Page 44 of An Icy Christmas Engagement
Heat coursed through her body like a roaring river. Caroline tucked her arms closer to her, fighting the sappy smile that was desperate to be set free.
“Are you cold?” he asked her.
“Hm?” A little dazed, she looked up to see him already shrugging out of his coat. “Oh, no, you do not have to—”
“It isn’t a bother. I run hot.”
Without giving her a chance to protest, he draped his coat around her. It hung heavily on her shoulders, the hem almost brushing her ankles.
She should thank him. That thought whispered through her mind as she gazed into his eyes—then it was gone. Her mind emptied completely, lost in the icy blue that warmed her from the inside out.
She would have forced herself to look away. Aware of where they were, that they were not alone, and that the others were getting far ahead of them, Caroline knew that the right thing was to thank him and move on.
And she would have if she thought for a moment that he wanted to as well. Instead, he stared at her as if he too could notbreak out of a trance. As if she had him under the same spell he cast on her.
“My lord…” she breathed without thinking and his eyes dipped to her lips.
She had been kissed before, of course. Chaste meeting of the lips that meant nothing and left her feeling empty inside. But when Lord Colenhurst’s eyes darted to her mouth, Caroline felt as if every nerve in her body had been lit. And if he dared to take that step towards her, to meet their lips, she would simply combust.
“Caroline!”
Caroline jerked away, her heart tripping over itself at her mother’s bark. She took a step back, looking up to see Elizabeth waving her over.
“Oh, don’t bother them,” she heard Lady Hutton say. “It seems they are having a rather intense conversation.”
“Far too intense, I would say,” Elizabeth muttered, though not low enough.
Caroline felt her face grow hot. “Forgive me,” she said hastily. “I shouldn’t have—”
“Should not have what?” Lord Colenhurst cut in. “We did not do anything wrong.”
“Yes, but—” She broke off, eyes lowering. “Well, I suppose so.”
“Will I see you at Lord and Lady Whitmore’s Christmas ball in a few days?”
“I had received an invitation, yes.”
“Good. Save me a dance.”
Then he took her arm, tucked it within his, and led her to where her mother and his aunt stood. It didn’t seem as if he was expecting a response to his last statement. Which was perfect because she could not think of any.
“You two were so engrossed in your conversation that I’m sure you did not realise we’d arrived at the milliner’s,” Lady Hutton commented upon their approach.
“Forgive us,” Lord Colenhurst apologized smoothly. “I find that Lady Winterbourne and I have much to talk about.”
“I cannot imagine what about,” Elizabeth grunted, but thankfully, everyone decided to ignore her.
“This is where we part ways, I’m afraid,” Lady Hutton went on. “I had completely forgotten that I had not brought the hat that was meant to be mended with me. I’m afraid my old age brings unforgetfulness with it.”
Caroline didn’t believe that for a second. She doubted anyone else did.
“Then let us be on our way,” Lord Colenhurst said. “I think we have taken up enough of their time already.”
“They won’t mind if we stay to keep their companies a while longer,” Lady Hutton protested. She looked at Elizabeth and Caroline. “Would you?”
Before either one of them could respond, Lord Colenhurst continued, “I must be returning to my office. I’m sure you will have more than enough time to continue catching up at Lady Whitmore’s ball. Lady Winterbourne tells me that they will be in attendance.”
“Is that so?” Lady Hutton seemed pleased by that. “Then we shall meet again at Lady Whitmore’s ball. Perhaps we could get a chance to speak with each other a bit more, my lady.”
