“A Tale of Mystery,” Leonard supplied.
Samuel nodded. “I wasn’t sure you would know the answer.”
Honora grinned, and her hand tightened on Leonard’s arm. It was amazing how her touch had once sent him running, and now he was starting to crave it.
Once they arrived at the box, Leonard’s parents stood. His mother practically beamed once she saw Honora.
“Mother, Father, let me introduce Miss Honora Gillingham. Miss Gillingham, my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanton.”
“Oh, my,” his mother said, rushing forward and taking Honora’s hand. “Leonard said you were very pretty, but I do not think that prepared me for just how lovely you are. My goodness, you are stunning!”
Honora took his mother’s ramblings in stride. “You are too kind.”
When his parents took their seats, she leaned toward his ear. “Very pretty, am I?”
Leonard bit his cheek. “Yes.”
The threesome took a seat behind Leonard’s parents, but Leonard had Honora enter the seats first so that he sat between her and his brother.
“I am glad you came tonight,” he said once they were settled.
She adjusted the skirt of her dress as she settled into her seat. “I am flattered you invited me.”
She turned to him, her features as striking as ever. Perhaps even more so now that he knew just how soft her lips were, and just how smooth the skin of her cheek felt.
“Leonard?” she asked.
He jerked to attention. “Yes?”
“You are staring.”
“Oh.” He cleared his throat and turned to face the stage. “I’m sorry.”
“Is my dress too revealing?” In his periphery, he saw her run a self-conscious hand over her stomach. “I thought it was, but Marianne had promised me this was the sort of thing women of society wore to the theater.”
“Your dress is stunning,” he assured her, keeping his voice low enough that his parents would have trouble making out his words. “Don’t give it another thought. Though I am sure to think of nothing else all evening.”
She bit her lip as a smile sneaked across her lips. “My goodness. Who knew that once you were a suitor, you would be so generous.”
Leonard felt a jab on his left arm, and he looked over to see Samuel grinning, though he had his eyes trained on the stage and fingers splayed over his mouth in a half-hearted attempt to cover his smile.
“How is everything going with your parents?” Honora whispered into Leonard’s ear, drawing his attention back to her.
Her question spurred a desire to draw nearer. To show her that she was wanted—something he had hardly done throughout their time together. And why shouldn’t he let her know how his feelings had changed? He reached over in the dim light and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Better now that you are here.”
Her head spun to him, and her face held a tenderness that nearly undid him.
Once home, Leonard’s parents made for their bedchambers. Leonard wasn’t quite ready for sleep yet, so he jerked his head toward the drawing room, and Samuel followed him there.
“So,” Leonard said, taking a seat, “how did you enjoy the theater?”
“Splendid.” Samuel walked to the chair across from Leonard with a winded sigh, but he smiled upon gaining his seat. “But it was the company itself that made the night most enjoyable.”
“I know,” Leonard said. “I am great company.” He grinned.
Samuel’s smile widened. “I was referring to your lady friend, actually.”
Leonard nodded, his smile softer. But he wasn’t quite sure what to say. Things with Honora were still so new and fresh. And yet, he had this knowing within him that something special was there. Something that couldn’t be forced or coerced. And he was a bit scared of it, if he was being honest with himself.
