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Evelina’s heart skipped a beat. “As a Duke, your inner circle is undoubtedly composed of many fine individuals. Why should I stand out?”
Thomas looked almost offended at the question. “How could you not? You are intelligent. Charming. Kind. You have made me laugh more times in two conversations than I have in all the months since my father’s passing.” He hesitated only briefly before a look of unbridled determination claimed his strong features. “Once we have been introduced through the necessary channels, I should hope to court you properly.”
Evelina had not realized how deeply she had been hoping for this until Thomas spoke of it directly. Her heart fluttered in her chest. Was this what the other young ladies who swooned over the Season felt like all the time?
No. No one has ever felt as swept away as I do now.
“Yes,” Evelina managed, tears pricking at her eyes. She blinked them away. “Yes, Lord Elvington. I should like that a great deal.”
Thomas’ face lit up in a way she had never seen. Despite the darkness surrounding them, Evelina felt as though she was looking directly into the sun. It was all she could do not to throw herself into his arms once more.
Evelina tore her eyes away at long last. Practicality had never been more physically painful. “I suppose we should make our way back to the ball. Before we cause a scandal.”
Thomas sighed. “I know in my head you are right. Yet…”
“It’s difficult to leave, isn’t it?” Evelina would have given anything for Thomas to take her hands in his, to claim just a few more minutes here in the near privacy of the garden. “We have scarcely met, yet when I am with you, I feel the most myself I have ever been.”
Thomas’ eyes brightened at a new thought. “Who would have imagined? I entered the Season rather begrudgingly, if you recall. Never in my wildest dreams could I have conceived of meeting someone like you.”
Evelina had never had someone whose thoughts mirrored her own with such accuracy.
As much as she hated the thought of parting ways, she resolved to cling to the promise that this would not be their last encounter. And if all went well, their next one would be within the secure confines of propriety.
“I will look forward to meeting again,” Evelina said softly.
Thomas hesitated…then placed a delicate kiss against her forehead. She gasped as he bent his head to speak lowly into her ear, breath tickling against her neck. “You should return to the ball first, and I shall follow. Though I must implore you…please, save at least one waltz for me.”
Evelina nodded mutely as Thomas pulled away.
I will save more than a waltz for him, she thought, walking back toward Almack's in a daze.Should he only ask, all of me would be his.
