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The gentlemen, amazingly, did not look surprised by her knowledge, merely excited by it. He opened his mouth to respond…
…but was interrupted by loudBOOMoverhead.
Evelina gasped and jumped in surprise at the first of the fireworks. She did not land well, her feet tangling in the folds of her dress. Over the course of a single second, she expected to fall flat to the ground and come away grievously disfigured.
This did not happen.
The stranger had caught her.
When this became apparent to Evelina, an instant blush erupted across her body as she took in the feel of his strong arms around her. Particularly, his warm hands, positioned so firmly, yet gentle, around her waist.
Gingerly, he settled her so that she once more had her footing. “Are you quite all right?” he asked, voice low with concern.
A shiver went through Evelina. She’d never felt like this before.
AmI quite all right?
“Yes,” she managed, her voice a small. “Yes, you may release me now, thank you.”
The gentleman blinked, and only then did it appear to register with him that he was still holding onto Evelina. He promptly removed his hands, and after a moment of indecision, placed them behind his back, apparently for good measure.
“My apologies,” he said roughly, “I did not intend anything untoward. I hope you will forgive my clumsiness.”
Hisclumsiness? I’m the one who practically threw myself into his arms!
“Think nothing of it,” Evelina said quickly. She turned herself away, hoping desperately to hide her blush. “I…ah…I do believe I must return to my family now.”
Before the gentleman could respond, she hurried off. Overhead, the next round of fireworks went up, casting noise and sparks across the sky.
Their smoking imprint lingered long after the lights themselves were gone.
