Desperate Measures

by Candice Hern

on pins and needles

led out

put too fine a point on

without further incident.

falter,

blasé

I am your man."

mooncalf

mooning after

Tennison

don't suppose that signifies."

craven

calf's eyes

moonstruck

would as soon

With your glossy dark curls and his golden hair, you will make a stunning couple."

The beauty in contrast

ease up on

rapt

I will welcome any time I can spend with you, but especially twirling about the floor in your arms.

Describing a waltz

Lydia supposed she ought to glance over at Lord Tennison now and then, just to maintain the charade, but she only had eyes for one man, and she was dancing with him.

supper dance

short...

groaning boards.

tendre

set them off.

sanguine

swarthy

the antithesis of Geoffrey's golden beauty.

With reference to Tennison’s dark, swarthy looks

decidedly

peevish

name of the game

fluttered her fingers

tore his gaze from the other couple and returned his attention to Lydia with a smile so beguiling it poured over her like warm honey.

Vivid

sweetmeats.

He took her hand and lifted the berry to her mouth. When she took it, her lips touched his bare fingers, for he had removed his gloves for supper,

She might never eat again. But she could happily sit there and watch him dine. Or watch him do anything. Dear God, she was lost to him.

Unexpected but well-placed exclamation at the end

splendid blue eyes.

Striking?

treading the boards

She would hate for a general expectation to arise, forcing him into a situation he did not want, even if she wanted it desperately.

Considerate Lydia

out in force

redolent of

horse che...

man of the world,

"You are more than worthy of any man's attention,

I don't think he is worthy of your attention.

I may not like him, but it is not my place to judge you...

Well-said

frisson

gravel

lush

kneading