“I-I am well, sir. It is a little warm in here.” She opened his gift to discover a wide-brimmed hat trimmed with a combination of silk ribbons in soft pastel colors. The box alsoincluded pale-blue silk short gloves with a pearl button at the wrist. It was a beautiful gift. More thoughtful than others she’d received.
“Thank-you, Mr. Shaw. This is a lovely gift and I will enjoy wearing it.”
“I am pleased you like it. I look forward to seeing you wear it.” He sat back and smiled. “Tell me, Miss Bramston. What do you enjoy most about the summer season?”
Finally, a reprieve. “I do enjoy a soft summer breeze as I stroll along the promenade on a beautiful sunny day.”
He peeked around her to look out the window. “Perhaps tomorrow we can do that as I do not believe today’s rain will allow.”
She turned her head to the window to find the sky had opened up and a great downpour set upon them.
“You are fortunate in that you arrived before that started,” she said as she turned back to him.
His eyes set upon her lips drew a memory from her dream. She was convinced she already knew what his lips felt like on hers yet she could never tell him that.
“And what do you like most about the summer season?” she asked trying to deflect from her own wanton thoughts. What was wrong with her?
“I too enjoy a leisurely stroll, but I confess I am partial to horseback riding. Do you ride, Miss Bramston?”
Another flash from her dream of her straddling him with his manhood buried deep inside her. She coughed softly into her hand and squirmed on her seat.
His eyes narrowed on her as she said, “I do enjoy riding, though I have little experience.”
Her father left the room then and her mother sat as far away as possible.
“Miss Bramston, you seem uncomfortable. Am I the cause?”
How could she tell him? But she didn’t want to have him think he was in any way lacking or at fault. Well he was, but he wasn’t.
“You see, Mr. Shaw. Last night I had an unusual dream,” she said in a low voice. “About you.”
Her cheeks burned; she was sure they must be bright red by now. He took in her countenance and after a few moments a slow smile spread across his face.
“And you are wondering if the things that happen in dreams might be the same in real life.”
She walked a dangerous path. She did not know this man or how loose his lips. Such conversations were not initiated by innocent young women. She was powerless against this draw she had to him and yearned to know if he felt the same.
“I have dreamed of you too, Miss Bramston. Though mine have been waking dreams,” he said with a wink. “I have dreamed of kissing your soft lips,” he said as his gaze flicked to hers. Unconsciously, she licked them and his mouth opened a little.
A loud “ahem” behind him drew her attention to their butler from the doorway. Evelyn sat up straight only realizing she’d been leaning toward Mr. Shaw and he to her.
“A Mr. Aloisios Harrington and a Mr. Norbert Carew to see Miss Bramston.”
Evelyn stood and extended her hand as was expected as the two gentlemen came forward, one with candy and the other with flowers. Nice sentiments, but she’d seen the same from others and while she was grateful for the gift, somehow Mr. Shaw’s was more special. Did that make her shallow? She hoped not.
The men were wet from the rain so her mother came over and offered them seats on the wooden bench by the window overlooking the street.
“Miss Bramston, might you be attending the Fry ball Friday next?”
Her mother had already accepted on their behalf. This one promised particular excitement since it was designed as a masquerade ball.
“I believe I am, Mr. Carew.”
“And might I be so bold as to ask what you might be wearing so I may find you for the first dance?” he asked as he looked pointedly at Mr. Shaw.
“She has already granted the first two dances to me, Mr. Carew. And you know better than to ask a lady to reveal herself before a masque has even begun.”
Evelyn was grateful to Mr. Shaw, but unfortunately, Mr. Carew’s cheeks grew red and he frowned.
