“What are sisters for?” Penelope called back, warming Margaret’s heart. She was so glad they’d spoken the night before. She was ashamed that she’d spent so much of the last few years feeling sorry for herself. She had a beautiful niece and a charming little nephew with another on the way. In addition to that, she had a sister-in-law whom she loved almost as much as she loved Hugh.
She reached out to hug her niece and then proceeded to tickle them both until the twins were smiling and giggling.
Margaret ought to be very grateful, indeed.
* * *
Entertainment that nightturned out to be a lively affair. At the request of the younger ladies, Penelope had the carpets rolled back in the largest drawing room so that those who wished to dance could do so.
Margaret wondered if Sebastian had met with any luck searching for the ring after she’d left but had not had an opportunity to speak with him. Although he’d caught her gaze once or twice, he gave her no indication that he’d found it. Perhaps he was simply distracted by Miss Drake, Miss Crouch, or one of the other single ladies seated about him near the pianoforte.
Margaret hated that she was bothered to see Miss Drake’s hand resting on the sleeve of his jacket. She was not cut out for any of this.
Sitting beside her again this evening, George had been inordinately attentive but had not mentioned the ring again. She breathed a sigh of relief when he begged her leave so that he could play a game of chess with Lord Riverton.
Which left Margaret sitting alone for the moment, watching as the young girls debated over who would play the pianoforte for the first set and who would dance with whom.
She hadn’t realized her fists were clenched until Sebastian finally excused himself from Mrs. Drake’s clutches and crossed the room.
“May I?” He indicated the seat beside her vacated by George.
“Of course.”
With him so near now, she realized he wasn’t as content as she’d assumed he was. A subtle tension simmered from him. “You are still betrothed?”
“Until I can return the ring. Yes.” She exhaled. “Did you have any luck?”
“With Miss Drake?” He slid her a teasing glance.
“With the ring!”
“Unfortunately, no.” Did his hand brush the skirt near her legs accidentally?
She’d Imagined the worst for the ring all evening and ought to have been more disappointed by his answer. But he seemed confident that they would find it, and for no reason she could comprehend, nothing seemed all that horrible when she was in this man’s proximity.
“I’ve arranged for some lawn tools to be left by the servants’ entrance. We’ll cover more ground that way tomorrow.” His finger began stroking her leg.
Margaret’s lungs suddenly couldn’t hold quite as much air as they had the moment before.
He leaned into her. “Have you changed your mind yet?” His breath whispered along her cheek and jaw.
Had she?
She couldn’t think straight with him so near. Had she decided to give into him? To herself?
An affair.
She had no doubt that Sebastian would take her to the heights of passion, but even more than that, she enjoyed being with him. She was coming to care for him and when it was all over, she would be left with nothing more than memories and impossible longings.
Why did she feel as though she was standing on the precipice of that cliff? It would be foolish to jump.
She met his gaze steadily. “I have not,” she finally answered.
“And that took you what, nearly one hundred seconds to decide? It only took you ten earlier today. I believe I am wearing you down.” His words ought to have annoyed her, but it was difficult to be angry with him. And good Lord, his soft chuckle vibrated through her core. She clenched her thighs together and forced herself not to lean into him. She craved his touch, and she felt as though her body was warring with her mind. But what of her heart?
“Come away from there, My Lord.” Miss Drake beckoned from the cleared away floor where five other couples had lined up. “You promised me the first set.”
And now, Margaret wished to grasp his hand so that he could not leave her side.
