


So, in a moment of brashness, he whispered the question in her ear, nearly sending her to stumble. Just what did gypsies do with their hips that held men in such a trance? Just how would she look doing the dance of the gypsies? Ever since she had spoken of her downfall, he’d been curious. The way her hips swayed led his thoughts astray. Love was the reason men made complete fools of themselves, the reason women became ruined.Īlthough he couldn’t bring his parents back, he could honor their memory by honoring what they’d shared.Įmma twirled around him, setting his blood on fire. He realized again, just what his parents had. His eyes only on Emma, his beautiful wife. As the music began to play, the people around him faded into the background. It was all he needed, and he led her on the floor.

“What do you say? Dance with your husband? I know the dowager duchess would be pleased.”Īlthough Emma’s eyes held some concern and pain, he knew it was just the beginning, for he hoped with this one dance he would change it all.Īll things considering, hadn’t it started with one dance? “Shall we be off, my love? You did promise me a dance, did you not?” he announced loud enough for both parents to hear. “Allow me to introduce to you the new Duchess of Tempest.” At that, Emma must have found herself, for she gave a low curtsy. The man’s face fell and he began to stutter, “Your grace, I-“ “Lord Gates, if you would be so kind in the future to keep your insults about my wife to yourself, it would be greatly appreciated.” “Are you trying to cause more scandal, Emma? Have you not shamed our family enough?” The man looked between the two, anger behind his eyes.
