This evening, rather than bow to the wishes of his hostess, Geoff stayed with Turley and Lady Bristow while Elizabeth danced, making sure she returned to him and was by his side. When she danced with other gentlemen, he resolved not to allow his attention to wander. By the time this ball was over, thetonwould know he was serious about making her his wife. All he had to do was convince her she wanted to wed him.
“Are you having a good time?” The supper set had ended, and Geoff glanced around for her brother or aunt. For once, neither of them was in sight.
“This has been a delightful evening.” Her sky blue eyes seemed to sparkle. “Do you think we have time to visit the conservatory before we go down to supper? Lady Deauville is quite proud of it.”
“I don’t see why we should not.” It would give him time alone with her. Time he badly wanted. “Do you know where it is?”
She pointed to the other side of the ballroom. “Through the arch near the French doors.”
They made their way to the opposite side of the room, strolling through the arches that led into the conservatory. Other guests were present, but most of them were leaving. The glasshouse was rectangular, covering almost one entire side of the town house. A path looped down one side and up the other so that when Geoff and Elizabeth began their exploration, they were alone. The sound of water trickling came from one end of the room.
“It is beautiful.” She glanced around, delight clear on her mien. “The lanterns are like fairy lights.”
Dozens, perhaps hundreds of tiny glass lanterns hung from the trees and had been strung above. “And stars.”
They greeted other guests that had come up from the second path.
“Start on the right side and you will end up here,” one of the ladies said.
“Thank you.” Elizabeth smiled, and they started down the path.
Halfway down the walk, Geoff stopped, facing her under a tree only a few feet taller than he was. “I have wanted to be alone with you all evening.”
She peeped up at him from beneath her dusky lashes. “Have you?”
Her voice was breathy, and the pulse in her neck throbbed again. Was she nervous or excited? “Do you want to be alone with me, Elizabeth?” Her eyes widened at the use of her name. He stroked her cheek as he had earlier in the day. “May I use your name?”
“Yes, and yes.” Her voice was breathy as she leaned into his touch. “What do you want me to call you?”
“Geoffrey. Very few people call me by my first name.” In fact, no one did. “I would be honored if you did so.”
“Geoffrey.” She pronounced his name as if she was savoring the sound and how it felt as she said it. “I like it. It’s a strong name.”
“I want to kiss you.” Desperate to kiss her was more accurate. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since this afternoon.” And before.
He waited as she studied him. After a moment or two she rose on the tips of her toes, and reached her hands around his neck. “I want to kiss you, too.”
God, she was going to be the death of him.
He clasped her waist. If he didn’t have his hands firmly anchored, who knew where they would wander? Most likely all over her body, and it was too soon for that. As much as he wanted to feel her breasts, they would have to wait.
He brushed his lips against hers as he’d done after tea. She let out a soft breath and touched her mouth more firmly against his. He pressed light kisses on her lips and jaw before returning to her mouth and gently claiming her.
Her puckered lips moved under his innocently, and he knew she had never kissed another man. He was the first. He’d be the first for everything. The long dormant primitive part of him urged Geoff to find a room and take her now.
Before he lost what sense he had, he lifted his head, breaking the kiss. “Perfect.”
“Are you sure?” She searched his eyes. “It was my first time.”
“Absolutely.” He feathered his thumb along her swollen lips. “I could not have imagined a better first kiss.”
He couldn’t believe he had wasted the Season chasing after Lady Charlotte when Elizabeth Turley was the lady he truly wanted. Now that he had her, he would not let her go.
Elizabeth sighed as Geoffrey’s lips touched hers again. His kiss was soft, and firm, and wonderful. Her friends had been right. The way a gentleman kissed changed everything. She could not imagine kissing any other gentleman.
It was all she had ever dreamed about in a kiss. She touched his soft curls, pulling his head down to her again. His hands were on her waist, but his thumbs swept up almost touching her breasts. She wanted more. And she never wanted what they were doing to stop.
Still, theywereat a ball, and peoplewereviewing the conservatory. Someday they would be in a place where they could go on as long as they wished. Unfortunately, it was not this evening.
