Page 47 of The Lady Was Lying
“How lovely that you decided to join us,” James said, sounding genuine.
Belinda looked from Jane to James and back at the phaeton. As if he knew exactly what Belinda was thinking, James leaned toward her and murmured, “It’s going to be a bit tight for three.”
“I cannot allow Jane to gallivant about London without a chaperone, so we’ll have to manage,” she replied briskly, trying to ignore the way his warm breath whispered over her cheek.
He straightened and nodded solemnly. “I defer to your superior judgment. Shall we?”
She placed her fingers in his outstretched palm.
What a mistake.
Awareness shot up her arm, taking her back to the night before when he’d clenched her fingers in much the same way while he’d twirled her about the dance floor. Attempting to ignore her unreasonable reaction to his polite assistance, she climbed into the phaeton and plastered herself as close to her sister as possible.
It wasn’t close enough.
When James joined them a moment later, the left side of his body pressed flush against the right side of Belinda’s. They were touching from shoulder to thigh, and the many layers of fabric between them were not enough of a barrier to hinder her body’s response.
Every nerve came alive.
She didn’t hate the way being close to him made her feel, but it was unnerving. Before him, she had never felt so much from so little. In the past, she had pressed herself against someone and experienced nothing other than a physical sensation.
Why was he different?
And what should she do about it?
For some inexplicable reason, she had the urge to reach out and place her hand on the length of his thigh. The urge was so strong that her arm twitched in his direction before she placed it in her lap. Clutching her hands tightly together, she resolutely stared forward as the phaeton began to roll down the street.
“What a beautiful day,” Jane remarked, leaning forward and beaming directly at James. “I’m so glad you were available this afternoon. I feel awful that I missed our dance yesterday. It was such good fortune that Belinda was able to take my place.”
“Good fortune,” Belinda mouthed to herself while James chuckled.
“Lady Belinda was most kind to dance with me. I was surprised by her willingness, since she hadn’t danced all evening.”
“Don’t let her lack of dancing fool you,” Jane said. “She loves to dance.”
Belinda frowned. Why did Jane constantly declare that she loved to dance?
Jane leaned forward even further, as if she couldn’t resist staring at the duke, and Belinda’s arm shot out. “You’re going to fall.”
Jane giggled. “I don’t think so. I’m wedged far too tightly to fall.”
“Do you require more space?” Was there any to spare?
Belinda wiggled a bit but succeeded only in plastering the side of her breast against James’s bicep. She gasped at the unexpected contact, straightening her spine and holding herself rigid so that it didn’t happen again.
Thankfully, James didn’t seem to notice her reaction.
“Not at all. I’m quite comfortable,” Jane replied, as if she also hadn’t noticed Belinda’s suddenly stiff posture. “Your Grace, are you attending the viscount’s soiree this evening?”
“Regrettably, no. My mother is keen on the pianoforte and has accepted an invitation to a musical. She asked if I would like to join her.”
“The one hosted by Lady Greene?” Jane asked.
When he nodded, she continued, “You will not be disappointed by the musical. Miss Genevieve Arte is expected to play. She is the most gifted pianist I have ever heard. Her voice is like an angel. Rumor has it that her intended is going to accompany her in a duet.”
“Have you heard him sing?” Belinda asked.
“No. But I can’t imagine Miss Arte would allow him to accompany her if he wasn’t capable.”
