“We shared a dance a few months ago,” he said. With a warm smile, he invited, “Would you care to join me, Lady Lily?”
There was something about the man’s tone that struck her as insincere. Since it would be rude to decline, she told him, “I fear I have already promised this dance to my brother.” She tucked her hand in James’s arm. “Perhaps another time.”
Her brother did not seem pleased as she led him to join the dancers. There was a tension in him, and he remarked, “You were trying to avoid Mr. Monroe. Why?”
“He was too forward the last time I danced with him.” Something about the man made her uneasy, and she preferred to keep her distance.
“Shall I speak to him about his behavior?” James took his place across from her and bowed while she curtseyed.
“No, let it be. He’s harmless.” She took his hand, and they joined in the country dance. Her brother was quite a good dancer, though reluctant. She found herself relaxing and enjoying herself as he spun her in place.
But his expression remained serious. “Is Matthew courting you again?”
She shook her head. “We’re friends, nothing more.” But despite her dismissal of the idea, she had felt a shift between herself and Matthew. She enjoyed spending time with him and had appreciated his help with tending her new dog, Sebastian.
The dance ended, and he asked, “Would you like lemonade or something to eat?”
She nodded. “I would, yes. Shall I come with you?”
“If you wish.”
They began walking toward the refreshments when Lily caught a glimpse of Matthew in the shadows near the hall. It warmed her to know that he’d kept his word about attending the gathering. “Actually, I think I will go and talk with Lord Arnsbury for a moment.”
She nodded toward the hallway, and James raised an eyebrow. “I hardly think that’s proper, with no chaperone.”
“The door is open, and I know you will join us within a moment or two.” She narrowed her gaze at him. “Don’t you trust me?”
He shrugged. “I trust you. I am not so certain I trusthim.”
“It’s only for a moment, James.” Without waiting for his consent, Lily crossed the room and slipped into the alcove that led toward the hall. Matthew was standing in the shadow of the stairs, dressed in evening finery.
“I see you’ve found a place to skulk.” She smiled at him. “And I hope there are no stowaway kittens this time.”
“None at all. I am free to skulk at my leisure. Or watch the people from a distance.”
He still didn’t feel comfortable in public, she could tell. But he took her hand and guided her back so that she could see from his vantage point. “Do you see the woman in white over there?”
His voice was husky against her ear, evoking a silent thrill of sensation. She was nearly in his embrace, and if anyone caught them together, the gossips would whisper about them.
“Y-yes. What about her?”
“She is making her debut.”
Lily was far more distracted by Matthew’s breath against her cheek. At this moment, all she could think about was kissing him and touching the muscled edges of his body.
“Do you know her?” she managed.
“No. But I find it fascinating to observe the guests.” His hands drifted to the small of her back, and a flare of yearning slid over her body. The very touch of his hands made her skin rise with anticipation.
She struggled together her thoughts. “Are you…planning to remain here, hidden from view?”
“I am. It’s better this way.”
“Why?” Was he still feeling unnerved by crowds of people? But his hand moved over her spine.
“Because then I can watch over you.”
The words slid over her like a caress, and she warned herself not to fall beneath his spell. Her brother’s warning echoed in her thoughts.Don’t believe that Arnsbury is safe—he’s not. And you don’t know when his mind will break again.
