avidly.
    The music started , and she nodded before taking a deep breath and allowing him to lead her around the floor.
    He would have wished to dance slightly f arther apart than was strictly necessary in order to give her the space she obviously desired but, as always was the case with the supper dance, the dance floor was busy. He gripped her waist tighter and pulled her close, turning her effortlessly, before waltzing them past the open French windows. He asked her about her home this time, in an effort to take her mind off their close contact and keep her at her ease. She had been uncomfortable when the waltz had been announced, and he did not want her to feel any discomfiture in his presence. The girl had been through enough and he would make sure that, if nothing else, she enjoyed her two dances with him and her supper.
    As she relaxed into telling him about Chapelbrooke, her back became less rigid and her movements more fluid. He forced himself to concentrate on her words to distract himself from her ball gown brushing gently against his ankle every time he turned her.
    He could have quite happily danced with her all night, listening to enchanting stories of her girlhood and gleaning small bits of information with which to tease Eversley for years to come.
    After the dance, he led her into supper, ensuring that he sat her at a small table with her brother and his dance partner and another couple of his friends, whom he trusted, along with some pretty young ladies they had led into the waltz.
    The company throughout dinner was excellent , and conversation flowed easily. Daniel sat at one side of Lady Rebecca while James sat at the other. He was still unsure as to the extent of the gossip surrounding her and Newthorpe.
    Had the accusation of her being a light skirt made it out of the gentlemen ’s clubs? Of course, the reasons for the failure of their courtship would have raised a great deal of speculation among the ladies. He wanted to protect her if at all possible. For James’s sake, of course.
    Daniel ’s only regret now was that he could not solicit another dance with her, lest she be seen as fast. Suddenly he was looking forward to a visit to Chapelbrooke House the next morning—a feeling that discomfited him greatly. He was a single gentleman who enjoyed his life of gentlemanly pursuits—particularly those which included the bedding of the fairer sex. So why was he looking forward to seeing Rebecca again? Why could he not get those soft, pink lips put of his