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“I know you do,” he replied, smiling.
His eyes dropped to her lips as he murmured, “Emme, my dear.”
To his surprise, he felt Emmeline stiffen and she abruptly took a step back, causing his hand to drop.
“We should hurry and join your family in the drawing room.” Her voice sounded rushed and had a slight edge to it.
What in the blazes just happened, he wondered. Why had Emmeline fled out of his arms like that?
It took him a moment to recover, then he offered his arm to his wife. “You are right.”
He was pleased when Emmeline placed her hand on his sleeve, and he led her towards the drawing room.
Once they stepped inside, Jane rushed over to Emmeline and embraced her. “You are looking lovely tonight,” she gushed.
Emmeline smiled politely. “As are you.”
Jane smoothed down her white gown with its blue sash. “My mother insisted that I wear white this evening.”
“You look lovely in white,” Harriet said from behind Jane.
Jane shifted to face her mother. “But my complexion looks much better in brighter colors.”
“You are not yet married or a spinster,” Harriet reminded her. “It is only considered proper for you to wear white or pale colors.”
“I’m not going to win this argument, am I?” Jane asked.
Harriet shook her head. “You are not.”
Jane sighed. “Then I suppose we should depart.”
“Excellent idea,” Harriet replied. “Pratt informed us that the coach is waiting out front.”
“Should we wait for Baldwin and Madalene?” Oliver asked.
Harriet shook her head. “That won’t be necessary, they’ve already departed,” she shared.
“Ah, I see,” Oliver replied as he offered his other arm. “May I escort you to the coach?”
His mother accepted his arm and he led them through the entry hall. Once they stepped outside, Emmeline withdrew her arm and accepted the assistance offered by the footman.
After the ladies were situated, Oliver ducked into the coach and sat next to his wife. The smell of rosewater drifted off from her, and he had the strangest desire to lean closer to her, to compliment her. But, luckily, sanity prevailed, and he was able to control his actions.
They rode in silence as they traveled the short distance to Lady Shipston’s three-level townhouse. The coach lurched to a stop and Oliver waited for the ladies to exit first before he departed.
As he stepped out, he was pleased to see that Emmeline had waited for him on the pavement. He extended his arm. “Remember, we need to play the part of besotted lovers,” he said.
“I am aware,” she replied, her back stiff.
He eyed her curiously as they headed into the townhouse. “Whatever is the matter?”
“Why do you assume something is wrong?” she asked, keeping her gaze straight ahead.
“Are you upset about how I almost kissed you in our sitting room?”
A blush came to her cheeks and she ducked her head. “You shouldn’t say such things in public.”
“There is nothing wrong with a married couple kissing in private,” he said, feeling the need to tease her.
