“He is.” Tibby nodded.
Millie allowed the conversation to drift around her as she drank in Winston’s presence. He had a restless energy that was at odds with his relaxed, careless mannerisms, but suited his lean, wiry build. He was undeniably appealing with dark brown hair that held a hint of a wave and green eyes a shade darker than Eliza’s that brought to mind jade, with all its subtle nuances.
And seriously, no man should have such long eyelashes. Not when they lent a boyish charm to his handsome features.
Millie jerked away her gaze, realizing the heat in her cheeks was growing worse the longer she studied him.
“Out for a bit of shopping?” Winston asked as he sent her a curious look as if wondering at her thoughts.
“We are.” Tibby gestured toward the nearby modiste’s. “A new gown is on our list.”
“How nice.” Winston’s gaze swept over Millie from head to toe. “I look forward to seeing it.”
“Oh.” Millie glanced at Tibby. “Not me.” Did he think she needed a new gown? Millie couldn’t help but look down at her striped blue and white silk, wondering if something was amiss—or worse, out-of-date.
“Just me,” Tibby said with a smile. “Miss Davies has offered to share her opinion to help me decide on one or two.”
“I see.” Winston nodded awkwardly. “An enjoyable outing, I’m sure.”
“Most certainly.” Tibby sent Millie an inquiring look, but Millie couldn’t think of a single thing to add, given how uncomfortable she felt. “What of you, Lord Linford? Are you shopping, as well?” Tibby asked.
“My aunt’s birthday is next week. I thought it best to look for a gift now as she is a challenge to buy for.” His scowl spoke of his difficult relationship with the woman.
From what Millie knew from Eliza, their Aunt Frieda tended to disapprove of him no matter what he did, as did several of his other relatives. Millie had met the woman on numerous occasions, and she was definitely...prickly. Some people saw only the negative in people and situations. His Aunt Frieda was one of those.
The fact that he was taking the time to shop for a gift for her was sweet, considering their tenuous bond.
“What are you thinking of giving her?” Millie asked curiously.
Winston blew out a breath and glanced at the nearby shop windows. “In truth? I have no idea.” He offered one of those carelessly charming grins of his.
Darn him.
Those particular smiles twisted her heart in a painful manner and sent flutters dancing in her stomach as if a hundred butterflies were trying to escape.
“Any suggestions?” he asked, his eyes holding on her with what looked like guarded hope—or perhaps a plea for help.
“I couldn’t claim to know her well, though she does seem to favor the color blue.” Millie considered several ideas, wanting to lend assistance. “What of a blue glass dish, along with some chocolates to put in it?”
“That’s a lovely idea,” Tibby agreed. “Thoughtful and somewhat practical. That should appeal to her.”
Winston’s green eyes lit with interest, sending another flutter loose in her stomach. “I like it. Not so practical that she’s annoyed and not so impractical that she’s irritated.”
Millie couldn’t help but laugh at his description.
“It’s true,” he protested even as he grinned. “Don’t even ask about her reaction to my Christmas gift.”
“I’m sorry she doesn’t simply appreciate the thought behind them,” Millie said, sharing a look with Tibby. “Most men would send a servant to purchase something and consider it done.”
“Yes, well, perhaps that would’ve been wise, but I suppose I must endure in the face of adversity.” He stared into the distance with a noble expression as if his burden was great and his sorrow deep.
Both Tibby and Millie burst into laughter at his antics.
Winston broke his pose to laugh with them.
Was it any wonder why her interest was so thoroughly caught by this man? Millie clutched her reticule to keep from pressing a hand to her pounding heart, willing away the dull ache of it.
“Do you have any idea where I might find such a dish?” Winston lifted a brow, his expression hopeful.