“Tory or Whig?” she asked.
“I say,” he declared. “That seems rather personal.”
“Not for two people who have kissed. Surely.” Her words made him look around them in case there were any eavesdroppers. Finding none, he simply nodded.
Brilliance smiled to herself. Men were strange when it came to politics and finances. Moreover, she didn’t particularly understand the difference in the political parties nor care which way he leaned. Thus, she changed the subject.
“I very much like roasted chicken,” she confessed. “I adore peas and potatoes but am not fond of mushrooms.”
During the silence that followed, she hoped he would reciprocate with likes and dislikes of his own so they could better get to know one another.
When he didn’t offer up anything, she asked, “What about you, my lord?”
“Whataboutme?” he asked.
“How are we to grow more used to each other and progress to an agreeable understanding if we don’t learn more about one another?”
He faltered in his step, and she had to relinquish her hold on his arm when he stopped walking altogether.
“Progress to an agreeable understanding?” he said doubtfully.
Brilliance had an inkling she might be rushing ahead of the gentleman.But the kiss!While she could already imagine lovinghim and setting up a home together, even bearing his children, she realized he might still be considering a long courtship.
Regardless, at that instant, they were alone betwixt the manor and the stream. Thus, in a copse of birch, with the only sound being the guests up ahead, sounding jovial in their fishing endeavors, she faced him.
Her mother would be appalled that her youngest daughter was flagrantly flaunting the proper behavior of a single female at a house party. And normally, with Lord Patterson oranyof the other male guests, she would never dream of walking alone. But this was their hostess’s cousin, so he already had a measure of endorsement.
What’s more, Lord Hewitt played hauntingly perfect music, which spoke of a deep and spiritual nature as well as a fine mind. Besides, he had pushed her out of his room to safety when he could as easily have compromised her beyond any redemption.
They were all good reasons as to why she looked up at him and said, “Kiss me.”
Behind his spectacles, his eyes widened. “My lady.” He looked around them as if fearing witnesses.
Gracious!He was unexpectedly shocked. She hoped he didn’t think her loose.
“I assure you, my lord, I have never asked the same of any man.”
“You asked me similarly last night.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “I find you intriguing, fascinating, and attractive beyond measure. I confess when you are near, I feel as though I would like to kiss you more than anything.”
His eyes grew rounder.
“Young ladies of your class do not speak in such a manner,” he said.
Brilliance couldn’t help the long sigh. “I believe you are correct. I am unusual, to be sure. But for the life of me, I cannot seem to retrain my nature to be ... false.”
“False?”
“Isn’t it false to pretend disinterest? What about if I paid equal attention to the other male guests, hoping to make you jealous? I know I wouldn’t like it one jot if I saw you paying special attention to the other female guests.”
“I see what you mean by false, yet some would say you might want to be a little more reserved, to exhibit a measure of restraint.”
“Some have definitely said that,” Brilliance conceded. “Mostly my family. But why?”
“Because you are as likely to get hurt as not. What if I were a cad, a rogue hoping to take advantage of you?”
“Are you?” She knew the answer.
