She narrowed her eyes as she tried to remember what she knew of him. No title. She wasn’t sure about wealth. Definitely not married.
Her mother’s eyes were on her; she could feel the weight of her stare. She kept her own gaze on the major as he drew closer, his attention fixed on someone past her. He had kind eyes and a handsome smile. For now, that was enough. That was more than enough.
“Him.” She used her fan to point him out to her mother. “For tonight I choose him.”
Her mother’s nose wrinkled. “Major Mayfield?”
Mayfield. That was it. Major Alexander Mayfield. “Yes. Him.”
“But he’s not even titled,” her mother complained. “His uncle is an earl, but as far as I know—”
“Father made no stipulations regarding title,” she reminded her mother, not without a smirk of her own. The fact that her mother didn’t approve just made the major that much more appealing. “Now if you’ll excuse me…”
She didn’t wait for her mother’s permission before stepping away from her position by the wall and directly into Major Mayfield’s path. He stopped just shy of running her over, his eyes widening in surprise.
She supposed it wasn’t often that young ladies threw themselves in his way.
“Oh, er, pardon me,” he said. His smile and bow spoke of chivalry and kindness.
For the first time all evening that knot of anxiety was starting to fade. “Major Mayfield, isn’t it?”
He opened his mouth but she didn’t give him a chance to respond. The key with men like this—good men, nice men—was to take the reins straightaway. “Why, I would be delighted, Major.” Her voice was louder than was absolutely necessary but she was gratified to feel the partygoers around them turn to stare.
The major’s brows arched in question. “Pardon me?”
Abigail smiled. “I would be delighted to have this next dance.”
He blinked in shock. Poor fellow. He likely never had a lady take such an interest. But her mother was watching, and so was that crowd of egotistical peacocks who thought they were her only option.
The music started to swell and Abigail extended her hand with a coy smile. “Shall we?”
He took her hand in his and for a moment her composure slipped. Even through her glove she felt his warmth, and this close his height made her feel small. Almost delicate. For one brief moment she had the most ludicrous urge to lean against him, to let him take some of the weight from her shoulders and rest her head against his shoulder. Instead, she straightened her shoulders and tilted her hea
d back to meet his gaze head-on, her brows arching with a silent prompt.
He leaned down slightly and lowered his voice. “What are you doing?”
A laugh bubbled up inside her at his confusion. He was adorable, he truly was. “Why I’m saving you, of course.”
“Saving me?”
She fluttered her fan and smiled up at him through her lashes in a way that never failed to make a man melt. “I’m saving you from a dull and tedious evening.”
Want to read more? A Hero for Lady Abigail
About the Authors
Maggie Dallen is a fabulous author in multiple sweet categories of romance. Find her young adult, contemporary, and historical sweet books on major retailers today.
Katherine Ann Madison is the sweet side of USA Today Bestselling author, Tammy Andresen. Look for more sweet titles coming soon.
Find more about either of these authors’ books on Amazon.com!
A Wallflower's Wish Boxed Set: Three Regency Romances Page 36
