“Thank goodness,” he whispered in the dim light that spilled in from the hall.
“For what?” Harriet asked, breathless at being alone with him.
“To have a moment with you for this.” He drew her into his arms and kissed her.
Harriet’s heart surged, and she placed her gloved hands on his chest both to steady herself and to touch him. His broad shoulders and strong physique never failed to stir her. But when his tongue swirled against hers, she needed to brace herself to keep from swaying.
She had underestimated the passion she felt in his arms. Apparently, her mind had blurred the memory in an attempt to convince her she wasn’t falling for the handsome viscount. The desire that pulsed through her insisted that what was between them was even bigger than she’d believed.
“Please permit me to call on you,” he whispered then pressed a kiss to her cheek, his hands squeezing her waist.
Harriet hesitated, torn as to how to answer. Phoebe and Tibby’s encouragement made her long to say yes. But Frances and her past insisted she say no.
Voices drifted from the upper landing, suggesting they’d be interrupted at any moment.
“Please, Harriet. I want to see you again. Soon.” The pad of his thumb moved along her cheek, the gentle touch tipping the scales of the battle waging within her.
“I would like that as well.”
His smile lit her heart, making her certain she’d given the right answer. “Excellent. I will see you soon.”
With that, he released her and gestured toward the hall. They both moved forward as Bolton and Phoebe came down the stairs.
Harriet’s excitement bloomed as she said goodbye and departed with her maid. One last look at Joseph before she was handed into her carriage only heightened the flutters in her middle.
For the first time, she found herself wondering if a future with him was possible.
Chapter Sixteen
Harriet should’ve askedJoseph when he intended to call. Then she wouldn’t be listening for a knock at the front door or declining to accompany her mother when she asked her to go along on an errand, something she’d already done once. Would he come by today or next week?
“Whatever are you looking at?” her mother asked when she entered the drawing room to find Harriet staring out the window to the street below.
“Nothing.” Harriet knew her blush belied her words. Though tempted to mention that she’d spent time with Joseph at the house party and how much she was coming to care for him, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
What if he changed his mind and decided not to call on her?