To Tame A Texan by Georgina Gentry Page B

“Nice to have seen you again.”
    â€œPerhaps you might save me a dance,” Ace said, and his eyes brightened.
    â€œI think not,” Lynnie snapped. “Good-bye, Penny, we’ll talk later.”
    The girl walked away, and Ace handed Lynnie her punch cup. “Lordy, that was rude. You practically chased her away.”
    â€œYour tongue was almost dragging on the ground, and she’s much too young and innocent for a rogue like you.”
    About that time, the band stopped playing, and the leader held up his hands for silence. “Ladies and gentlemen, the governor and his lady have arrived upstairs now, so take your places for the grand march.”
    An excited buzz filled the air as the young ladies giggled and primped, getting ready to show off their fancy ball gowns as they gathered at one end of the giant room. Ace noted there were even reporters present with their pads and pencils, scribbling furiously. Tomorrow’s newspapers would be filled with descriptions of lovely gowns of rainbow hues and beautiful young debutantes.
    â€œAce, isn’t it exciting? Let’s get in front.”
    â€œIt don’t make me no never-mind,” he replied, smiling good-naturedly. One of his friends had improved Ace’s punch with a little bourbon, so he was now in a much better mood. He took her arm, and they hurried to the end of the room where the couples were lining up. Confusion reigned as couples moved about, vying for a choice spot so they would be noticed.
    Ace was more than a little drunk, but he held his liquor well, and with all the ripe beauties winking and smiling at him, the evening was beginning to seem promising and not nearly so grim as he had expected. Still, for the life of him, Ace was mystified about why Lynnie was so enthused about the Grand March.
    She had turned away from him, fumbling in her small purse as the couples bustled about. “Hold us a place in line, Ace.”
    The orchestra leader rapped for silence. “Is everyone ready now?”
    Ace moved deftly to the front of the line. With his family’s money and power, no one would dispute his right to lead the march. He looked toward all the stiff, gray-haired politicians, seated on the dais to watch the young ladies and dandies parade. Lordy, everyone in Texas would see him with this prim old maid and think he couldn’t do any better. Well, it couldn’t be helped. “Lynnie?”
    â€œHere I come.” She whirled up beside him, and now she was wearing a banner draped across one shoulder of her pink gown and down her bodice. Ace gasped. The satin ribbon was emblazoned: Votes For Texas Women.
    He blinked. “You gonna wear that?”
    â€œOf course!” Her green eyes were defiant. “That’s the only reason I came.”
    He’d been used. He felt like a cheap slut on the morning after. Lynnie McBride hadn’t been yearning to attend a ball or to dance in his arms; she was looking for an audience for her damned women’s rights. “You know you’re about to cause all hell to break loose?”
    â€œAre you scared? If so, I can make the march alone.” She was almost pretty glaring up at him, her green eyes bright with defiance.
    â€œThem’s fightin’ words, Miss Priss. I’m game if you are.”
    He felt her take a deep breath as she took his arm and stuck out her chin. In spite of her defiant attitude, he noted that her arm trembled. They were about to start some serious trouble here. Ace didn’t even want to think about the results. Then the music started, and Ace and Lynnie led off the march. They took a dozen steps before the important audience of legislators and their ladies seemed to read Lynnie’s banner. Scowls replaced the smiles, and the dowagers began to fan themselves very fast and whisper to each other. The reporters paused, pencils in hand, almost as if they could not believe what they were seeing. The music continued