Was it her imagination or did Winston look less than pleased to see him, leaving her to wonder why?
“I don’t suppose you could find another glass of punch for me, could you?” Winston asked the younger man.
“Well...” Dunthorpe looked between Millie and Winston as if uncertain what to say. “I suppose I could.”
“Thank you,” Winston said. “I appreciate it.”
Dunthorpe’s lips twisted as he nodded reluctantly. “I will return shortly.”
“No rush,” Winston said as the viscount turned away.
Millie took a sip of her punch, trying to work out what had just happened and why. Winston was more of a puzzle than she could’ve guessed.
“Now then, before the viscount returns, let us determine where we might next meet.”
She nearly choked before she had the chance to swallow the sip she’d taken. “Meet?” she managed, her voice sounding as if she’d swallowed a frog.
“I haven’t forgotten that I am ‘forever in your debt’. Surely you haven’t either.”
“No, I haven’t.” This was her chance to be bold again. To say something clever and flirtatious. Unfortunately, her mind was blank.
“Good.” He frowned. “Now then, what should we arrange? Hyde Park? A museum?” He gave a little shudder at the idea, then glanced around the ballroom. “Or perhaps a nearby hidden alcove would provide the privacy we need.”
Her stomach dipped at his suggestion. How she wished she was the type to agree to such a meeting. But her thoughts circled as she pondered how impossible that would be and what would happen if they were caught.
“Here, Linford.” Dunthorpe thrust the punch at Winston, clearly unhappy with the errand.
“How kind.” Winston took the cup and raised it to Millie. “Cheers, Miss Davies.”
“And to you, my lord.” Her cheeks heated as their gazes met, and they sipped in unison. Leave it to Winston to manage toexclude Dunthorpe from the conversation, even though he was standing right next to them.
Frances and her husband, Mr. Sinclair, joined them, relieving the tension that gripped her. Of course, Frances sent her several questioning looks, as if to ask what was happening.
Thank goodness there wasn’t an opportunity to share any confidences as Millie didn’t have an answer. Never had she had two men conversing with her at once. It was confusing.
That Winston had raised the topic of meeting both shocked and thrilled her. She couldn’t begin to guess what would happen with their banter or his supposed debt. But she would be a fool to dismiss the chance even if it didn’t lead anywhere. Better that she enjoyed every possible moment with the handsome lord.
Panic crept over her as she realized she and Winston hadn’t finished their conversation. Her gaze sought his, wondering if they would have a chance to.
As if sensing her regard, he looked at her, and she lifted a brow, hoping he would understand her silent question. Surely that wasn’t too forward. But was it forward enough to keep his interest in this game of cat and mouse?
Chapter Six
Millie took the messageher maid handed her, Alice’s knowing smile raising her curiosity. She had spent the morning writing letters to her sisters in between wondering when she might see Winston again.
“Asecretmessage for you, miss.” Alice lifted her brows up and down suggestively.
“Secret? From whom?” Millie stared at the slip of paper, puzzled by the maid’s words and demeanor.
“I couldn’t say, but it’s terribly exciting, don’t you think?” Alice’s brown eyes glittered with interest. “Perhaps it is from a secret admirer?”
Millie stilled, breath catching at the hope it could be from Winston. Surely not. “That seems doubtful.” A worrisome thought occurred. “Is my mother aware of it?”
“No.” Alice placed a hand to her mouth to smother a giggle. “It was handed to one of the footmen who was asked to get it to you but keep it secret.”
“Truly? How interesting.” Millie frowned as she fingered the paper, anticipation curling through her. Was that how these things were done?
The conversation she and Winston had at the ball the previous evening hadn’t been concluded as there had been one interruption after another. If he’d only asked her to dance, they could’ve spoken further. But he hadn’t, and she’d been left to think he wasn’t as interested in a kiss as she’d thought.