“But of course.” Lady Yardley smiled again, then looked at Miss Millington.
“I am certain that both of you will find husbands by the end of the Season, as I have already said. I am sure this evening will be an excellent one.”
“I hope it will be.”
Elizabeth let her gaze fall to her lap, praying that this evening’s festivities would take her mind off the highwayman entirely. She could only hope that the article in the Ledger would bring forth new names and fresh information about the fellow. What would it be like to look into his eyes again? To see the face of the man who had not only captured her brooch but also captured her lips?
Awash with heat, Elizabeth closed her eyes and swallowed tightly, deaf to the conversation around her.
Is it because I want to recover the brooch that I am so desperate to find him? Or is it because I cannot stop thinking about that kiss?
* * *
“Look!I do believe Lord Winterbrook is approaching us!”
Nervousness tied a knot in Elizabeth’s stomach as her eyes sought those of Lord Winterbrook. Again, he had that easy smile upon his face which always seemed so quick to appear and continually sent the strangest of sensations through her. She was still uncertain whether or not she liked this particular gentleman. His manner was much too easy, his boldness apparent. However, there was something about how he smiled at her that sent a surge of energy through her. If he was approaching to ask her to dance, it would be impossible for her to say no. Their last dances together had been quite wonderful, although the waltz had been a good deal more delightful than the other!
Lord Winterbrook was an excellent dancer, and it had been just as Lady Yardley had said: he had taken her into his arms, and she had quite forgotten her worries regarding her dance steps. She had done them all without hesitation, had found herself flowing freely with the music, sure of every step. All the same, her nervousness had remained. Something about being so close to Lord Winterbrook, something about looking into his eyes and seeing his smile directed solely at her, had been unsettling and wonderful in equal measure. All of this was why she was now uncertain as to whether or not she was glad to see Lord Winterbrook or desirous to push him away.
“He has danced with you before this evening, has he not?”
Miss Millington nudged her, speaking out of the corner of her mouth as Lord Winterbrook paused for a moment to greet another fellow.
“Yes, we have danced already on two occasions,” she murmured, giving nothing more away.
It would be foolish to express how she was feeling for Lord Winterbrook, particularly when she had so much uncertainty herself.
At least I am not thinking of the highwayman.
A small smile touched her lips as he immediately came to mind, but she chased it away. How strange it was to think that she need not wonder what it would be like to be kissed any longer! Her first experience of a man doing so, boldly, was from a highwayman rather than a gentleman - which was, in itself, very unusual. She ought to be cross – furious even - that her first kiss had been stolen by a highwayman, someone so unworthy of such a thing – but try as she might, such an emotion would not rise within her. Much to her chagrin, there was almost a sense of gladness over it, for it had been both astonishing and enchanting in equal measure.
“Good evening. How pleasant to see you again.” Lord Winterbrook smiled warmly, looking first at Elizabeth, and then looking to Miss Millington. “Miss Millington, good evening.”
Curtseying, Miss Millington answered him warmly as Elizabeth looked on, studying him. He was a very charming fellow, certainly able to smile at almost anyone, and have them smile in return. Why was there a desire creeping up within her that his smile be directed solely at her alone?
“I did hear something about you, Lord Winterbrook,” Miss Millington continued, making Elizabeth’s eyebrows lift. “Though whether it be true or not, I cannot yet say.”
Lord Winterbrook chuckled.
“Then pray, tell me what you have heard, Miss Millington, so that I might either disabuse you of it or confirm it is true.” Wincing, he tipped his head a little. “I will confess that there are many things said about me, and not all of them are false.”
She laughed and shook her head.
“This, I assure you, is a very good thing indeed.” Glancing at Elizabeth, she smiled warmly. “It is said that you have taken into your house a young lady and her grandfather – people not particularly well known to you. Is that so?”
“Her granduncle.”
Elizabeth blinked in astonishment. Lord Winterbrook had taken someone into his house? Strangers to him? If it was a young lady, then had he intentions of marrying her? And if he did, then why did she suddenly feel a little ill at ease?
“Then it is true!” Miss Millington laughed. “Did I hear that they simply appeared at your house without expectation?”
Lord Winterbrook grinned but threw up both hands.
“It is most astonishing, certainly, but what was I to do but be charitable? It appears as though someone gave the elder gentleman my name, and told them that I would be willing to listen to him, and likely to express generosity. Given my supposed reputation – for I am not always as generous as was made out – it was not as though I could refuse!” Smiling, he dropped his hands. “There is one small correction. I have not taken them into my townhouse, but I have offered them another residence.”
“Which you are paying for?” It was a most inappropriate question and Elizabeth’s face burned when his eyebrows lifted, his gaze turning upon her. “Forgive me, I did not mean to pry.”
“It is quite all right.” Lord Winterbrook shrugged. “My mother has her own, smaller residence in London but given she is not in London at present, I have offered it to Miss Whitford and her granduncle.”
