Miracle?
Hot blood surged through his veins. “I assure you, there was nothing miraculous in what Mr. Peckwood did here tonight.”
“What do you mean?” Confusion flickered as tangibly as the torchlight across her face. “I saw it for myself. We all did. The woman changed right in front of our eyes.”
“The ends do not always justify the means.” He plowed his fingers through his hair, uncaring of the mess he was making of it. “What Mr. Peckwood presented was a demonstration of animal magnetism, a highly controversial procedure, one that’s questioned by the medical establishment.”
“But are not most important innovations causes of contention?” She flung her hand towards the asylum door. “That woman is even now taking tea and conversing with the gentlemen inside, as if she were the queen herself and not a lunatic fresh out of a cell. Whether the procedure is controversial or not makes no never mind, for the effect has left her in a better state. Surely you cannot argue that point.”
A bitter laugh nearly choked him. “I did not think you one to be so easily swayed, Miss Balfour.”
“I witnessed the transformation, Mr. Lambert.” Her eyes glinted, sharp as a steel blade. “As did you.”
“Yes, but I knew what I was watching. It wasn’t fair of Peckwood to use such dramatics simply to gain some funding.” He blew out a long breath, hating to be the one to put skepticism in Amelia’s mind against a doctor who held her brother’s future in his hands.
But so be it.
He threw back his shoulders. “The truth is that animal magnetism has not been proven to work in the long term. In a few days, perhaps even only a few hours, she will be back to where she began. Besides, how are we to know that woman was mad to begin with and not some playactor fulfilling a role for which she was handsomely paid?”
“Hmm.” Amelia eyed him suspiciously. “I wonder if there is not some small measure of jealousy involved?”
“Jealous? Of what?” He slung out his arms. “A man who will do anything to fund his schemes?”
She slowly shook her head. “You disappoint me, Mr. Lambert. I credited you with more of an open mind.”
“I disappoint you?I?”His voice shook. No, his whole body did, livid with the thought that somehow Amelia held Peckwood—that white-haired showman—in higher esteem than himself.
He grabbed her by the shoulders. “Then see for yourself what a foolish business this is. Stand still, if you please.”
She stiffened. “What do you intend?”
“Why?” He shoved his face into hers. “Afraid you are wrong?”
Her chin rose. “Of course not.”
“Then allow me to perform the same procedure on you that Mr. Peckwood employed. You tell me if you feel any different.”
She jutted her jaw. “Fine.”
He stared deep into her eyes, giving her no choice but to gaze at him alone. Practically nose-to-nose. Their breaths mingling. All kinds of warning bells screamed in his head that this was not to be attempted, not with her—never with her—but he wouldn’t back down. Not now. Let the woman see for herself what nonsense Mr. Peckwood had perpetuated.
He released his hold of her, just barely, his fingers hovering so close to the fabric of her gown he could feel the heat of her. Slowly, he outlined the shape of her shoulders, down her arms, hesitating at her hips, then tracing the curve. His heart nearly burst out of his chest, so hard did it beat. He should stop now. End this foolishness.
But pride had its hooks in too far. He leaned closer—any nearer and his lips would be on hers—and forced an even tone. “Do you feel anything?”
Her nostrils flared like a skittish horse. “Not yet.”
So he continued. Flattening his palms, he placed them in front of her belly, the pounding in his head a primal beat. He moved them upwards—hardly an inch—when reason suddenly punched him in the gut. Sweet heavens! What was he doing? This was insane. Any farther and he’d be crossing the line of decency, if he hadn’t already. Besides, had he not proven his point?
“There, you see.” His words came out husky. “You feel no different, do you?”
“I—”
Her sharp intake of air charged through him, settling low, lighting him on fire, and he could stand it no more. He reached for her, sliding his fingers up the length of her arms, along her bare neck, and anchoring just behind her ears. “Do you feel different, Amelia?” he whispered.
She leaned into him.
And her mouth landed hot on his.
