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“What a pity. I guess I’ll have to make what time I have count, then, shan’t I?”
Aunt Vivian appeared at my elbow. “Oh, here you are, dear!” She caught a glimpse of Nigel and stopped. “Pardon me, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll just be over here while you finish chatting, dear.” She started to turn and walk away, but I reached out and placed a hand on her forearm.
“Nonsense, Auntie, you’re not interrupting. Let me introduce you to Nigel. We just met, and he’s being very polite about the fact I nearly squashed his foot when I plowed into him. Nigel, this is my aunt, Vivian.”
Nigel held out his hand to my aunt. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. Your niece was just telling me about you. The family resemblance is striking, though I’d have pegged you for an older sister, not Evelyn’s aunt.”
Aunt Vivian shook Nigel’s hand and blushed at the compliment.
“Do you live near town?” he asked. Other than his slightly crooked nose, he was absolutely perfect. I tried not to stare, but I couldn’t help it.
“Yes, we live at Lydbury,” Aunt Vivian said. I silently thanked her for saving me while I remembered how to speak.
“Ah, of course. The old manor house. I’m familiar with Lydbury. Old estates are such treasures.” My lips twitched. Who even talked like that, anymore? Posh young English guys, apparently.
“Yes, it’s been in my husband’s family for years. Are you familiar with the Sauvage family?” Aunt Vivian had warmed to the conversation, and I could tell she’d completely take over in a minute if I didn’t get my brain back.
He turned his focus toward her. “I am familiar with the name. Though, I can’t say I know of your husband. What did you say his name is?”
“Oscar. Oscar Sauvage,” she replied. I discreetly nudged her with my elbow. “But I’m afraid I’ve hijacked your conversation. I should let you two chat and go find that book I wanted.” She arched her eyebrows at me and shot me a significant look before walking away.
“Your aunt is lovely.”
“Yes, she is,” I said. I wanted to slap myself. I finally had him alone again and that was the best I could manage for conversation. I’d clearly been out of the flirting game too long.
“So, what do you say, can I take you to dinner?”
I blinked at him. It was like he’d heard my thoughts. I couldn’t believe this gorgeous, well-dressed, and, by the looks of it, well-educated young man had just asked me to dinner. I nodded as I struggled to find the right response.
“I’d be happy to drive out to Lydbury to pick you up. It would be no trouble. There are some lovely places out that way.”
I swallowed and found my voice, finally. “Oh, you don’t need to do that. I could just meet you in town and we could go to a pub.”
“Nonsense. Besides, there’s a much nicer pub near Lydbury. Let me take you.”
I nodded. “Okay,” I said.
“Brilliant. Shall I pick you up around seven?”
My eyes went wide. He wanted to take me out tonight. I blinked. Maybe I hadn’t been dating much recently, but he seemed to be moving pretty fast. Still, what harm was there in having dinner with someone? Perhaps he could tell me more about the area. He seemed to already know something about Lydbury.
“Sure. I can be ready at seven. You know how to find my aunt and uncle’s house?”
“Certainly. Lydbury is legendary around here.”
“You’re not asking me out just to get a closer look at their place, are you?” I crossed my arms over my chest and smirked at him.
He took a step closer to me and lifted my hand. “It appears only one of Lydbury’s treasures has my full attention.” He bent to place a light kiss on the back of my hand, and my heart raced. He glanced up at me as his lips brushed my skin and met my eyes. “See you tonight?”
My mouth had gone dry. I swallowed and nodded. “See you then.”
He released my hand, and I smiled at him before walking over to join my aunt.
“So?” she whispered to me when I stepped alongside her.
“Oh. My. God,” I said.
“Yes, he is godlike, isn’t he?” she whispered.
