AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good. It’s my first time hosting as viscount,” he murmured. “So I hope that it goes well.”
“You’re doing just fine.” She had been watching him as he made his way around the room. It seemed to come naturally to him—like a duck, taking to water or air.
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“Are you nervous, still?” His eyes searched hers. She knew he was referring to their previous conversation.
“Horribly.”
“You hide it well.”
“I was crying to my aunt just last week.”
“You were?”
“I am not often in company,” she explained. “I am used to spending my days painting in the parlour.”
“If you wish, you may do just that,” he said.
“You don’t want me to throw balls and such?”
“Only if you want to, darling,” he told her. “I want you to be happy.”
She smiled, blushing as she looked at him. She felt her chest fill with pride. He was hers. And he wanted her to be happy.
“I’m sure we can find a balance,” she said, offering to meet him halfway, just as he was offering to allow her to remain locked away in the parlour, painting.
“We will. I promise.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Meet me out in the hallway. In two minutes.” In an even louder voice, he said, “Excuse me for a moment.”
She smiled as she beheld the desire in his eyes. He raised an eyebrow in question, and she nodded. They both parted ways. Lucy went one way, and he went the other. By this time, both Lady Violet and Lady Rosemary had made their way to the refreshment table.
Lucy lingered by the table, pretending to look at the food. It was laden with a vast array of finger sandwiches and tiny cakes. There was a crystal bowl filled with punch, as well as champagne served in flutes. The only other time that she had seen such a spread was at Thornbridge Manor. Clearly, the Sweet family was determined to impress and please.
She then pretended that she was warm, waving her fan in front of her face as she proceeded to the door into the hall. It was darkened out there, though there were candelabras located every few paces to light the way for any guests who needed to step out of the party for some air.
She began to meander, wondering when Silas would come. The door opened and he exited, looking one way, then turning to find her. He beamed, holding out his hand. She took it and allowed herself to be led down the hall.
They reached an alcove, and he pressed her into it. His lips found hers.
“Finally, I have you to myself,” he said, his lips against her ear, his breath warm on her skin.
“You always do.” She was smiling, her pulse quickening.
“No, I don’t,” he argued, his fingers underneath her chin. “Not as often as I would like. But someday, I will.” His eyes seemed to make her a promise.
Lucy’s heart raced at the implication of marriage. He had always been so open about what he wanted, and she found that she was excited by the prospect. He kissed her again. The kiss went all of the way down to her toes.
