Page 22 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
But this time, they were in the middle of a dining room, surrounded by people, and if he did not stop looking at her like that, then she believed, very much so, that she would likely melt into a puddle. Or do something utterly ridiculous such as lean forward and press her lips against his.
Eventually, she tore her gaze away and began a conversation anew with Mr Blackwell. That was far less dangerous than one with Lord Charles, and when dinner was over, she excused herself to go and speak to her friends. The party was too small for her stepmother to insist on men and women separating, and so she was glad she had a chance to speak to Alexander alone.
He stood in a corner, sipping at a glass of wine when she pounced. Alexander’s gaze was elsewhere, seeking out Matilda, and so he jumped at her sudden approach.
“Alexander,” she teased, “why is it that tonight of all nights you are not doing your usual debates with Matilda?”
“Ah, you noticed.” He grinned at her. “I am attempting to be on my best behaviour. I was told that debating is too annoying, and now, Matilda has the time to speak to others. Including your stepmother’s nephew.”
He had started his response with a smile, but it ended with a scowl.
“Then why, Alexander, do you not approach her and take her time up with your conversation? My stepmother’s nephew is not a man I wish Matilda to be speaking with.” She turned to stand at his side as they watched Matilda in conversation with the very dull Lord Martin.
“Perhaps Mr. Thornhill is a better fit for Matilda,” he said with a shrug before drinking again.
“I cannot believe this, Alexander. I have seen you watching Matilda for years, and now you will just let her go?”
He turned his scowl to her. “Please, Caroline, this has nothing to do with you. I refuse to discuss it with you.” He left, and Caroline wanted to scream.
Men were very irritating creatures, and confusing ones, and yet they claimed that women were the weaker sex, full of troubles. She now wished for the dinner evening to be over.
***
The next morning, Cook did not need any herbs, but Caroline walked out on her own anyway. It was a chillier morning, and so she had donned her spencer and gloves, but she’d left her bonnet behind to feel the warmth of the sun on her face.
Penelope would not approve, but she cared little. Dinner had not been a disaster, for she had spent much time talking to Lord Charles and his dear friend. The two of them were some of the most entertaining gentlemen she’d ever met, and she hoped that Lord Charles would not leave the countryside earlier.
Walking along her usual path, trying to think of anything else but him, she wished she would find him yet again riding headlong toward her. She licked her lips.
I want another chance to see if that kiss truly would have happened, or if it had only been in my dreams.
And then, as if she was in a dream in that very moment, she heard footsteps and heard her name being called. She turned to see Lord Charles walking toward her, but as he approached, he removed his hat and gave her a handsome smile.
“We are both denizens of the meadows and forests now, I reckon.”
“Yes. The house can become quite stifling.” She swallowed, knowing just how red her cheeks were.
“I hear there is a pond nearby. Shall we walk to it, unless I am disturbing you?”
“Not at all. I have no herbs to collect today, so yes, that would be lovely.”
They turned to walk toward the water, and he placed his hat back on his head.
“It is a chilly day, unlike the good weather we have been having.”
“Yes, I know.”
They were silent for a time, and Caroline tried to steady herself. They neared the pond’s edge and she paused, removing her gloves before dipping her fingers into it. The water was cool but not as cool as the breeze.
“What are you doing?” Lord Charles asked, laughing.
“I love the feel of water, and I cannot resist the temptation to touch my hand to it whenever I am near. On occasion, I have swum, but only in the ocean, when we go to the seaside. It is a glorious experience.”
“Ah, you must have been very fetching in a bathing costume, Miss Caroline.”
The compliment surprised her, and she dropped her gloves into the water. A sharp gust of breeze sent them skidding away, and she cried out.
“Oh no, my stepmother will be very upset! I haven’t the energy to face her this morning.”
