“Only most of them.”
She rolled her eyes at the jest, but she did not look displeased by it. Not that this surprised Alistair, because if there was one thing he liked about Lady Emily, it was her ability to take a joke. Even when he was not making one, she always found the humor in what he said. It made her easy to talk to, and easier to spend time with.
“I am glad you have finally made it.” She smiled at him as the crowds around the theatre surged toward the entrance. “I was growing rather sick of my friends…” She looked back and waved her friends away. “And would much prefer your company.”
“Then you are in luck.” He offered her his arm. “I have reserved us a private booth on the balcony. Free from the riffraff and rabble.”
“Perfect. Shall we…”
“We shall.”
She linked her arm through his own and together they made their way inside the theatre. From there, it took a little time to walk the narrow halls of the theatre, up the stairs, until they finally came to the private booth that Alistair had paid good money for.
There were other seats there, of course, enough for ten people, but curtains were used to separate the seats, giving the impression of isolation. He gestured for her to take the seat at the very front, a perfect spot to overlook the stage, and he sat down beside her.
Once they were seated, he took her hand.
She eyed the hand and smirked. “How very bold of you.”
“I am not known for it.
“Ordinarily, I would not think so. But seeing as you have practically been a stranger to me all week…” She raised an eyebrow at him. “I might think that you would need to work up to holding my hand.”
He grimaced. “Yes, that is… I apologize for how distant I have been. It has been a rather busy week.”
“As was the one before that.”
He grimaced further. “Are you planning on spending all night pointing out my faults? If so, we might be here long after the show ends.”
“This is true.” She laughed. “And while I do feel it is right for me to scold you – you promised to write, if you remember?” She kept that eyebrow raised as if upset, only to soften it with a smile. “These seats are rather lovely. So, in this single instance, you are forgiven.”
“Does that mean…” He eyed his hand, half-pretending to pull it free.
“This one time, I will allow it. Although…” She looked around them, feigning secrecy.
“Do not sound so enthused.”
“Easy for you to say!” She laughed. “I have my reputation to think about. Should you decide to never speak with me again,I need to ensure that I am not considered damaged goods.” Alistair’s face hardened and she slapped playfully at his chest. “I am joking, Your Grace. Just a joke.”
“I am sorry about this past week,” he assured her. “I promise to do better from here on out.”
“Yes, well, that remains to be seen, doesn’t it.” She was sure to wink at him so that he would know that she was kidding. Just as she was sure to keep his hand wrapped over her own.
Alistair eyed the hand further.
He knew that he should have felt a flutter in his heart at Lady Emily’s touch. He knew that he should have felt some degree of excitement at the ease of their conversation and how closely they were sitting. She was flirtatious. He was charming. Their conversation was effortless.
What was more, she was one of the few people who rarely, if ever, took note of his scars. Around her, he almost forgot that he had them. That alone should have been enough for him to feel a closeness to her that he did with so few people.
Yet, I feel nothing. Little more than relief that this evening won’t be a dreary one. I enjoy her company, that is no lie, but beyond that…
As if on instinct, his thoughts wandered to the obvious place, that of Miss Norleigh. Alistair did not mean for them to do so,but he found himself wondering what it might be like if she here with him, was it her hand that he was holding…
Strangely, he doubted the conversation would be quite as easy, but that was also for good reason. When he spoke to the governess, Alistair was constantly finding himself tongue-tied, confused, careful not to say the wrong thing and ruin the moment. And whenever he looked into her eyes and saw the smile reflected in them, his chest turned so tight that he could hardly breathe.
He shook his head, determined to remove those thoughts and focus on the present.
Again, he looked at Lady Emily’s hand. He forced a smile. He tried to feel through her hand that which he felt on those odd occasions when he had touched Miss Norleigh. He and Lady Emily made sense! They were perfect together. But if that was true, why did his feelings not reflect it?
