Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,4
satin slippers. Thankfully, people were still coming from all directions and they joined the swell. The tide of others swept them into the house.
Once they’d gone through the receiving line, she parted ways with her parents, spying three of her friends and joining them. A footman handed her a programme.
“Did I miss anything?” she asked, but no one paid attention to her as the trio scanned the ballroom so Elise did the same, everything a total blur.
Several gentlemen came up and a flurry of introductions were made. Her programme was signed a half-dozen times and Elise relaxed, knowing she wouldn’t be a wallflower tonight.
Then suddenly, the others began whispering loudly and she figured out from what they said that two incredibly handsome men, both tall, were making their way toward them.
“Here they come,” she muttered, knowing in her bones it had to be the Bad Dukes, even though she couldn’t quite see what they looked like as they approached.
Then they arrived and, up close, they were a magnificent pair. One had a tawny mane of hair and golden skin that made him resemble a lion. The other was sinfully handsome, with dark hair and olive skin. Both were impeccably dressed and utterly confident as they smiled at the group of young women making their come-out tonight.
What would she do if one of them asked to dance with her? It wasn’t the done thing to refuse a duke. Would it hurt her reputation? She was a good girl. A very good girl, despite her bluestocking leanings. She always aimed to please others and never thought of herself.
“Good evening, ladies,” the Duke of Charm drawled, living up to his reputation with his smooth voice and lively eyes.
“Yes, I second that,” the Duke of Disrepute added, looking them over with interest.
His eyes stopped when they came to her. Elise swallowed. They hadn’t even been properly introduced to these gentlemen! How could she be embroiled in a scandal before she’d ever set a foot out on the dance floor?
A slow smile spread across his face. “My lady, would you care to dance? I hear the strains of the opening number about to start.”
She swallowed again, words beyond her. She’d never lost her ability to speak but he was breathtaking.
When she remained silent, the Duke of Disrepute lifted the dance card she’d tied to her wrist with the ribbon attached to it.
“I see you have this opening number available,” he commented, dropping the card. “Cat got your tongue?” He smiled, a dreadfully wicked smile that made her breath catch. “Come along, little kitten.”
He took her hand and placed it atop his arm in order to guide her to the ballroom floor.
Finding her voice, Elise said, “Watch out, Your Grace. Even kittens have claws and aren’t afraid to use them if they feel threatened.”
The duke stopped in his tracks and then laughed. His laugh was rich and deep, something one could become addicted to very easily. It made his gleaming, white teeth look even whiter.
“Oh, Kitten, you have nothing to fear from this wolf.”
She sniffed as he took her in his arms as the music began. “I didn’t think so, Your Grace. Not only is it well known that you have no wish to wed, but I know you would never want to wed someone like me.”
He frowned, seemingly puzzled by her words. “Why do you say that, Kitten?”
She shrugged. “I know I’m only tolerably pretty, Wolf.”
Elise looked away, trying to see the other couples on the dance floor and unable to make out anything beyond whirling blurs.
“Why are you squinting?” he inquired, drawing her attention back to him.
“I cannot see any great distance without my spectacles,” she admitted. “Only close up. Mama made me take them off in the carriage before we entered the townhouse tonight. She thinks I’m hideous-looking when I wear them.”
“Is it your mama who told you that you’re only tolerably pretty without them?” he asked gently.
“Yes,” she admitted, shocked she was being so open with a man so disreputable.
He smiled. “Well, she’s wrong about that. You’re very pretty with that russet hair and those violet eyes. I’ve never seen such an unusual shade as they are. I can’t see a pair of spectacles changing your appearance all that much.”
Elise felt her cheeks heat and her heart flutter wildly. “Thank you for the compliment, Wolf. I will add it to my list and share with any gentleman who wishes to know that the Duke of Disrepute found me pretty.”