Page 25
No wonder Aubriella had found hobbies to occupy herself. Inappropriate hobbies, to be sure. But then, what did her negligent parents care?
Aubriella might have hidden shocking drawings of nudes in her wardrobe, and the Penfords would’ve remained blissfully unaware. As long as she didn’t cause them any inconvenience or embarrassment, she was all but invisible.
A chorus of congratulations erupted at Miss Jessamine’s table.
At once, three chaps rose and began strutting around the room, flapping their arms, bobbing their heads, and crowing. Easy to discern what that forfeit had been. Jack knew from experience that the forfeitures would become increasingly daring and naughty as the house party progressed.
“The library it is.” The hubbub faded as he and Aubriella strolled toward the back of the house. On his arm, Aubriella relaxed and breathed a little easier with each passing step.
These assemblies truly taxed her.
He’d noticed her distress before but never thought to ask why. He’d always assumed social ineptness kept her to herself. Most of the time, she was nowhere to be found. She disappeared for most of the event and reappeared as it drew to an end.
“Why do you dislike gatherings so much, Aubriella?”
Jack slowed his pace as he glanced down at her. The crown of her head just reached his shoulder, and tonight, someone had woven white silk ribbons through her shiny, coiffed tresses.
The flickering candles in the brass wall sconces cast shadows across her face when she turned to look up at him.
His breath stalled for a heartbeat.
Why couldn’t others see her beauty?
Wide eyes in an oval face, full pink lips, and a slightly upturned nose. The freckles smattering Aubriella’s porcelain skin merely added to her allure—particularly that beauty mark near her mouth which would drive him crazy with want from now until forever.
“I don’t dislike them, per se. I simply do not fit in. I feel rather like a goat asked to participate in the Ascot horse race. Of course, I can run the track, but my gait is awkward. I’m not a sleek beauty, and I have no chance of winning. My gaucheness causes unintentional amusement, and no one appreciates being laughed at.”
“I told you not to belittle yourself.” Jack turned her toward him and raised her chin with his forefinger instead of pulling her into his protective embrace and kissing her forehead as he yearned to do.
No more kisses, he reminded himself sternly.
Aubriella had disdained herself for so long that she couldn’t see her own appeal.
“I shall have to demand a forfeit each time you do.” He winked to soften the words.
A kiss would do nicely.
No. No more kisses.
Twice in as many seconds, Jack had to remind himself of his vow, and that spelled eventual failure.
Perhaps unexpected urgent business required his attention in London.
Which was worse?
Breaking his word or kissing her?
She pulled a face and poked him in the chest. Hard. “You asked, you dolt. I explained the best way I knew how. And if you ever tease me about it, I’ll… well, I’ll draw you with three nipples.”
