I made a show of looking around.
Damon followed my gaze. “What is it?”
“I was searching for thegentlemanto whom you were referring.”
Damon grinned. “It is a good thing I don’t pride myself on titles or I would be offended.” He laughed deeply, and the bellowing sound drew the attention of several passersby, including Lady Winfield, Lady Rumford, and Amelia, who’d all emerged from the modiste’s shop.
“Damon, hush. You’re attracting attention.”
“Good,” he said. “Now. Shall we try this again?” Once more he offered me his hand, and this time, I quickly took it.
As soon as I was safely inside the carriage, I attempted to pull my hand from his, but he held it tight. Then bowing over my hand, he placed a kiss on my gloved knuckles.
I tried not to react, but once again, my cheeks betrayed me.
With a knowing smile, Damon turned to wait politely at the carriage door for his mother.
Drat!
This wasDamon,I reminded myself. The same boy who had teased me so mercilessly. His act was only part of our plan to avoid entanglements; I needed to remember that no matter how quickly my heart now beat. He was a man now—a rather handsome man, I hated to notice—but still just as untrustworthy. Damon had likely assisted many young ladies into carriages—he was obviously practiced at the art. He’d probably flirted and teased them as he had me today.
I frowned.
I didn’t like the thought.
And it bothered me that I didn’t like the thought.
A few moments later, I heard Lady Winfield approach, and then the carriage jostled as Damon handed her up. Once we were all seated inside, we began the journey home.
“Hannah and I had the most successful visit to the modiste,” Lady Winfield said. “How went your business, Damon?”
Damon glanced at me. “It was . . . informative.”
“I saw you conversing with Miss Digby.”
“Indeed. Her mother accosted me in the street.”
“Damon,” Lady Winfield said reproachfully, but she pressed her lips together as if to hide a smile. Did she not approve of Miss Digby?
“Thankfully,” Damon continued, “Hannah saved me from the wiles of the lovely Miss Digby.”
“Speaking of Miss Digby, that reminds me,” I said. “Ollie suggested we all picnic together. Miss Digby, Miss Atherton, and her brother, in addition to Ollie, you, and me.”
“Olliesuggested I attend?” One of Damon’s shapely eyebrows rose. “How did you cajole an invitation for me?”
“Nobody cajoled anyone,” I said. “It was simply a matter of numbers.”
“Ah. So it was you. I thought as much.”
Lady Winfield shook her head. “What is it with you boys? As children you two were inseparable.”
“Those days are long gone.”
Lady Winfield sighed.
“You’ll come though, won’t you?” I asked Damon.
“Will you be in attendance?” he asked me, and I nodded. “Then so shall I.”
