Page 52 of The Grand Mistletoe Assembly
“No need to get violent!” He rubbed the sore spot with a grimace.
“I apologize, but you can’t reveal life-changing information without sharing the whole story. Are you implying Captain Davies reciprocates my feelings?” Discussing men with her brother should have been awkward—before Oscar, it would have been. But Bryony was done tiptoeing around subjects.
What if Nathaniel had desired her since that day at the lake, too? She certainly never would have fallen for Oscar. Even back then, she recognized the emotions she held for her betrothed weren’t the same as the kind she held for Nathaniel. But a relationship between them had seemed impossible. He was her brother’s best friend! A handsome naval captain sailing the high seas! Why would he want her—an unremarkable daughter of theton?
“Why don’t you ask him yourself? He’s over there.” Carter gently turned her to face the windows looking out over Green Park. A man of considerable height leaned against the wall, one arm braced above his head as he observed the view below.
Nathaniel.
“Thank you, dear brother.” Bryony started in the captain’s direction before pausing. “As a courtesy, I’m letting you know that we’ll be attending another party tonight.Together.I’m trusting you won’t suddenly turn into an overbearing parental figure with this knowledge.”
Carter glanced at his friend then back to her and stroked his chin. “I’m trusting you to be careful. You’re a widow and finally unencumbered by that wastrel of a husband, so I don’t begrudge you an evening of frivolity. But don’t make any decisions you’ll regret.”
“I’ll keep your words in mind.” Bryony continued toward Nathaniel, sending an impromptu prayer of gratitude heavenward. Carter really was a good brother, even if he wore on her nerves at times. Thanks to him pushing her and Nathaniel together earlier, she would experience an evening spent with her first love, an evening that could herald the beginning of a new chapter for both of them.
With determination quickening her step, Bryony practically ran toward Nathaniel and this new future, unable to hide her enthusiasm for where the night would take them.
CHAPTER 4
Gusts of white drifted past the glass pane as Nathaniel contemplated how abysmal this Grand Mistletoe Assembly was becoming. More like a Grand Miserable Assembly. He’d downed a tumbler of brandy earlier but failed to find a quieter spot than the one he currently occupied.
He should leave. Forget attending the soirée at Berkshire House. Forget Lady Bryony Chapman.
Easier said than done.
“There you are. If you’re finished brooding by the window, I believe you promised me a night of freedom and exploration.” As if he’d conjured her with his thoughts, Bryony’s cinnamon scent teased his nose, her full curves brushing his side.
Straightening from his bent position, Nathaniel noted the tapping of her toes, the gleam of anticipation in her gaze. Energy radiated from her pores. “You’ve decided, then. You’ll accompany me to Berkshire House.” He had to be sure. Feared he misunderstood her meaning.
“Yes.”
The swipe of pink across her bottom lip left a shining dampness that Nathaniel greatly wished to taste, but years of discipline kept him composed. Instead, he proffered an arm to Bryony and guided her toward the vestibule to gather their outer garments in preparation for the winter weather they’d encounter once leaving Pearler House.
“We should find your brother before departing.” Though how he’d explain the situation to Matthews, Nathaniel hadn’t a clue.
Oh, by the by, old chap, I’m escorting your delectable sister to a scandalous soirée at Lucille Hanover’s. Please don’t concern yourself as she will be perfectly safe in my arms … or bent over a chaise … or pressed into a secluded corner.
A snort of amusement almost burst forth as he imagined the furious shock sure to paint Matthews’s face.
Damn, he was a horrible friend.
But Bryony’s allure was too strong to resist anymore. His resistance—his resolve to admire her from afar—had unraveled the moment she agreed to his proposition.
“No need. I told him we were leaving before I found you. He’s probably returned to flirting with some other young society miss by now.”
The attendant retrieved Bryony’s redingote, an identical match to her emerald green dress, and she shrugged into the thick wool garment.
“Your brother knows we’re departing together? How did he react?”
Auburn brows rose in bemusement. “We’re leaving, aren’t we?”
Indeed. Perhaps Matthews knew something of Nathaniel’s attraction toward his sister, after all.
“So, what should I expect at Berkshire House?” Bryony asked as they stepped outside and passed the carriages lining the street.
Her arm wound through his, and for the first time, Nathaniel allowed himself to imagine what life would be like if she belonged to him. If they were like other couples strolling the pavement. If he were free to warm Bryony from the November chill with the touch of his lips to hers.
“Expect a loosening of societal strictures. Mrs. Hanover is renowned for hosting events where guests are unfettered by rules.”
