“They’re opening the doors to the cooler air,” he murmured in her ear. Her skin prickled with bumps. Maybe not just friendship, then. The longer this went on, the more she caught herself staring at his mouth, and she was really beginning to be annoyed with herself for how quickly her body had betrayed her after one kiss.One kiss.
She shouldn’t be swayed so easily, but there was something about Graham that slipped under her defenses. Perhaps it was because he was safe. Yes! He was safe because he was ultimately not interested in her, and there was nothing more than physical attraction. That was all. She knew he didn’t want her or her money. This removed all the usual obstacles that made her keep her emotional distance from gentlemen.
But Graham, her pretend fiancé, was no threat to her freedom, and that only made it too easy to feel these confusing emotions. Like wanting to kiss him because that kiss had been revolutionary. Or to feel held, because with her emotions so chaotic, always trampling her for one reason or another, she could use a hug. And if he truly understood the weariness she felt down to her bones, he likely needed a hug as well. He needed someone who understood exactly why he was hurting and would be a great comfort. Like her.
But also, thinking on everything Fran had said and her newfoundknowledge, she knew there was more to experience. And with Graham, there was no way he’d let anything happen that would hurt them. Perhaps she could convince him that a little more kissing would only help their fake engagement appear more real until they no longer needed it.
“A walk in the cooler air would be nice, then I will trounce Sir Daniel in the card room.”
He smiled wickedly, and she felt that smile, if such a thing were possible, inside her body, where banked coals of curious desire glowed brighter. If she were to convince him to be a little reckless, he couldn’t know she was doing the convincing intentionally. He’d never agree to it then.
Many of the guests had already escaped to the chilled evening air, taking in deep breaths and sighing with relief. All those flowers and fountains had added to the humidity and heat of the ballroom, and the crush of people had grown to uncomfortable levels. Graham led Amelia down the steps, where footmen lined the walks with lit torches to ensure proper behavior and adequate light. The Duchess of Lumond would entertain no scandal on her premises that would mar the reputation of her parties and her daughters.
For once, Amelia was not interested in flaunting her rebellious streak and chose a bench in view of everyone takingthe air, while Graham stood to the side. Amelia slipped off her dancing shoes under her skirt and flexed her feet with a wince.
“Feet sore?”
Amelia nodded. She kicked out one of her dancing slippers to show him the delicate creation.
“Why do ladies wear such flimsy dancing shoes?”
“How else will I float and flounce like a will-o-the-wisp without scraps of fabric for slippers?” Amelia said. “My marriage prospects depend on my ability to appear utterly without solid substance to trick unsuspecting men like yourself.”
He chuckled. “I am utterly bamboozled.”
“Bamboozled. Such a silly word.”
“Indeed. Daisy and I have a game where we report to each other the most bizarre words we can discover and keep score. She is winning.”
“And you let her win.”
“Don’t tell her that. She’ll be displeased with me.”
Amelia raised a brow. “Now Idohave something to blackmail you with.”
He folded his arms. “What about my light-fingered habit?”
“The scorn of a sister is far more devastating.”
“True.”
Amelia slipped her shoes back on and stood. “My feet feel better.”
“Are you ready to crush a man’s spirit?”
Amelia’s heart fluttered. Why did he have to be so sweet to her? Wait, was that sweet?
“Always.”
Few women were permitted in this card room, but she received an invitation to join the fray, or rather, to join a table seated across from Sir Daniel. He gave her a smile that made her stomach feel like she’d swallowed grease.
“Do you know how to shuffle cards, or would you like me to help you?” Amelia asked, the very picture of concern.
The few of Sir Daniel’s friends in attendance laughed at her quip. Sir Daniel handed over the deck and leaned back, folding his arms, still smiling.
Amelia shuffled the deck the way Sam had taught her and then the way she’d taught herself, which made Sir Daniel’s smile slip, especially because she did it without breaking eye contact with him. Behind her, Graham stood like a sentry. She lifted her chin and dealt the hands.
Sir Daniel eyed her carefully and the tension around the room quieted as they played. Amelia kept her cards close, being watchful of Sir Daniel, his maneuvers, his confidence as each hand was dealt. He was stealthy, tricky like a fox. He won the first round of Commerce and shrugged with a pouty and false frown.
