“Yes, sir, I have noticed that.”

“She quite enjoys it.”

“I have noticed that, as well.” She drew her brows together. “You don’t find it bothersome?”

“Why should I?”

“You just said it was outrageous.”

“Precisely why she adores it.” He chuckled. “I have no concerns as to my wife’s fealty or affections, India. As you are still young, I doubt you will be able to understand this, but when Derek flirts with Estelle, she feels her youth again. There is nothing like the attentions of a dashing, handsome young man to make a woman remember when that was a common occurrence. He understands that, as well. And I am the, oh, how to phrase this delicately, beneficiary, if you will, of her remembrances.”

India summoned an awkward smile.

“I do hope I haven’t shocked you.”

“No, of course not.” She swallowed hard. “Not at all.”

“One doesn’t spend a lifetime molding the minds of young men without learning a thing or two about them in the process. I consider myself an excellent judge of character. Derek is a good man, India.”

“You’re certain of that, are you?” She adopted a teasing tone.

“As certain as experience allows. But I assure you, I cannot recall being in error in my assessment of a man’s nature.” The music faded, and the professor guided her to a halt with a bit of an unexpected flourish. “Even the finest among us makes mistakes, India. Through errors in judgment or even good intentions. You would be wise to remember that.”

“Thank you, Professor, I shall.”

“I believe it is my turn.” Lord Brookings’s voice sounded behind her.

“India.” The professor took her hand and raised it to his lips. “This has been my pleasure. And I fully intend to claim at least one dance tomorrow night.” He placed her hand in Lord Brookings’s, nodded a bow and walked away.

“I should warn you, Miss Prendergast.” A wicked twinkle shone in Lord Brookings’s eyes. He placed his free hand firmly on her back, glanced in Derek’s direction and the music began. “You have saved the best for last.”

“Have I, my lord?”

“Apparently, I shall have to prove it to you. Although, I must say, for a woman who has never been to a ball, you are doing far better than I expected.”

“I was well taught,” she said in a prim manner, then smiled. “But I will admit, I have had little opportunity to dance since I learned at Miss Bicklesham’s. I thought I’d forgotten everything. I find it reassuring how quickly it has all come back to me.”

“You may be one of those people to whom it comes easily.”

“Then I am grateful for that. I would hate to be an embarrassment.” She paused. “I must say, I’d forgotten as well how much I liked dancing.”

“Then you should do it more often,” he said firmly. “Life is entirely too short not to indulge in those things that bring pleasure. And dancing is perhaps the most innocent among those.”

“I would never be so bold or so foolish as to ask what else brings you pleasure, my lord.”

“Why, Miss Prendergast.” He stared down at her. “I do believe you are flirting with me.”

“On the contrary, Lord Brookings—”

His brow shot upward.

“Percy.” She laughed. “I have never flirted in my entire life.”

“It appears, under the appropriate circumstances, that comes easily to you, as well.” He led her through a quick turn and she followed him with relative ease. “Excellent, Miss Prendergast. You are doing extremely well.”

“I am quite enjoying it.”

“Derek thought you might.” His tone was matter-of-fact. “My brother went to a great deal of trouble to arrange this for you.”

“It was extremely thoughtful of him.”

“He can be quite thoughtful, even when one least expects it. He always has been,” he added in an offhand manner. “Although I can’t imagine he would have done all this for anyone else.”

“Only me?” she said lightly.

“Only you.” His gaze met hers, and she nearly stumbled at the honesty in his eyes.

At once the truth hit her. These men weren’t merely helping her dance; they were laying out a case in Derek’s favor. Regaling her with his good points. It was a concerted effort to—what? Win her over? The idea that Derek had asked these men to not only dance with her but make mention of his virtues was an outrage, and she should be furious. But the fact that he had gone to all this trouble so that she might see him in a better light was most endearing. How could she possibly be annoyed with him for that?

“The lady who captures his heart will be a lucky creature indeed.” Sincerity colored his words. “No woman could ever do better. He will spend the rest of his life making her happy.

She stared up at him. “I have no idea what to say to that.”

“Say nothing, Miss Prendergast.” He smiled and executed a quick spin. “Simply remember it.”

