Page 14 of Her Duke at Midnight
But she’d stalled entirely, and he bumped into her.
“Fiona’s noticed us,” she hissed. “And that man is bearing down on you.”
“Then it’s time for drastic measures.”
“No, please. No scandals.” She uttered the phrase the same way he repeated admonitions in his head a hundred times.
“Defiance, but no scandal. I understand.” Adam pivoted to face the American, making sure Lady Bissenden was out of the man’s line of sight. “Let’s talk after dinner, Wilcox. I’m afraid you’ve caught me on my way to speak to a friend.”
“Very well,” the older man said, eyeing Adam knowingly and offering a conspiratorial wink.
No doubt Wilcox thought Adam was on his way to a rendezvous with a lady. But that was fine. Let others think what they liked. Wilcox hadn’t seemed to take note of Lady Bissenden, and that mattered most. Adam had effectively blocked her from view with the width of his body.
He turned toward her again, sheltering her and her ripped dress.
“A few more side steps in the direction of the threshold and you’re on your way.”
“I can’t believe no one has noticed us.” She glanced around them, making it more likely someone would.
“Shall we go?” Leaning closer, he urged her to move.
She stared at him so long that the thrumming pulse of desire he’d felt the first moment he’d laid eyes on her started again.
“Why are you helping me?”
“Because you needed help.”
She frowned at that, and two lines formed between her auburn brows. But she started slowly inching toward the drawing room threshold. Adam stayed close and tried to ignore how enticing the heat of her body was against his. Harder to ignore was her scent—that sweet spring flower scent, but something headier too. As if she’d added a dash of spice to her perfume.
They made the two steps. Then the third. She turned to face him, the torn side of her dress facing the empty hallway.
This close, she had to tip her head back to meet his gaze. He savored the warmth in her eyes. Now he could see that they weren’t pure green—they sparkled with flecks of amber at the center and streaks of gold around the edges.
“Thank you.”
He nodded because he found there was the oddest lump in his throat and no words would come. He was rarely—no, scratch that, never—at a loss for words with women. But somehow, this woman was different. And the softness in her gaze was a unique sort of sweetness. It felt like a victory he didn’t deserve.
“Go and change, Lady Bissenden.”
A flash of irritation made her lush lips purse into a taut line. He realized that he’d spoken the words as a command, and she’d already indicated that was not to her liking.
“You have just enough time before the dinner gong, I think,” he said in a softer tone.
That seemed to satisfy her. She offered him a single nod, gripped the front of her gown, lifting the fabric an inch to keep from tripping, and then dashed up the stairs.
Adam watched her and then remained in place after she’d gone, as if he was stuck there. As if he’d assigned himself the duty of waiting for her to descend again. But, of course, nothing regarding Lady Bissenden was his duty. He had no right to wait for her or claim her attention or escort her into dinner.
Turning back toward the guests assembled in the drawing room, he decided it was time for a drink. He spotted a servant and headed toward the footman, hoping the young man might provide him with something stronger than the cordials and punch on the sideboard.
Bennett caught him halfway.
“I see that your plan to avoid Lady Bissenden is off to a grand start.”
“Your sarcasm is deserved,” Adam admitted. “But the lady needed help, and I offered some. That’s the end of it.”
For a long, uncomfortable moment, Bennett merely scrutinized him. He was a smart, jolly man, but he’d never been one to read people well. Especially not ladies. But Adam suspected his friend had known him long enough that he could see him, his foibles and flaws, more clearly than most.
“I would never call you a liar, my friend.” Bennett offered him a sad smile. “But I know your inclinations, and there is something about Cecily now. She seems more vibrant. Determined, somehow.”
