Grace cleared her throat. “I have a story I’d like to share.”
Everyone gave her their attention, and Miss Prudence begrudgingly looked up.
Grace hesitated, her gaze flicking to him and for a moment he wondered if she was looking for encouragement. He gave her a gentle smile and nodded his head.
She took a deep breath and began. “This memory is more recent than the rest, but it is still one I treasure. It came about when we were packing our trunks to spend the holiday here at Engalworth.”
Grace fidgeted with the edge of her glove, uncertain why she’d chosen to share the story about Prudence teasing her. It had justfelt right. She tried to play down the parts about Alan, making it seem like Pru was needling her rather than speaking the truth, but somewhere in the back of her mind she hoped that by telling the story he might finally realize he had gained her affection.
It was bold. Far bolder than she’d ever attempted before, but he had said to be brave. So she had been.
“Then I picked up a slipper and tossed it at her. Just as quick she batted it into the trunk then declared it a much more effective way of packing.”
Everyone laughed at the conclusion and Grace finally gained the courage to glance Alan’s way. He did not look away as she thought he might. No. He stared right into her eyes.
He knew. There was no question in her mind. Even omitting the parts that would have made it obvious he still understood that she’d fancied him long before today.
Diana added her part of the story, congratulating Prudence on finding a way to pack the stockings faster. The others chimed in with teasing comments, but Alan still stared at Grace, an intensity in his gaze that warmed her to her toes. Finally, she ducked her head.
More stories followed, but Grace could hardly pay attention. While Alan had turned his attention to the teller of the story, she still sensed every move he made. He sat so close she could reach out and touch him, an urge that had only increased the longer they listened.
Finally, Lady Hamdon rose and the gentlemen followed suit. “I’m afraid I cannot keep my eyes open a moment longer.” Diana moved to stand and Her Ladyship motioned for her to sit. “Do not let me rush you all off.”
Bradley placed a hand on his wife’s back. “You are not. Di has been covering her yawns for a full half hour.”
The others agreed it was late and proceeded to leave. Lady Hamdon stepped through the doorway and stopped, glancingback at the bow that still hung there. Bradley and Diana slipped past her and up the stairs, Prudence close on their heels.
Anthony stopped next to his wife. “What is it?”
She pointed up. “Perhaps it is time to take down the greenery. It seems a bit brown.”
Grace peered up at it from the other side.
Alan stopped halfway through the door and glanced up. “It seems fine to me. I think it should last at least until the new year.”
Silently, Grace agreed and attempted to walk past him.
“Miss Lenning,” Lady Hamdon said in her singsong way.
Instantly, Grace stopped and looked at her in confusion.
Her Ladyship pointed up, a sly smile on her lips.
Grace glanced at Alan. They had been caught… again.
Did she mind? Not in the least.
Giddiness filled her as Alan drew near. His hands clasped her shoulders, but before she could look up, his lips touched her forehead and lingered there. Disappointment filled her, but it did not last.
The way his warm lips reverently pressed against the skin right below her hairline made her feel cherished. He stepped back and his gaze met hers. The same heat she’d seen hours before filled his eyes.
His had not been a thoughtless gesture, but a controlled action.
She smiled.
He sucked in his breath and swiftly turned to his sister.
“Meddler,” he muttered.
