“After we danced, he suggested we tour the house,” she told him. “He said it was quite the done thing, the way you and I and my aunt toured Hampton Court.”
“Hardly the same. This is a private home. If our host and hostess wanted us upstairs, they would have opened one of these rooms for drinks or cards.”
She fluttered her hands, dismissing his words while keeping her cheek pressed against his chest.
“Your heart sounds very thumpy,” she said softly, then hiccupped.
“Never mind that. Finish your tale. You strolled up here, touring in the darkness, and then Lowry kissed you in this room.” He looked around. It appeared to be a salon. “Is that the end of it?”
“He said I looked perfect,” she began.
A surge of anger flooded his veins.
“I’ll tell you what would look perfect,” Philip said. “My fist planted in the middle of his face.”
“It’s what comes of looking kissable,” she said, before sighing softly.
“It’s what comes of wandering away from your chaperone when I told you not to.”
“I did not. I danced with Lord Lowry onyourrecommendation!”
She was right, it was his fault, except she knew better than to stray.
“You should not have left the ballroom.”
“I thought there would be other people exploring the house. When we got in here,” she gestured around her, “he halted and asked if he could call upon me in the morning. Naturally, I said yes.”
Naturally, yet it brought another surge of some strong emotion racing through Philip. He didn’t like to name it, but it was obvious.
“And then, before I realized what he was about, he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. Rather the way you did that first day at my home.”
Philip didn’t like being compared either.
“I doubt it was anything similar,” he said childishly.
“I suppose you’re right. It lasted much longer since my father didn’t interrupt us.”
The devil take Lowry!
“And then he left you here?”
“He said it would be better if we didn’t return to the ball at the same time. Besides, I had to arrange my clothes.”
A wave of heat made his head grow hot.
“Why?” he demanded. “How disheveled could you be from a kiss?”
“As I said, it lasted a while, and his hands wandered.” She stepped away from him, looking woebegone. “He asked if I had ever been alone with you.”
Dumbstruck, Philip shook his head. “You didn’t tell him anything, did you?”
“No,” Miranda said. “Although I hesitated, thinking what to say. And then he ... then he...,” she trailed off.
“Well?” Philip could hardly stand the thoughts flitting through his brain.
“He stroked my cheek.”
Stroked her cheek!He breathed another sigh of relief.Why was she crying then?
