“They say he is extremely rich…” Gail Reaves said in a hushed tone while lightly covering her lips with her fan. Her career as the town gossip could be jeopardized if she let the wrong information leak into mixed company, though most knew of her “position” and got all of their interesting tidbits from her.
Antoinette descended the grand curving stairs one step behind her friend who seemed to have the need to be seen first in a crowd. This suited Anie well enough, she truly had no interest in being the center of attention at one of these events. “Who is extremely rich?” Antoinette asked out of politeness without the least bit of true interest. Gail always had the newest information on everyone in town as well as the new residents which to be honest got a little old. She did enjoy some element of surprise.
The two girls stood in the archway leading to the lavishly decorated ballroom watching as the guests were beginning to arrive in all their fancy attire. “Lord Nicholas Steel, he just purchased the Seddon estate.” Gail finally answered lifting her now folded fan in the direction of a man who was tall, almost a full head and shoulders above the rest and dressed in very good taste. His deep blue broadcloth jacket stretched across massive shoulders doing little to hide his strength. Antoinette hadn’t noticed his clothes at first, her eyes rested on his blue black hair pulled back and tied at the base of his head with the length of it falling to just between his shoulder blades.
“Is he not to die for Anie?” Gail nudged her friend who was having the hardest time tearing her eyes away from this stunning person. “And did I mention he is un-attached at the moment? “ Her breath caught in her throat as Nicholas turned at that moment as if sensing her eyes caressing him and looked straight at her. Eyes the color of smoky emeralds were lined with thick, long lashes and nicely groomed brows. She quickly averted her gaze pretending to be interested in the large room dotted with waiters carrying trays of delicious cheeses and pastries as well as sparkling champagne.
She was concentrating on the orchestra who was now tuning their instruments for the long night of entertaining ahead she hadn’t noticed her friend’s introduction. “Anie, are you feeling all right?” Gail pulled at a large ringlet falling past her shoulder. “Now why would you do that Gail? That is attached to my head you know.” Antoinette complained. “Allow me to introduce myself…” a deep, velvety male voice cut through her thoughts. Smothering a groan, she turned slowly to face the dark stranger her thoughts had been fixed on a moment before. He must have taken the stairs two at a time. She thought, feeling the blaze of red streak her cheeks. The glint of amusement in his eyes only served to deepen the embarrassment.
She placed her fingertips in his proffered hand. “Nicholas Steel, divine pleasure to meet you.” His voice was thick and smooth, with a touch of sensuality deepening the blush in her cheeks. He bent slightly to place a soft warm kiss against the back of her hand looking up into her eyes through his coal black lashes. “Antoinette Bastian” she squeaked. “Pleasure to meet you as well my Lord.” She could have kicked herself for the shake in her voice she knew he had heard; she hadn’t had the time to control her nerves.
