The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason Read Free Book Online Page A

man, and they have an allure that cannot be resisted.” She smiled complacently and copped a dreamy look. “According to Polidori’s book— and everyone knows he is the expert on vampires—a vampire can seduce a woman with a mere look. From across the room. ”
    â€œNilly, have you been into the sherry this afternoon? There are no such things as vampires!” Melly exclaimed. “You are frightening Winnie, and the servants will think you daft if they hear you fantasizing about evil creatures that don’t even exist. We have much more important things to worry about—such as how to push Rockley’s interest in Victoria. I don’t expect he will darken the door of Almack’s, but perhaps we will see him at another event this week.”
    Winifred eagerly seized upon the change of subject. “He will be attending the Dunsteads’ ball tomorrow night. If you haven’t been invited, I can arrange for that.”
    â€œWe have been invited and plan to attend. And this time I will not let Victoria out of my sight until she has danced two dances with the marquess!” Melly said with determination.
    â€œWe will help you,” Winnie said, sipping her unsweetened tea. Sugar tended to add unwanted pounds to one’s hips if one didn’t take care. “If there are vampires lurking in the darkness, the last thing we want is Victoria coming face-to-face with one!”
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    â€œMiss Grantworth…at last the opportunity to collect my lost dance.”
    Victoria turned at the sound of the warm, mellow voice and found herself face-to-face with the Marquess of Rockley. He wore a gently flirtatious smile, and his blue, heavy-lidded eyes glinted with satisfaction.
    â€œMy lord,” she replied, returning his smile, “how kind of you to remind me of my abominable manners from the other night.”
    He must have appreciated her sense of humor, for he offered his arm and responded, “How else would I goad you into seeking my forgiveness? After all, begging off merely because your elderly aunt was feeling unwell…well, one might believe it was only a handy reason for abdicating your dance.”
    â€œHmmm,” said Victoria as she slipped her fingers around his arm, “I didn’t realize my excuses were so transparent. Perhaps next time I’ll be forced to invent a fatal disease or something of that nature.”
    â€œIt is my hope, Miss Grantworth, that you won’t be inventing any further excuses for missing a dance with me, as I assure you I am not about to tread on your toes, despite the fact that my feet are thrice the size of your own.”
    â€œAh, you have found me out…’twas for that very reason I made certain I was not available when your dance came up. The rumors of black-and-blue marks on the feet of the other debutantes…well, they are quite frightening. Alas, I shall have to chance the tenderness of my toes, as you have caught me dead to rights.” Laughing, she tightened her fingers around his arm, surprised at how solid and warm it felt, even through her gloves and his fine woven jacket. Looking up at him, she again felt a hint of familiarity, as if she had met him previously.
    â€œIt appears to be a waltz, Miss Grantworth.…Lady Melisande, do you permit your daughter to waltz?” He was looking over her shoulder.
    Victoria turned back to her mother and Duchess Winnie, who’d both been watching her banter with Rockley while wearing complacent smiles.
    â€œOf course, Lord Rockley, of course,” trilled Lady Melly. “My lord, I hope you will enjoy your dance!” Her eyes gleamed.
    â€œShe certainly does,” muttered Victoria as Rockley swept her away.
    She bumped gently against his tall form as they turned, and he looked down at her with a knowing smile. “She certainly does what, Miss Grantworth?”
    â€œHopes you will enjoy your dance with me; but I am certain