Perhaps she shouldn’t have come. It was unlikely she’d be able to hide her feelings and would only embarrass herself. She turned to go as panic took hold. A message explaining her absence would have to suffice. She would explain that a sudden illness claimed her.
She had one foot on the front step, prepared to bolt, when movement from the corner of her eye gave her pause.
“Miss Davies, just the person I hoped to see.”
Winston’s tall form strolled toward her along the pavement. It never failed to fascinate her that he rarely seemed to be in a hurry yet managed to move faster than most.
“Lord Linford.” She glanced over her shoulder at the door, which was now being held open by the butler, and felt well and truly trapped.
Winston frowned, looking between her and down the street where her carriage was moving out of sight. “I’m afraid your carriage has departed. Did you forget something?”
“Oh. No.” Millie forced a smile and waved a hand. “It is of no consequence. I hope the evening finds you well?”
Only then did his earlier words sink in—that he hoped to see her.
Be still her heart.
“It does. And you?” He reached the step she was on and offered his arm, which she took gingerly, still wishing she could flee. The evening threatened to be a disaster.
“Well, thank you.”
He watched her, then leaned close, the scent of bergamot sweeping her senses in an instant. Why did he have to wear her favorite cologne? “I won’t bite, you know.” The tickle of his breath on the nape of her neck sent shivers along her skin.
She met his gaze, taken aback to see how close he was. Confusion took hold until she realized how cautiously she’dtaken his arm. “I beg to differ, my lord. I have heard stories of your exploits.”
Her breath caught at her own boldness, and she jerked her attention from Winston’s to see the butler still holding the door, waiting patiently with amusement glittering in his eyes.
Winston laughed as he guided her inside. “You mustn’t believe everything you hear. Isn’t that right, Ridley?” he asked the butler as he handed him his hat and gloves, and then turned to assist Millie with her cloak.
“Indeed, my lord.” Ridley must be accustomed to Winston’s humor as he didn’t bat an eye at the question.
“Cheeky man,” Winston teased, a grin on his face. “Is everyone in the drawing room?”
At the butler’s nod, Winston placed a hand on the low of Millie’s back and guided her toward the stairs. “We will see ourselves up.”
“As you wish, my lord.” The butler disappeared down the corridor.
Tingles ran along Millie’s skin at the warmth of Winston’s touch as they started up the stairs, the sound of voices and laughter drifting down to them.
“I truly am pleased to see you.” The seriousness in Winston’s tone had her studying him, hoping her expression appeared composed, though she was feeling anything but.
“Oh? Why might that be?” she managed, holding her skirts to climb the stairs and hoping she didn’t trip considering how unsettled she felt.
His hand pressed more firmly against her waist as if he wanted her to stop, and she halted in response. “I wanted to thank you for assisting me with the gift for my aunt. She was delighted by it.”
“I am happy to hear that.” Pleasure washed through her.
He leaned close again and his tantalizing scent threatened to buckle her knees. “I must confess that I took full credit for it.”
“As you should.” She clenched her fists in the folds of her gown, reminding herself to keep her wits about her.
“You are too kind, but I truly appreciate it. As I mentioned before, I am in your debt.”
She lifted a brow. “I believe your exact words were that you wereforeverin my debt.” She didn’t know where the sudden ability to flirt had come from, but she reveled in it.
Surprise brightened Winston’s green eyes. “I do believe you are right. I look forward to learning how I might repay the favor.” His gaze dropped to her lips.
A bubbling sensation erupted in her middle as if she’d sipped champagne. Was he suggesting a kiss? No, that couldn’t be.