The Surgeon's Miracle by Caroline Anderson Page A

challenge the night before, and at last she was going to know what it was like to be held in Andrew’s arms.
    There was no question in her mind who would win. Will was fabulous—funny, sexy, outrageous—but he did nothing for her. Andrew, on the other hand…
    The four of them headed to the dance floor in time to see Lord and Lady Ashenden have the first dance, and when Libby saw the string quartet, she felt a bubble of delighted laughter rise in her throat.
    ‘Oh, proper dancing!’ she said softly, enchanted.
    He grinned. ‘Well, we can make it improper if you like, but it’s a little public.’
    She punched his arm lightly and laughed, trying to ignore the little shiver of anticipation. ‘You know what Imean. I just haven’t ever done it except at dance classes. I didn’t think people still did except on television.’
    ‘Only sometimes. And one of the advantages of a stuffy, classical education is that I’m unlikely to step on your toes too often,’ he said with a wry smile, and held out his hand to her, sketching a mocking bow as his eyes sparkled with challenge. ‘So, shall we show my brother what we’re made of?’
     
    He’d been aching to hold her in his arms all night, longing for the moment to come, and he discovered to his delight that she was a beautiful, natural dancer. She followed his lead without a hitch, her hand light on his shoulder, her body just a fraction too far away for his liking—but that was probably just as well, given the total lack of privacy.
    And when the time came he was reluctant in the extreme to hand her over to Will.
    ‘She’s lovely,’ Sally said, smiling up at him as he led her to the side of the dance floor and settled her into a chair so that she could rest. ‘A real sweetheart. I’m so glad you’ve found her.’
    ‘Don’t jump the gun,’ he warned. ‘She’s just a friend.’
    ‘Of course she is,’ Sally said calmly. ‘She’s pretty, though. Delightful. And very intelligent. Will likes her a lot.’
    ‘I can see that,’ he growled, watching his laughing brother and the woman who was supposed to be his girlfriend twirling past in a flutter of shimmering silk and coat tails. Damn him, if he held her any closer…
    ‘It’s about time you found somebody nice,’ Sally murmured, and he grunted. If only, he thought.
    If only…
     
    ‘So who’s better?’
    Torn by loyalty and honesty and a dislike of conflict of anysort, Libby looked from one brother to the other, and shook her head. ‘Technically, I don’t have the expertise to choose between you, so I would say you’re quits. Andrew’s very easy to follow, and Will might have the edge when it comes to fancy moves. You’re both extremely good, and neither of you trod on my toes, which rates an A star in my book.’
    ‘Very prettily put, but you didn’t answer the question,’ Will said, grinning. ‘I knew you wouldn’t.’
    ‘Equal first?’ she offered. ‘I can’t choose between you.’
    ‘Or won’t.’
    ‘Oh, Libby, just tell him he’s better,’ Andrew groaned. ‘Let him win. He won’t give up until you do. It’s not worth it.’
    ‘OK, he’s better. Is that what you want to hear?’
    ‘Yes!’ Will said smugly, and punched the air.
    Andrew rolled his eyes and sighed. ‘He’s going to be insufferable. Take him away, Sally.’
    ‘Good idea,’ Sally said, hoisting herself out of the chair and rubbing her back. ‘It’s past my bedtime and it’s certainly past his.’
    ‘Oh, promises,’ Will murmured with a grin, and he slung his arm round Sally’s shoulders, winked at them and steered her towards the door, looking slightly the worse for wear.
    ‘So, who is better?’ Andrew asked softly, wondering what she’d say now they were alone, and she turned and met his eyes.
    ‘I don’t know. I think I need to check a few things out again,’ she said deadpan.
    His mouth quirked in a fleeting smile, and he held out his hand. ‘Check away,’ he murmured, drawing her into his