Winston cleared his throat, pulling her from her thoughts. “Will you attend the Quincy ball tomorrow evening?”
“Yes.” But she couldn’t bring herself to risk another meeting in the garden or any other place given that they had nearly been discovered the last time. She hoped he wouldn’t suggest it as she wasn’t sure if she could refuse him.
“Excellent. Will you save me a dance?”
Her heart bloomed as she held his gaze. “Yes, I would like that.”
Chapter Thirteen
Millie tapped her toein time to the music at the Quincy ball, appreciating the greenery used to make the space look more like a garden than a ballroom. Ivy was wrapped around columns and draped over windows. Potted plants, including trees, dotted the room. The scent of flowers coming from a multitude of vases had her drawing a deep breath, and the terrace doors stood wide open to bring in the cool evening air.
“You are in fine spirits this evening.” Prue smiled, looking especially lovely in a pale yellow silk gown. Or perhaps it was the happiness radiating from her face that made her so.
“It is a nice evening, don’t you think?” Millie asked, trying to keep a tight rein on the tremulous joy that had simmered within her since meeting Winston at the lending library. “I think the décor is quite clever, as if we’re having the ball in a garden.”
“I agree. The greenery provides a much warmer and welcoming atmosphere than the usual gilt and mirrors so often used.”
“I’m happy you are here for the Season, Prue. Events are much more entertaining with you in attendance.”
“It makes sense for Mother and me to remain in London since we need to make preparations for the wedding.” A hint of color filled her cheeks. “A June wedding.” She shook her head, a look of disbelief on her face. “I never would’ve believed it possible a year ago.”
Millie smiled. “You didn’t even venture to London until the summer, and then we were faced with the ridiculous wallflower wager.”
“I was certain I was destined for spinsterhood.” She flashed Millie a sympathetic look. “Not that there is anything wrong with that.”
“No.” Unless one’s heart was lost to another. The worry of whether she should be guarding against such an outcome concerned her. But how could she continue to entice Winston to want to be with her and still protect her heart? It was impossible.
“Do you think the Marquess of Linford will attend this evening?” Prue asked, well aware of the identity of Millie’s secrettendre.
“I am hopeful.” Though her cousin knew of her regard for him, Millie hadn’t shared their recent encounters. Prue would undoubtedly support her, but Millie didn’t want her own hopes lifted more than they already were.
“Good evening, ladies.” Viscount Winstead, Prue’s fiancé, joined them. “May I say you both look lovely this evening?”
Millie smiled as Prue’s expression brightened. “You are sweet,” Prue said with a smile. “And you look handsome as well, Silas.”
He did indeed, even more so because he only had eyes for Prue. The pair made the perfect match in Millie’s opinion, and she was truly happy for them, though their presence made herfeel lonelier than ever. She pushed aside the feeling, refusing to allow it to show.
A shiver ran along her skin, and she turned to search for the reason only to see Winston approach. She seemed to be aware of him on a fundamental level. The realization was alarming, suggesting more than just her emotions were involved—a mind, body, and spirit connection.
“Good evening.” He dipped his head in greeting.
“Linford, what a surprise,” the viscount said. “I thought you intended to avoid balls for the foreseeable future.”
“I can’t allow you to have all the fun, now can I?” Winston asked with a lift of his brow. “You seem to have cornered the beauties this evening.” His pointed look at both her and Prue had Millie’s cheeks heating.
If he weren’t careful, he’d set tongues wagging by saying such things.
“Aren’t you being charming?” Prue grinned. “How interesting that Millie is in such good spirits this evening, too.”
Millie’s heart lurched, not appreciating her cousin’s admission even as her attention returned to Winston, wondering what he thought.
“Oh?” His warm gaze held on her. “Is that right?” The amusement in his expression, as if they shared a private jest, had her relaxing.
“I am happy.” She perused the ballroom to suggest the event was the reason for her fine mood. “It’s a lovely ball, and some of my favorite people are here.” She patted Prue’s arm, but her gaze returned to Winston and held there.
His eyes widened in response, the delight in them warming her further. Oh, how she loved to surprise him.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Prue leaned close to press her arm against Millie’s, seemingly oblivious to the silent communication between Winston and Millie.