He chuckled. “That typically happens when you find the right person to kiss.”
“But what if you kiss me and I don’t like it?”
Alden moved closer, his movements slow and deliberate, waiting for any sign of discomfort from Elinor. “I promise that this time will be different. In fact, once you kiss me, you might never want to let me go. I am that good of a kisser.”
“I suppose one kiss won’t hurt,” Elinor whispered as she closed her eyes.
Just as their lips were about to touch, a high-pitched sound caused him to jump back. He turned his head to see Mrs. Hardy standing next to them with a set of bagpipes in her hands.
“I hope I am not intruding,” Mrs. Hardy said with a pointed look, clearly aware of what she had interrupted.
Elinor’s hands flew up to her reddening cheeks. “We were standing under the mistletoe?—”
“I know what you were doing,” Mrs. Hardy interrupted. “But perhaps we can adjourn to the dining room so I can serenade you with my playing.”
“Very well,” Elinor said as she went to stand by her aunt.
Alden followed closely behind them, wondering what in the blazes had just happened. He had almost kissed Elinor, and he found that he wanted to. Desperately. He had never wanted to kiss someone as much as he wanted to kiss her. There was something about Elinor that drew him in, and he wasn’t sure if he ever wanted to be let go.
Botheration.
This would not do. He just needed to convince her to marry him, not fall for her.
They arrived in the dining room, and he moved to pull out the chair for Elinor. She offered him a private smile and he was utterly charmed.
While he claimed his seat, Mrs. Hardy stood at the head of the table with the bagpipes, ready to play. “Now, please keep in mind that I am just a beginner.”
“I am sure it will be delightful,” Alden attempted.
Elinor met his gaze and shook her head.
Alden resisted the urge to smile before turning his attention back to Mrs. Hardy. She opened her mouth and proceeded to play. Loudly. And poorly. The shrill sound hurt his ears, but he tried to pretend that the noise didn’t bother him.
After what felt like an eternity, but was probably just mere moments, Mrs. Hardy stopped playing and smiled. “What do you think?”
Terrible.
Awful.
But rather than insult her, he smiled and replied, “It was beautiful.”
Mrs. Hardy gave him a smug smile. “I have been told that I can pick up instruments rather easily.”
“That is evident by how well you play,” Alden said, attempting to sound sincere.
Elinor giggled and brought her hand up to her lips. “I’m sorry, but it sounded like you were trying to slaughter a cat.”
“Was it that bad?” Mrs. Hardy asked, her brow furrowing.
Alden cleared his throat. “Yes, but with the right teacher, you might be playing well in one or two… years.”
Mrs. Hardy removed the bagpipes from around her and handed them to a footman. “Well, that only gives me the motivation to keep trying,” she said as she went to sit down.
Elinor lowered her hand, her expression more serious. “I’m sorry. I hope I did not offend you.”
“You could do no such thing, my dear,” Mrs. Hardy said with a wave of her hand. “Besides, I know I need to practice more.”
Footmen stepped forward and placed bowls of soup in front of them. Alden glanced down, fearing the worst, but to his pleasant surprise, it was pea soup.