The tempo of the music increased and the rest of the dance was spent in a thoughtful silence. At least on India’s part. His lordship was no doubt letting her dwell on his comment, beast of a man that he was.

“Miss Prendergast, I look forward to our next dance,” he said when the music had ended. “Now, unfortunately, I must relinquish you to my brother.” Derek stepped up beside him. Lord Brookings cast him a pitying look. “Not as accomplished a dancer, not as handsome or as clever but not totally objectionable.”

“Ah, brother.” Derek shook his head in a mournful manner. “The fictional world you live in must be a strange and lonely place.”

“Strange perhaps.” A knowing grin curved his lips. “But never lonely.” He nodded, turned and strode across the floor.

“Miss Prendergast,” Derek began, “may I have the honor of this dance?”

“I’m not sure another dance is necessary, Mr. Saunders.” She furrowed her brow thoughtfully. “I feel quite confident now, and your mother will be wondering where I have disappeared to.”

“My mother will be wondering no such thing, and another dance is always necessary.” He signaled to the violinist, and the music started once again.

“Still...” She shook her head even as she moved into his arms. “I don’t know...”

“Trust me, Miss Prendergast.” He gazed down at her, held her a bit more tightly than was proper and moved to the music.

“I do, Mr. Saunders.” Her throat tightened. “I do.”

He smiled, his eyes shining with something unknown, something extraordinary. Shivers raced up her spine. “Then you feel more comfortable, about the ball, that is?”

“Yes, I believe I do. Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure.”

They moved together effortlessly, and she suspected he was making accommodations for her because they couldn’t possibly dance this well together. As if their feet were barely touching the floor.

“It was most kind of their lordships and the professor to take the time to assist me.” She studied him curiously. “Are you aware that each and every one also took the opportunity to extol your virtues?”

“No!” He gasped. “Did they?”

“Unceasingly.”

He grinned.

“Your stepfather spoke of your expectations and your interest in business, your brother pointed out the thoughtfulness of your nature and the professor commented on your flirtation with his wife.”

“Oh?” Caution sounded in Derek’s voice.

“He’s quite appreciative of it.”

“Excellent,” he said with relief. “I should mention, in the spirit of honesty, I did suggest that if they wished to mention a few of my more noble qualities to you, I would not object.”

“They served you well.”

“Friends and family do that for you.”

The oddest pang shot through her. She glanced at the room flashing by and noticed they were now alone. “They seem to have taken their leave. Part of your plan?”

“It’s a very good plan,” he said firmly. “Although I do find it interesting that what I consider my best qualities were not the ones they chose.”

“I suppose we rarely see ourselves as others do.” Still, hadn’t she been seeing herself through the eyes of others since this all began? “It can be quite startling.”

“Particularly if one thinks one is always right.”

“Yes, well, that does make it more difficult.” She smiled wryly. “Aside from extolling your virtues and the practicality of refreshing my dance skills, this is all part and parcel of a romantic endeavor on your part, isn’t it?”

He glanced around in surprise. “By God, it is!” He shook his head. “I had no idea.”

She laughed.

He stared at her, a bemused smile on his lips. “When we first met you never smiled at me at all. Let alone laughed.”

She stared in surprise. “What utter nonsense, of course I smiled.”

“You did not. Or at least, not a genuine smile. I wasn’t sure you knew how.” He led her through a more complicated set of steps than she had attempted thus far, and she scarcely noticed.

“How dreadful of me.”

“Not really. We did not get off on the best foot, if you recall. Eventually I realized I would have to earn your smile.”

“And I believe you have,” she said lightly.

“Have I really?” His gaze searched hers. “Because when you smile at me it feels as if I’ve been given a gift.” His arms tightened around her. “A gift I am hard-pressed to live without.”

“Then I shall have to give it to you more often.” The music drew to a close, and they came to a halt. But his arms stayed around her, and she made no effort to move.

“I should warn you. I am claiming the first dance tomorrow and the last.”

“How very forward of you,” she teased.

“I know.” He grinned. “You like it.”

“Perhaps. Derek.” She summoned her courage. “I was wrong about something else.”

Once again he gasped in an exaggerated fashion. “Not you!”

“About the type of woman you are supposed to marry. I see now I might possibly...” She hesitated. There would be no going back.