When they’d walked around the side of the building where they were no longer in view of anyone, Harriet leaned into the earl and kissed him. She needed his kisses like she needed the air to breathe.
The earl wasted no time in deepening the kiss. “My dear, you taste sweeter than ever.”
“I wish we could stay out here all evening.”
Hartley nodded. “I know, but I don’t think your mother or the duke would approve.”
“No, probably not. Has it been good seeing your friends these past weeks?”
Hartley caressed her face. “You’re so beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“And yes, to answer your question, once I realized they were here to help, I was able to relax a little. War is no topic for young ladies. Only other soldiers can truly understand what it was like.”
“I’m glad they give you comfort, Jon. There are many people here who want to help you.”
“Does that list include you, my dear Harriet?”
“You know it does. Now kiss me again before we must return.”
“Absolutely. It will be my pleasure.”
Harriet was beyond thrilled when Hartley walked her back inside and sat down at the table with everyone. While they’d been outside kissing, Lord and Lady Evans, Lord Spenser, Mrs. Kennedy, and Miss Weston had joined their table. It was a lively group, and she watched the earl closely for any sign of a rising panic. She was pleasantly surprised when he asked her for another dance. He was trying very hard to reintegrate into Society once again, and she admired his courage.
When the dance ended, he escorted her back to their table. “Good evening, Lady Harriet. I must take my leave now.”
“Thank you for attending this evening, Lord Hartley,” Harriet said.
“It was my pleasure. Your Graces, ladies, good evening.” He bowed to the ladies and turned on his heel.
She saw Wiltshire walk out with him and desperately wanted to join them, but she knew the earl needed his friend. She waited on pins and needles until the duke returned.
“Lady Harriet, would you do me the honor of the next dance?” Wiltshire asked when he returned to the table.
Harriet stood and smoothed down her dress. “I’d be delighted, Your Grace.”
As they walked out on the dance floor, the duke whispered in her ear. “Hartley is fine. There was no panic.”
She nodded. “Thank you for letting me know, Your Grace. He did seem a little more comfortable this evening.”
“Yes, he did well tonight.”
They lined up for the country dance, and now that she knew Hartley hadn’t suffered any adverse consequences from being in such a crush of people, she was able to thoroughly enjoy the rest of the evening. She even agreed to dance with Lord Cawley and Mr. Pratt to please her mother.
Chapter 17
The next morning, Harriet waitedat the property line for the earl to appear. When she finally spotted him, her heart took flight at the sight of him. She was falling more in love with him every day and could only hope that he felt the same way because she didn’t want to think of her life without Lord Hartley in it.
“Good morning, Lord Hartley,” she said when he came close.
“Lady Harriet, a pleasure to see you this morning.”
“I was very happy we were able to enjoy two dances last night. Thank you for the effort. Was it terribly difficult?” she asked.
“Not as much as it has been.”
“I’m so very pleased to hear that. Would you like to race to the tree line?”
