Ashley laughed. “Especially there.”
The maid returned with a polished comb, and Ashley waved her off with a wink. “Give us a moment, Sarah.”
When they were alone again, Ashley looked at her more seriously.
“If Sebastian is the one,” she said gently, “you won’t have to wonder much longer.”
Maddie looked down, her thumb brushing the edge of her bodice. “I hope… next time he doesn’t stop.”
Ashley reached for her hand. “He won’t.”
And suddenly, the moment was too lovely, too full of possibilities, to bear.
Maddie looked out the window toward the snowy gardens, heart fluttering in her chest.
“Do you think he’s thinking about me?”
Ashley smiled. “Oh, he’s absolutely ruined.”
Maddie twisted the ring on her finger until it nearly slipped off. Then, in one breathless rush, she asked, “Ashley… if one were to want a man to kiss her… how would one… give him permission?”
Ashley blinked. Then burst out laughing.
“Oh, Maddie,” she said through a smile. “You’re absolutely delicious.”
Maddie flushed. “I’m being serious!”
“I know,” Ashley said, her eyes softening with fondness. “That’s what makes it so wonderful.”
“I just… what if he’s waiting for a signal? A sign?” Maddie gestured helplessly. “What if he wants to but is too gentlemanly to presume and I’ve ruined it all by…notsignaling?”
Ashley grinned. “All right. Let’s say it did come to that. What would you do?”
Maddie’s eyes widened. “That’s what I’m asking you!”
Ashley leaned back, arms crossed. “Well, for one, you could look at his mouth.”
“I do that already!”
“And?”
“He looks back at mine!”
“Perfect.” Ashley clapped her hands once, delighted. “Then you’re halfway there.”
Maddie looked half-horrified, half-hopeful. “But what if he doesn’t know that means yes?”
Ashley smirked. “Darling, if he’s a grown man with eyes and blood in his veins, he knows.”
Maddie let out a strangled sound and flopped dramatically onto the edge of the chaise. “This is mortifying.”
Ashley just laughed again, leaning over her like a cat about to pounce.
“And if you want it to come to that,” she said slowly, “you simply step closer.”
Maddie peeked up at her. “Closer?”
“Closer. Into his space. Linger. Look at him like he’s the only man in England. Like he’s already kissed you, and you’d like him to do it again.”
