The attendant glanced at Alexander. “Of course.”
Esther gripped his arm harder, gazing around. “I barely remember this place.”
“You didn’t miss anything,” he said.
“I wanted to try something exciting for once, and I caused a disaster.”
“I went to The New Club, too, but I didn’t find anything exciting there. I was bored after five minutes.”
“What do you find exciting then?”
“Fencing, interesting conversations with a charming lady, riding a strong horse on the beach when the sun is rising, and playing cricket with a great batswoman.” The small confession was worth her beautiful smile.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For making me feel better after I was horrible to you.”
He worked his jaw. “You weren’t. I would enjoy a kiss from you, but not when you aren’t yourself.”
Her lips parted, and her chest rose, but before she could say anything, the attendant returned, rubbing his face.
“You left with your cloak, my lady.”
She exhaled, glancing at Alexander. “Was I with a blond gentleman?”
“I wasn’t here last night,” the man said.
“Would you please find someone who was here?” Alexander asked.
The man exhaled and left.
She shifted her weight. “So you would like a kiss from me,” she whispered.
“I wouldn’t have said it otherwise.” He dipped his head, and she stared at him with her large, disarming eyes. It was as if she were apologising for her beauty.
She rose on her tiptoes, her flowery scent enveloping him. They paused at the same time, an inch from each other’s lips. He wanted to savour her mouth with a hard kiss, but with effort, he controlled himself.
Another attendant broke the spell. “My lady, I remember you.”
She jolted back from him, and Alexander shot a glare at the man, who froze.
“What were you saying?” she asked.
The man didn’t come closer. “You left with Lord Warwick, my lady.”
She turned towards him when the attendant left. “The gentleman who was at the garden party?”
Alexander nodded. “He practises fencing.”
“He might have the foil then!”
“Possible.” He offered her his arm again, and she took it without hesitation. “Shall we pay him a visit?”
“I know the foil means a lot to you.”
“It does, but your safety is more important.” He cut through a side alley to avoid the crowded high street.
