He led her around the room as if they were merely promenading, but he deftly guided her outside once they reached the doors. He inhaled the cool night air. “This is much better. Don’t you agree?”
“I do indeed.”
He led her around to the side of the building, out of sight of any of the guests and carriage drivers, before pulling her into his arms. His mouth crashed down on hers, and he kissed her as if he were a dying man and she was the last drop of water on earth.
When she leaned into him, he held her tighter. “Oh, my lady. I cannot get enough of you,” he said between kisses.
“I feel the same, my lord.”
“Would you call me Jon in private?”
He saw her eyes widen at the intimacy, and she nodded. “And I’m Harriet.”
“Well, my dear Harriet, as much as I’d like to stay outside here and kiss you senseless, I’m afraid your mother and grandmother wouldn’t approve.”
Harriet reached up and caressed the scarred side of his face. “I fear you are correct, Jon. One more kiss before we return, please?”
Jon was happy to fulfill her request and leaned down to kiss her again. He was surprised when she ran her tongue over his lips. He opened for her, and their tongues tangled together in an intricate dance of passion. When he reluctantly stepped back, they were both breathless. It pleased him to see the blush of his kisses on her lips. He’d have never believed such a lovely young woman would desire him.
“We should return,” he said, holding out his arm.
Harriet placed her hand on his sleeve and looked up at the sky. “Have you ever seen so many stars, my lord?”
“The only stars I see are the ones that seem to light up your eyes.”
“Lord Hartley, you’ll spoil me with so many compliments.”
Jon looked up at the night sky. He would remember this night, and whenever he looked at the stars, he’d think of her.
They slipped back inside, and they continued with a leisurely stroll around the perimeter of the room as if that’s what they’d been doing for the past few minutes.
“My lord, will you stay for another dance?” Harriet asked.
As much as he wanted to stay and enjoy the evening, he didn’t want to have an attack while out in public. He was trying hard to expand his exposure to people, but he’d spent so much time alone that it was hard to acclimate to everything—the people, the noise, the music—all at once. He needed to take it slowly.
He escorted her back to the table and bowed over her hand. “Thank you for the dance, Lady Harriet. It was most enjoyable.”
Harriet curtseyed. “For me as well, my lord.”
“Hartley, care for some fresh air?” George asked as he escorted Miss Weston back to the table.
“Yes, that would be most welcome,” Hartley said. “Good evening, ladies,” he said with a bow.
“I shall return momentarily,” George said, kissing the air above Miss Weston’s glove.
Once outside, Hartley led George around the corner of the building where, moments earlier, he’d devoured Harriet’s sweet lips. “Should I thank you for saving me from staying any longer?”
George shook his head. “That’s not why I’ve asked you to come out here.”
“No? Why then?”
“Jon, you must see how Lady Harriet looks at you. I hope you’re not toying with her feelings.”
“Are you warning me away from her?”
“Not at all, but if you’re not serious about courting her, you should no longer meet her in the mornings. Your dismissal of her once you tire of her will hurt her reputation before she even makes her debut next spring.”
“Did Evans put you up to this little lecture?”
