He could see the lines of strain about the lady’s mouth, but his statement made her smile, erasing some of the tension that had been present. “Indeed. I think a bit of sherry should do the trick.”
When she followed him into the parlor, he pointed to the settee. “Sit. I’ll pour.”
He walked over to the sideboard and Araminta didn’t argue as she sank down onto the plush seat. “It doesn’t seem right that I’m the hostess and yet, you’re serving me.”
Grey returned and handed her the drink. He pressed the crystal tumbler into her hand and murmured, “You’ve been through a rather trying ordeal.”
She snorted. “I certainly didn’t picture today going as it has.”
He sat down next to her, careful to keep his distance, and crossed one leg over the other. “Indeed. But then, life generally doesn’t operate the way we believe it should.”
She took a fortifying sip of her sherry and then lowered the glass to her lap. “No, it certainly doesn’t.”
They fell silent for a time, the only sound in the room coming from the crackling fire in the hearth. But Grey liked it. He realized that he could enjoy a companionable quiet with Araminta without it being awkward. It was merely another notch in her favor when it came to being his perfect match.
“Thank you, Lord Somers.”
He looked into those lovely silver eyes. “For what? I believe it was the duke that saved the day.”
“No.” She shook her head. “It was all you. If you hadn’t acted when you did, things wouldn’t have progressed as quickly as they had.” She reached out and took his hand, giving it a light squeeze. “You are the one who saved my sister’s life.”
Grey swallowed heavily. He wasn’t used to such praise. It made him uncomfortable. That was why he’d been a rake for so many years. “I was just doing what needed to be done.”
She smiled. “I think you’re being modest.”
“And I think you’re beautiful.”
Grey hadn’t meant to say the words out loud. They just slipped out of his mouth around the foot he’d obviously shoved in there. But there was no use retracting them, nor denying the claim when it was nothing short of the truth.
“Lord Somers…”
Her tone was hesitant and he cursed himself for being too forward. “Forgive me. I… er, should be going.”
Grey started to rise to his feet, but a gentle hand on his arm made him pause. He turned back to Araminta, and now he saw the yearning in her eyes. “I’m not upset with you for the compliment,” she assured him. “I was just going to say that—” She looked uncertain for a moment and then settled with, “I enjoy your company.”
Grey would have given his right arm to know what she’d actually been going to say, but the fact that she’d admitted she enjoyed being around him was another point in his favor. But since he didn’t want to play all of his cards too early, he asked, “What do you like to do for fun? Other than Spillkins, of course.”
She laughed and he was quite sure he’d never heard anything quite so appealing. “I think I have a deck of cards around here if you’re up for a whist challenge.” She lifted a dark brow at him and he nearly growled with the hunt.
“You may regret your choice of entertainment, for I’ve been known to lighten many purses with my skill.”
Her lips twitched. “Perhaps. But that was before you met me.”
By the timeIsadora and Calliope returned it was dusk. Until then, Araminta hadn’t realized how late it had gotten. She’d been so wrapped up with the earl that time had quite ceased to exist. She couldn’t recall having so much fun playing cards since her father had passed. Her sisters certainly didn’t care for whist as much as she did.
She could tell by Isa’s direct expression that she was wondering just how close they were becoming. Calliope headed straight for the leftover biscuits on the tea tray and popped one into her mouth as she took a seat on the settee. She didn’t even try to hide her curiosity as she studied them.
Araminta adopted an even tone. “How is Olivia?”
“Very well,” Isa returned. “She was awake when we arrived and even talked to us for quite a while. I imagine once she is cleared of any fever, the doctor will release her to come home tomorrow.”
Araminta put a hand to her heart in genuine relief. “Thank goodness.”
“Indeed,” Lord Somers noted. He glanced out the window. “On that note, I should be going.”
Isadora tilted her head to the side. “Don’t leave on our account.”
He bowed slightly. “I would never do you the dishonor. I fear it’s later than I expected and it’s been a rather trying day for us all. And I daresay if I play one more hand of whist with your sister I’m going to wonder at my own abilities. As it is, my ego is rather deflated.”
