“Pardon?” she asked, not certain how to continue.
“Pity. It was a rather delightful point to communicate. And I thought I articulated it well,” he answered benignly, as if discussing the weather. Not a soul-moving kiss that wasn’t supposed to happen.
At least, wasn’t supposed to happen with him.
“And for the record, I do not have any misgivings about your intelligence. You’re probably one of the quickest wits I’ve met, and your mind is just as sharp. You’re a formidable counterpart in repartee; however, I would make one suggestion.”
Grace arched a disbelieving brow.
“Stick to subject matter with which you have experience,” he added with a slow grin.
“You’re insufferable,” she accused, her face heating, but this time with a tinge of shame.
“Perhaps. But I also saved your reputation.”
“You also tried to ruin it.”
“I did nothing of the sort. You were perfectly safe from ruination. If I had wanted to ruin you . . .” He paused, leaning forward as they made the corner. “You’d know by now,” he answered softly, as if the word were a promise rather than a threat.
She couldn’t think of a proper response to such a statement, so she held her peace, narrowing her eyes instead.
“Ah, speechless for the second time tonight. I must say, I’m quite impressed with myself.”
“At least one of us is impressed. I find I’m rather disappointed.”
“You didn’t act disappointed.” He alluded to their kiss.
“I don’t have much to compare it with, as you mentioned regarding my lack of experience. To take my reaction as favorable when I have so little to compare it with would be the most arrogant assumption you’ve made this evening,” she finished, proud to have put together such a statement as she fought the temper that was rising within.
“Ah, so maybe not so speechless,” he remarked. “You know, Miss Grace, I think I like you.”
Grace blinked; apparently that was her favorite reaction of the evening. Along with not being to follow the man who kissed her one moment and then engaged in verbal sparring the next. She was never quite certain what he would say, or do.
It was an oddly exhilarating combination.
“Is that a compliment?” she asked as the music came to an end.
“It’s certainly not an insult,” he replied.
Apparently, he wasn’t going to explain his answer further because he led her to the viscount’s side, bowed, and then departed. She watched his back as he wound through the scene of people, and then through the doors that led to the foyer, leaving the ballroom entirely.
“Why is Lord Sterling leaving?” Grace heard Samantha ask the viscount. She turned so she could better hear the answer.
The viscount shrugged. “Probably to work. He’s overly diligent. I’m surprised he stayed as long as he has.”
Grace turned back to where Lord Sterling had left, her curiosity concerning the man ever growing.
Who was the man who kissed ladies one moment, insulted them the next, then disappeared to work at a nameless place she wasn’t allowed to know about, let alone visit?
One thing was for certain.
She wanted to find out.
