Claire brightened at his suggestion, quickly getting to her feet. She’d heard the music just as he had during the meal but said nothing. He was in pain, she wasn’t about to ask him to dance to such silly tunes. One could hardly call it music compared to the beautiful instruments that were present at the parties they were used to, which made her wonder if it annoyed him until he asked her to dance.

And there they were, twirling and stepping in perfect time. Nicholas was a wonderful partner, he was probably even better when there was no wound and he’d taken his medication. His humming she loved, it was incredibly relaxing. The entire time Claire couldn’t stop beaming at him, excited to share such an intimate night with her husband, especially since most of their time together had been filled with stress or uncertainty thus far. His story of Samuel was nothing but cute and romantic, even better than her own. It amused her that he would get in on the fun, and she couldn’t help but giggle at his accent. It was absolutely dreadful.

[i]“And you, dear lady, what is your story?”[/i]

“Elizabeth Cartwright. I’m a maid at the Duke’s estate. Spoiled they are,” she joked, attempting to stay in step while following along with the story. “I don’t know what anyone would say if they caught me with someone so handsome. I’m sure they would all be jealous,” Claire went on until she felt him attempt at a finishing move. He could not complete it, however, and she couldn’t help but give him a look of pity. It had to be frustrating to be so limited.

“You dance beautifully. I have no doubt I’d be able to find you on the dance floor in no time at all, mask on or not,” Claire whispered, squeezing his hand. Her cheeks were warm, and the moment felt incredible. While she’d been determined to be positive before, Claire had no idea the night could turn into such a success. How long had they been dancing together so flawlessly?

“You know,” she said quietly, her chest tight with apprehension as she met his gaze, “with you going back to the states so soon, who knows how long you’ll be mine.” If only Claire knew how true her words were, in regards to their time together. “Perhaps the only thing left for us to do is take advantage of this night we have alone in one another’s arms. Ah- [i]if[/i] you think that battle wound of yours will allow it,” she quickly added, hoping it would make him feel better for saying no. It was bold, but it felt right to her. If he refused then she would accept it and not ask again, no harm done.

But still, in the moment Claire wanted to give it her all. Her hand moved from his shoulder to his chest, a finger running along the edge of his jacket. “I would not label it as taking advantage of me, as you said earlier. More like…living in the moment.” Claire looked up at Nicholas with a racing heart, praying she did not ruin something that was going so well.