Page 28 of A Game of Hearts

Quickly, she played a card, then immediately realised her mistake.

“Oh dear,” Lord James’ grin widened. “I believe that means that you must pay a forfeit, Miss Everton.”

Emma’s heart thundered as she reached for the bowl. The slip of paper she drew trembled slightly in her fingers as she read it.

“Well?” Lady Beatrice prompted. “What does it say?”

“‘Recite a verse about your partner’s best quality’.” Emma’s voice emerged steadier than she felt. She looked up, meeting Lord Limnwood’s eyes properly for the first time that evening. For a moment, she was back in the garden, feeling his arms around her, his lips on hers... She drew a steadying breath and spoke:

“In proper form his manner’s cast,

Each rule observed, each boundary fast,

Yet ‘neath that rigid mask, I see

A heart that longs to beat more free.”

She saw him flinch slightly at her words, though his expression remained carefully neutral. Around them, conversation at other tables continued, but she felt the weight of Lady Anne’s attention from the next table.

“Very clever,” Lady Anne’s voice dripped honey-sweet poison. “Though perhaps some might consider such... observation... rather forward.”

“I believe,” Lord Limnwood’s voice cut through the tension like a blade, “that the forfeit specifically required commenting on one’s partner’s qualities. Miss Everton has fulfilled that requirement with both wit and propriety.”

Emma’s breath caught at his defence, unexpected after his denial that morning. She caught a glimpse of something raw in his eyes before he looked away.

“Your play, my Lord,” Lord James prompted quietly.

The game continued, but Emma’s mind whirled. What did it mean, that he would defend her so publicly after this morning’s events? And why did her heart leap with hope despite her best efforts to guard it?

Three hands later, Emma’s concentration was thoroughly shattered. Lord Limnwood had been forced by forfeit to describe her eyes in detail - a task he performed with careful correctness that nonetheless left her pulse racing. Lady Beatrice had recited a comic verse about Lord James’ smile that had everyone laughing. And now...

“Your forfeit, my Lord.”

Lord James held out the bowl to his brother, his eyes dancing with barely suppressed mischief. Lord Limnwood drew a slip of paper, and Emma saw his shoulders stiffen as he read it.

“Well?” Lady Anne called from the next table. “Do tell us what the forfeit requires. Though perhaps it might prove too... challenging for some sensibilities?”

Emma saw his jaw clench before he spoke.

“‘Stand behind your partner’s chair and arrange their cards for one hand, ensuring no other player can see them.’” The room seemed to still. Emma’s heart thundered so loudly she was certain everyone must hear it. Across the table, Lord Limnwood’s eyes met hers, asking a silent question. She lifted her chin slightly and nodded. He rose with careful grace and moved around the table. Emma forced herself to breathe normally as he came to stand behind her chair. “May I?”

His voice was barely a whisper as he reached for her cards. She nodded again, not trusting her voice. His hands brushed hers as he took the cards, and she felt him draw a sharp breath. The scent of bergamot and cedar surrounded her as he leaned closer to arrange the cards, his breath stirring the curls at her temple.

“How cosy.” Lady Anne’s voice dripped acid. “Though perhaps some might find such... intimate arrangements rather disturbing. What do you think, Lord Radmill?”

“I...” Lord Radmill looked uncomfortable. “That is...”

“I think,” Lord James cut in smoothly, “that my brother manages the forfeit with perfect propriety. Though if you find it disturbing, Lady Anne, perhaps you might focus on your own game?”

Emma felt Lord Limnwood’s silent approval in the slight relaxation of his posture. But he remained close behind her, closer than strictly necessary, as he arranged her cards with careful precision.

“A good hand, I believe,” he murmured.

His voice was pitched for her ears alone. The warmth of his breath against her ear made her shiver.

“Thank you.”

She managed to keep her voice steady, though her whole body hummed with awareness of him. He didn’t move away immediately, and Emma found herself holding her breath, wondering if he might... what? Kiss her again, here in front of everyone? The very idea was absurd. Yet something in the charged silence between them suggested he was thinking of it too.