Page 5 of Ironvine

“Where have you been, dear girl? Did the earth swallow you up? I have not laid eyes on you for nigh upon a year, I think. Could that be right?”

“You missed me?”

“Terribly. Had no one to tease, no one to share a good laugh with.”

“I have been at my sister’s in Devonshire. She was with child, and I stayed with her until the birth of her son.”

“Ah, wonderful.”

“Yes. But having missed most of the season was trying.”

“I, on the other hand, did not miss a single event this year. Hugh surprised me with a visit. Wanted to attend everything, so we have.”

“I haven’t seen your brother in years, I don’t think.”

“Lucky you.”

They both laughed.

“Did Matthew kiss you?”

“You ruined it.”

“Good. I’d bet twenty pounds sterling that he wouldn’t kiss you the way you should be kissed.”

“That’s quite a lot of money. You’re either very sure of yourself or you’re an utter spendthrift.”

Charles let out a laugh. “You wanted a kiss from that arrogant boy?”

“I did.”

“You’ve always been infatuated with him.”

“Not always.”

His thumb stroked her chin, lifting her face to meet his, and her pulse ticked up. “You’re all grown up now, Miss Georgina.”

There was a gleam in his eye that had her shifting her weight. Charles was her brother’s friend, a few years older than the rest. Both Thomas and Matthew had always looked up to Charles because he was the experienced, sophisticated, polished gentleman they both wished to be, even if they didn’t have the lavish income nor the titled family Charles did.

“Is that a rakish compliment, Mr. Montclare?”

“Whatever do you mean, young lady?”

“If it was a typical gentleman’s compliment, you would say what mesmerising velvety eyes I had. How my cheeks are the very bloom of spring, my lips the promises of sweet delights. That sort of thing.”

His lips twisted into a smirk. “Is that the sort of florid rubbish Matthew said to you?”

“Yes.”

“Did you like it?” He grinned at her, that sardonic grin of his, and she took in a slight breath at the sight. Had she missed it all these months? “I am not florid, Georgie. Never have been, never will be.”

“I know.” She’d always liked that about him.

He moved closer to her, closing her in around the tall hedges. “Was that your first kiss?”

“It would have been, but you interrupted us.”

His eyes flashed at her, stinging her flesh. “And I’m glad I did.”

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