Was she injured? He teased the corner of her mouth before releasing it again. “How’s your head?”
She pulled away, looking flushed, her lips red and shining, her eyes hooded.
“My head?”
“From last night,” he prompted.
She’d enjoyed kissing. And for an amateur, she showed particular promise.
Chase kept one arm partially around her, resting it along the back of the settee, his fingers playing with her hair.
“It’s… all right.” She nodded. “I’m all right.” And she didn’t appear frightened or anxious in any way whatsoever. It was as though she’d completely forgotten about having to attend the ball tonight—which was precisely what he’d set out to do.
“I was hoping that would do the trick.” He really was quite pleased that he’d been able to give her some relief, even if it was only temporary. “When you get anxious this evening, send me a signal and I’ll kiss it away.”
Two wrinkles appeared between her brows and then she tipped her head to the side. “You kissed me because—”
“I wanted you to forget your concerns.” But that wasn’t precisely true. That had been one reason, for certain, but he’d also… wanted to.
She dropped her gaze to her hands. “I suppose it worked.” Did she sound disappointed? She leaned forward so that his hand fell away from her nape. “I ought to prepare for dinner. And then the ball, of course.”
She rose, and Chase followed so as not to be caught sitting in the company of a lady.
“Bethany?”
“Yes?” She turned back but was staring at the carpet.
“At the risk of undoing all my good work, my mother says she is well enough to join us this evening.” The moment he said the words, her jaw clenched, and those lips tightened once again. “Bethany. Look at me.”
The look in her eyes was puzzling—puzzling because he couldn’t tell if what he saw was anger, hurt, or simply determination.
“I won’t disappoint you.” But her voice wavered.
“I know you won’t. I’ve learned more about you over the last thirty-six hours than in all the time I’ve known you.”
The look in her eyes turned to curiosity. “And what is that?”
Chase considered his words carefully. “There is more to you than the purposeful young lady I’ve always know. More to you than an obedient daughter who is perhaps a trifle too concerned with orderliness. I’ve learned that you are thoughtful and smart and brave.” His gaze dropped to her mouth. “And that kissing you could very well become a favorite pastime of mine.”
“You don’t have to say that.”
“I know.”
She studied him as though doing so would reveal some nefarious scheme on his part and when she nodded, he could only assume she’d failed to find one.
“I’d best prepare for the evening then.” Her gaze shifted to the table. “Thank you for the cigar puffs… and for the… kissing.” A pink flush seeped up her neck and into her cheeks.
Chase laughed at that. How had he not realized before how absolutely adorable she could be?
Chapter 15
Meet My Mother
Chase presented himself just before the dinner hour to escort Bethany downstairs to where his mother awaited them in the drawing room.
Sitting, wringing her hands, the older lady had a frailty about her. And yet when she glanced up with brown eyes that were bright and focused, she appeared much younger than Bethany had expected. Lady Chaswick wore a gown that was at least two decades out of fashion with her tall coiffure tilted slightly to the left. She didn’t seem quite comfortable in her own skin.
Bethany felt an odd affinity with her.
