“Miss Easton, if you’ll give my regrets to the Duke and Duchess,” he murmured, his gaze lingering upon her after saying his goodbyesto her father and Paloma. “Please tell them I’ll return every afternoon to visit your sister until I’m assured she has made a complete and full recovery.”
“Yes, of course.” To Linette, his expression had grown serious as if his thoughts were already upon his soon-to-be patient, Mrs. Polkinghorne, and he didn’t appear to want to delay any longer. She scarcely spoke the words, “Merry Christmas,”and he turned to leave them, when suddenly, to Linette’s surprise, Paloma ran after him and jerked the end of his coat.
“You haven’t kissed her, Dr. Whitaker!”
“Paloma!” Stunned, Linette felt as if her cheeks had burst into flame as her niece pointed to the ball of mistletoe, festively ornamented with red ribbons, hanging from the chandelier right above her head. She glanced at her father, whoshook his head, chuckling, while Dr. Whitaker slowly walked back toward them.
Her heart slamming in her breast, she could not believe what was transpiring as he stopped right in front of her, standing so close that the buttons on his coat grazed her bodice. Oh, Lord, oh, Lord! So close that she couldn’t help noting that he smelled like the out-of-doors with a faint hint of orange and sandalwood,the masculine scent undeniably appealing. He stared at her for the longest moment—or was it only an instant, how could she say?—and then lifted her chin and brushed his lips ever so lightly against hers.
“Merry Christmas, Miss Easton.”
Her eyes fluttered open to find him looking down at her with a curious half smile, and she realized in utter mortification that she had just sighed against hismouth.Sighed!
“Another kiss!” Clapping her hands, Paloma danced around them with delight. “Oh, Aunt Linette, another kiss!”
“That’s enough kisses, child,” Joseph Easton gently broke in. “Let’s go see if Cook has something for us to nibble.” With an indulgent smile, he steered Paloma toward the back of the house in the direction of the kitchen, nodding his goodbye.
As if that was his cue, Dr.Whitaker stepped abruptly away from Linette. Without a word he bowed his head to her and then turned and left her standing in the foyer, the clatter of carriage wheels a minute later carrying him away.
Still, Linette didn’t budge an inch, her trembling fingers to her lips, her heart still hammering harder than she ever remembered.
Her shock still overwhelming that their unexpected kiss had happenedat all.
Only when the young footman by the front door coughed with some embarrassment did she start in surprise, and spin on her heel to flee toward the kitchen after her father and Paloma.
