Beatrice sat next to Lyndsey’s father and whispered something to him. He nodded and pointed toward Priscilla. There was no doubt in Lyndsey’s mind what they were chatting about. Of all the Benson sisters, Prissy was the only one who was musically inclined. Lyndsey played, but very little, and she liked to sing, but most people didn’t like to listen when she performed. However, everyone was amazed when Prissy was the center of attention.
Suddenly, Lyndsey heard someone move behind her, and she inhaled a man’s masculine scent of spice. Awareness buzzed in her ears and let her know exactly who was standing only inches away. She didn’t dare peek over her shoulder, because she didn’t want him to know she couldfeelhim watching her. But oh, he smelled so nice, and those memories she wanted to keep hidden quickly resurfaced. No! She didn’t want to think that way about him ever again, but every time he was near, her heart softened. It was difficult not to be affected by his presence.
When Collin was finished playing, everyone applauded. Aunt Beatrice stood and motioned toward Priscilla.
“Mr. Benson was just telling me,” the older woman said loudly, “that his daughter is very talented on the pianoforte. Miss Priscilla, would you please come and play something for us?”
Meekly, Prissy nodded and complied with the older woman’s bidding. Collin stayed by the musical instrument. But now... Lyndsey held her breath. Now she and Adrian were the only two in the back of the room.
Once Prissy started to play, Lyndsey felt Adrian’s fingers brush her neck. She trembled inside and her heartbeat raced. Warmth spread over her, stirring up feelings Adrian had awakened in her that she’d tried to deny for a while now.
“Lyndsey,” he whispered.
She sucked in a quick breath. His hot breath stroked her skin almost as gently as a man’s loving touch would.
“I need to talk to you in private,” he finished in a low voice.
She inhaled a shaky breath and turned her head slightly toward him, but still didn’t dare look at him. “No,” she whispered over her shoulder.
She felt his fingers again, but it was more than a brush over her skin. Instead, he caressed her neck lightly. What was he doing? Andwhywas he doing this? Was he purposely trying to draw attention to them?
“It’s important,” he said softly near her ear. “Something else has happened... to me.”
Why would she care if something had happened to him? His statement was out of the ordinary, and yet she still wondered if it was just an excuse to get her alone. After all, that was the same game he’d played when he asked her to meet him at the pond not too long ago.
“No.” She gave him the same answer as before.
Prissy finished her piece, and the applause was loud, which was normal for when she played in front of a crowd. Collin enticed her to play another piece.
Adrian’s touch left Lyndsey’s neck, and she nearly sighed with relief, but seconds later, he moved around the settee and sat next to her. Inwardly, she groaned. She could not have him this close.
Lyndsey stiffened, and she even had a difficult time breathing. It was important that she relax right now. She didn’t want people to ask why she was acting this way toward Lord William. After a few moments passed, she relaxed slightly, however, Adrian shifted in his seat and slid his arm along the back of the settee. She clenched her hands on her lap. Why was he doing this? What was wrong with the man?
He bent closer to her ear. “Lyndsey, please. Something happened earlier today, and I... I must speak to you about it.”
She tossed him a scowl. “What are you implying?”
“Another accident happened.”
Surprise washed over her and she sucked in a quick breath. “What happened?”
“That’s what I need to talk to you about,” he continued in a whisper. “I’d like your help in trying to figure out who is doing this to us.”
Staring into his dreamy hazel eyes up this close was beginning to put her in a trance, so she quickly focused back on Priscilla. Why would Adrian want to talk to her about the accident? Did he think she would be able to help him in some way? He knew she loved reading mystery novels, so perhaps he thought Lyndsey would know something...
That was utterly ridiculous. How could she possibly help?
Oh, decisions, decisions... And yet, she was curious to hear what exactly had happened to him.
