He was desperate to be beside her again, irritated by the number of people in his way. His heart thundered in his chest, his mind a whirlwind of delight and uncertainty as he tried to contrive a way to move to her side once more.
As his turn came around again, he stepped up the bowl without hesitation, plunging deep and bringing out a handful ofraisins that were still alight. He blew on them theatrically, intent on impressing her, and heard her gasp as he doused the flames and ate the raisins in one movement.
He knew he was acting foolishly, and as he moved back to his place, he caught the gaze of Henry, who was standing beside Emily on the other side of the circle. His expression was a little difficult to read in the half-light, but he seemed to be smiling knowingly.
As the entertainment ended and Nicholas was declared the victor he stepped away from the group for a little time, watching the footmen relight the candles all about the place. Clarissa went to speak with Henry and Emily beside the fire, still flushed and breathless from the game.
Never in his life had he felt what he had just experienced over those dancing flames. It was not only her timid nature and quiet shyness that had first attracted him to her. Her indifference to him had piqued his interest, but he could no longer blame his vanity for his regard.
She was the most breathtaking creature he had ever beheld. Not even Victoria had made him feel the depths of emotion that he had experienced in her presence that evening. It was as though he were watching a phoenix rising out of the flames. A tiny thing that had seemed unremarkable and made entirely of ash was now a vibrant, colourful marvel that he was ashamed to have overlooked when they had first met.
What would it be like to truly know her? To find the elements of her character that she showed to no one else?
She was reserved, proper at all times, and constantly on her guard. But there were moments where she would let down the walls she had built about herself, and he would see the real woman beneath. Something about that called to him like nothing ever had. He, too, was hiding in plain sight, trying his best to survive a world that had treated him cruelly for too long.
As he watched her, a feeling spread through his chest that he had never hoped to experience again. It frightened and unnerved him to be so affected in so short a time.
Who is this woman? She has stripped away all my certainties, all the things I believed were important in life. She makes me question everything I have built around me for so long…
“My Lord, you are pensive this evening. Am I to wonder that you have tired of our company so soon?”
Nicholas felt his jaw clench unpleasantly and his teeth grind together as Lady Wilde approached him. She was in a very fine dress of deep brown that evening with rather an ostentatious feather in her hair. It was too much for the company, just as Rosemary had said, and he was beginning to think she was doing it solely to impress him.
If that is her intention it is having the opposite effect.
“Of course not, my dear lady; I am merely wondering if I have set my skin aflame.”
It was a casual comment meant to change the subject from her inquiry, but to his irritation, she looked pained and gently rested a hand on his arm.
“My Lord, I do hope you are not injured. Must we fetch a doctor?”
Is the woman a simpleton?
“Not at all; I am merely jesting. I believe perhaps the game has tired me. The lights being so dim and the flames so inviting, I have been reminded that it is soon time for us all to be in our beds.”
He regretted the words immediately, as her eyes darkened with obvious interest. He had meant the comment as a general assertion of the lateness of the hour; it had not been an invitation, yet she appeared to have taken it as such.
He was glad they were in a room filled with people, as thehand that had touched his arm was retracted, much to his relief. He had no doubt if they had been alone, she might have made him an offer, and the very idea was more unpleasant than it should have been.
He put on his most charming smile, affecting an air of polite interest. He tried his best not to linger too long on Miss Crompton, although he was not entirely successful.
“I have never been so diverted as at this manor house; I do believe your aunt is one of the greatest hosts I have had the pleasure of staying with. She has ensured that I want for nothing.”
Her eyes flicked up to his face, down over his body, and back up again. The woman was shameless.
“Indeed, my aunt is the very model of a proper lady. She has been a generous and welcome comfort since I returned to these shores.”
“And this manor house is yours, I take it, following the inheritance you received?”
Nicholas nodded. “It is. But I have assured her, as I would any of my relations, that I have no wish to turf her out. She will remain at Kingston Manor for as long as she chooses. It is her home and has been such for far longer than I have been in residence.”
“You are the picture of humility. So many men would wish to take their country seat—and their seat in town—without any regard for their relations. You are astonishing, Lord Bolton, in your generosity.”
Again, he kept his smile in place, but his skin was itching to leave her side. He looked up hopefully to see if Lord Wilde might be coming to fetch his daughter. It took him a few seconds to locate him, however. The man was sprawled on the chaise longue at the corner of the room, snoring quietly.
Nicholas cursed inwardly that everyone else was sooccupied.
Why does this woman constantly seek me out at every opportunity?
