* * *
“Good evening, your grace.” Sussex bowed to Alyssa.
She smiled. “Good evening to you, Your Grace.”
“I always believed you were meant to be a duchess,” he teased. “Unfortunately, you weren’t meant to be my duchess.”
“You are not alone in your way of thinking, Your Grace,” Alyssa admitted, glancing down at the toes of her dancing slippers. “Apparently, my husband shares your feeling.”
Sussex frowned before he moved a step closer and lifted Alyssa’s chin with the tip of his index finger so that he might look her in the eye. “You think so?”
“I know so,” she informed him.
“Then, look again,” Sussex said. “Because your husband is headed this way.”
“Only because he dislikes you,” she said. “I’ve flirted outrageously with every young bachelor here, and he has yet to notice.”
“He noticed.”
Alyssa snorted in disbelief. “Not likely.”
“You’re walking a dangerous path, Alyssa.” Sussex took her by the hand. “And I wouldn’t interfere if you appeared to be enjoying it, but you don’t appear to be enjoying yourself. If you’re going to play for high stakes, you need to learn to conceal your emotions a bit better.”
“What do you suggest I do?” she asked.
“If you allow me escort you down that dangerous path you’ve uncovered, you’ll find out.” He gave her a challenging grin. “Are you game. Your Grace?”
Alyssa nodded.
“Shall we dance?”
“What of…your partner?” Alyssa glanced around.
“I came alone.”
“Then, I’d be delighted.”