I turned to Lord Camden. “Yes?”
“I was wondering if you intended to grip my arm in this manner for the duration of the night?”
I glanced down, and to my horror, saw my hand clasping his just above the wrist. I winced and peeled my arm back. “Sorry.”
“Not at all. But if this is your way of keeping up our bet, then I am duly impressed.”
I gave a sheepish laugh. “No, I was . . . flustered . . . about something.”
“Ah, so you reached for me for comfort?” That brought a devilish smile to his lips, but it gave me real pause. Is that what I had done?
I will admit that he had given me comfort. Deep down, I hoped he would come to my rescue if Mr. Goodwin suddenly remembered me.
He seemed to read my mind. “Well, then. If you desire to hold my hand again, I am all too happy to oblige you.”
That ruthless tease. I was about to give him quite the set down when a shadow crossed over us. I looked up to meet Lady Camden’s stern gaze and her chest heaving. “Atlas,” she hissed. “I thought I saw . . .” she cast a quick glance at Mr. Goodwin to see if he was listening. “I thought I saw . . .”
“Everyone take a seat,” Lady Timbrell announced. “It is time to begin our musical performances.”
Lady Camden’s face had flushed red, but she reluctantly retreated.
“That was close,” Lord Camden said.
I was done for. Mr. Goodwin would remember me or Lady Camden would dismiss me. Either way, I was doomed. “We shouldn’t have agreed to such a foolish bet.”
“Nonsense,” he said, his soft words tickling my cheek. “I have made more than my share, and I think this was one of my better ones.”
He sounded pleasantly surprised, and I tried not to react. I didn’t want to blush and encourage him, but a warmth still spread through my middle, chasing away any cold from the shock of meeting Mr. Goodwin.
“My only disappointment,” he whispered, “is that I did not have the privilege of hearing you sing.”
Of all the matters for him to worry about. The corner of my lips pulled upward, despite my attempt otherwise. “Does that mean you have conceded to my superior abilities?”
“Conceding? No. But for the sake of my mother’s sensibilities, shall we call it a draw?”
His arm slid up around the back of the sofa—a subtle move I was certainly not immune to. The challenge was over, and yet it seemed he was still showing me marked attention. “I suppose a draw would be best.”
“My mother’s nerves thank you.”
I couldn’t resist my smile. “Better luck next time.” Because if I knew anything, there would indeed be a next time. It seemed Lord Camden loved a challenge too. And when he looked at me with a grin of his own, I had the strangest feeling that he saw me as one.
Chapter 24
Atlas
Ihad taken to riding out with the guards early every morning instead of waiting for their reports. Fortunately, no new signs of intruders had been discovered since the camp. Instead of being reassured that all was well, I waited for them to return, worried that this time they would move beyond the perimeter of my property and invade my home.
When I finished with the guard, I took a ride on my own. The sky was overcast, and the temperature fair. Taking my time, I slowed our pace to a walk. My thoughts easily shifted from intruders to Miss Lewis. Beautiful Miss Lewis. Last night, much had shifted in my mind. I had publicly shown attention to her, and I should be reeling from my foolish behavior. What alarmed me was that I was not upset at all. In fact, my night had been wonderful because of her.
I had done everything to stay busy and avoid feeling anything for anyone again. I had so many reasons to not pursue her. Could I let myself trust someone so completely? Could I trust myself? I needed more time to be sure, but I knew with certainty that I wanted to take the chance.
The morning grew late, and I turned Champion back toward the house. After returning him to the stables, I discovered a carriage pulling into our drive. I recognized it. Hastening my step, I met Abramson as soon as he stepped out.
I crossed my arms. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s calling hours, is it not?”
“I thought we agreed that you were not to come here.”
