Josie exploded into a show of excitement, collecting my hands in hers and springing off her feet, once, twice,thrice, proudly giggling.
“What was it like? Was it passionate? Was it warm? Did he kiss you back?” she asked. “Was it the kind where his hands cling to you for dear life in an undeniable urge to make love?”
“I-” My face burned furiously hot to the touch. “I don’t know!”
“What do you mean you don’t know? You said youkissedhim?” she asked.
“I did but-“ I instantly crossed my arms.
“Have you… Miss, have you not kissed a man before?” She waited for me to answer, and as I danced around whatever portion of the truth I could have given her, she decided it didn’t matter. “Did youlikekidding him?”
“I’ve… Yes, I liked it,” I landed on. “Very much.”
She playfully dropped my hands. “Then we shall do our very best to ensure it happens again. Hurry. Help me. What will Daniel and I talk about for anentirewalk?”
“I’m not sure I’m the one for that question,” I explained. “Whatever you have in common. Wait.”
Josie did.
“Haveyoukissed a man?” I asked.
She hummed, touching her dress again and shaking the skirt from one side to the other. “Is that what we should speak of?” she asked.
“Josie!” I cried.
“I’ll figure something else out,” she said.
“Am I in over my head?” I asked. I sat on the bed.
Miss Jocelyn sat next to me. “We shall decide upon a signal,” she said. “A word you can say when you wish you leave.”
“I don’t need a signal, Josie,” I replied. “I just need a moment.” I looked her over. “That color is right for you.”
“I hope your cousin agrees.”
“I’m sure he will. He’ll daydream of making you Josie Willoughby.”
“You are terrible!” She slapped my arm as I went to put on the other shoe. “And Joclyn,” she said.
“What?” I asked.
“He only calls me Jocelyn,” she said. “If I were so lucky to-”
A rapping at the door interrupted her thought. On cue, she moved to open it, revealing Ser Elías. He stood firmly agitated.
“Miss Josie.” He looked between us. “Find somewhere to be.”
“I told you,” I said sing-songly.
She stepped into the hall and was too-soonly gone.
Elías shut the door after her. He trekked to the far end of the room and said absolutelynothing.
“Good morning, Lord Commander,” I buzzed.
“Aye.” He stalked toward the window, pulled back the curtain, and peered into the yard. “A good morning, isn’t it? I see you’ve added a party to your party.”
“Is that not what you did?” I asked.
