A Rake’s Redemption
Susannah Carleton

Excerpt

“Ah, a waltz.” Theo was delighted. The dance would provide an excellent opportunity to converse with his partner, Lady Sarah, known among the bachelors of the ton as “the Welsh Beauty.” And she was indeed, beautiful. She was also trembling. Her tremors were slight—had he not been holding her, he would not have noticed—but unmistakable.

What the devil was wrong? He had partnered with her a number of times last year, so his request for a dance could not have discomposed her. Perplexed, he studied her face, but her features were serene. Her reserve…aloofness, for want of a better word, were daunting. They also posed a challenge. He would find out why she was so uneasy in his company. But not by asking more questions.

Expertly leading her through the patterns of the waltz, he deliberately misstepped and jerked her against his chest. Her trembling increased, and her eyes slewed to his, meeting his gaze for the first time all evening. He stroked his hand upon her spine. “My apologies, Lady Sarah.” Smoothly moving them back amidst the whirling couples, he re-established a proper distance between them. Sarah’s trembling eased, and Theo had his answer.

Being near him discomposed her. Now all he had to do was figure out why.