Luckily, the first course of celery soup arrived before the temptation took hold.
Joseph waited as long as he could stand it. All of five minutes later, he managed to gently bump her side with his elbow, making certain to linger long enough so she’d know he’d touched her on purpose.
She bit back a laugh, then quickly covered her mouth with her napkin to hide her grin.
He was discussing horses with Connolly, who sat across the table, when he felt a foot on top of his. Unfortunately, he lost his train of thought mid-sentence at the touch.
Connolly looked at him with a raised brow, clearly wondering what was wrong.
Damn if that foot didn’t bump against his again. He shifted in his chair, hoping his body didn’t betray him. Though this dalliance was causing him problems, he couldn’t resist reaching out to touch her leg again, this time giving it a gentle squeeze beneath the cover of the tablecloth.
She returned the favor, managing to do so when he least expected it.
By the time dessert was served, he could hardly stand it. He needed a moment alone with Harriet more than he needed his next breath. His thoughts raced for a possible excuse that would allow it.
As always, the ladies withdrew to the drawing room, and he was forced to bide his time.
Reverend Henderson stood and moved to sit next to Melbourne and Melbourne’s brother-in-law at the end of the table and began speaking quietly. Joseph was well aware of the pointed looks the reverend sent in his direction, making it clear what—or rather, who—he was speaking about.
Though anger simmered inside him, Joseph shoved it aside. If Melbourne believed whatever Henderson was saying, so be it. Melbourne was an intelligent man capable of making his own decisions. Surely, he would question what the reverend was saying.
At least, that was Joseph’s hope. It wasn’t as if he could join them to try to defend himself. The reverend could be quite convincing. Joseph need only think of his father to know that.
Instead of wasting time worrying about things out of his control, he spoke with Sinclair and Connelly until Melbourne rose and announced it was time to join the ladies.
It was all Joseph could do to keep from rushing toward the drawing room. Yet the air left his lungs when he realized Harriet wasn’t there. He hesitated a moment before stepping back out of the room, prepared to offer an excuse if anyone noticed his exit. To his relief, no one paid him any attention.
Dare he hope Harriet felt the same as he did?
With quick steps, he went to the small library and opened the door, disappointed to find it dark. He’d thought perhaps she’d be there. That they truly did have a connection between them.
“Joseph?”
He turned to see her walking out of the darkness of the room toward him, her form just visible in the fading light coming through the windows. “Harriet.” Her presence was like an answer to a prayer.
“I was hoping you might think to come here.”
He didn’t bother to answer but reached for her and drew her into his arms. This might be a mistake when they could be caught, but he couldn’t resist.
His lips found hers and he crushed her to him, putting the frustration their flirting from dinner had caused into the kiss. She seemed equally as intent on meeting him halfway.
Then he kissed her jaw and just below her ear, his hands molding the curves of her body. She fit against him perfectly, the top of her head brushing his chin.
As if his exploration gave her permission, she slid her hands over his shoulders then down his chest and back up again, stirring his body even further.
“We need to return to the drawing room,” she murmured as she kissed his cheek and along his jaw.
“Yes. Definitely.” Yet instead of doing so, he kissed her deeply once more. A voice at the back of his head reminded him of how special this was—more than physical. More than emotional. It was as if they were linked in every possible way. The realization had his heart thudding painfully.
When she pulled back, he reluctantly let her go, wanting only to take her hand and lead her to somewhere they wouldn’t risk being discovered.
With a deep breath, he held back. This was too much too soon. He didn’t understand what this was that burned between them, especially since he didn’t believe in love. But they needed to slow the rush of feelings before it overwhelmed them.
“You go first,” he whispered in the dark. “I’ll follow shortly.”
She sighed as she ran both hands over her gown as if to smooth it. “Joseph, I—”
She broke off the words with a shake of her head. Then she opened the door and was gone.