“Pardon me?”
“F-fortuitousss,” he repeated, swaying slightly. “Being the bookish-sh sort, you ssurely know what it means.”
Millie studied the viscount. He seemed to be slurring his words. Had he been drinking? “Are you well, my lord?”
“Quite.” He gave a decisive nod then bobbed his head a few times, seemingly unable to halt the movement. “I ’ave come to the d-determination that we should kisssss.”
“What?” She glanced around at the empty patio, wishing Catherine would return. “I do not think that wise.”
“What better way to discover if we s-suit?” he asked.
“If we are seen alone together, it won’t matter whether we suit. We will be forced to marry.” She stepped around him to move toward the door. Searching for Catherine would have to wait until she found someone to aid her.
“N-nonsense.” Dunthorpe hiccupped. “One kiss will cause no harm.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. “Jus one. Thas all I need.”
“Release me!” She didn’t want a kiss from him, nor did she want to be caught with the drunken viscount. It would surely result in a complete disaster.
“This is our ch-chance.” He tugged her even closer despite her attempt to free herself.
“No. Let go!” She jerked her arm as he leaned closer. The smell of spirits on his breath confirmed her suspicions and had herturning aside to avoid the kiss. “Dunthorpe, stop this! Release me at once.”
Panic skittered through her, causing her to struggle even harder to no avail. The man had an iron grip, squeezing her upper arms until she winced in pain.
“Hol s-still.” He leaned closer as her fear took a firmer grasp.
“I will never marry you,” she cried and stomped on his foot, to no effect.
He only tightened his grasp, leaving Millie to fear she wouldn’t escape the assault unscathed.
Winston arrived at the ball later than he’d planned but flooded with satisfaction. How had he never realized that decisions could be so invigorating?
He’d spent the afternoon interviewing stewards, having terminated Mr. Jenkins’ employment. Though Winston couldn’t completely shut out the voice of doubt at his actions, he was confident he’d done the right thing. He wanted to modernize the management of the holdings, and Jenkins didn’t.
That fundamental difference in their philosophy wasn’t something that could be overcome. The meeting with his friends had convinced him to trust himself and act.
Winston intended the firing of his steward to be one of many steps to claim his future—a future of his choosing. Right or wrong, making decisions felt more empowering than waiting to see what turn the future might take.
After greeting the hosts, he entered the ballroom and immediately searched for Millicent. Though he’d hoped to call on her this afternoon, his meetings had lasted longer than he’d anticipated. He didn’t know if she would be in attendance, but he dearly hoped so. Urgency filled him. He couldn’t wait to tellher what was in his heart. Something told him there wasn’t a moment to lose, and he intended to heed it.
Eagerness poured through him when he caught sight of her mother. Surely Millicent was nearby.
Yet she wasn’t anywhere in sight. He shifted his focus to the dance floor, dreading the thought of her with Dunthorpe or any other man. He couldn’t bear it.
Unable to see with so many guests roaming about, he moved toward the dance floor, searching as he went. He would have to apologize for the way he’d left the musicale. He only hoped she would forgive him.
Even more, he hoped she was willing to consider his suit. He wanted to spend every possible moment with her and formally courting her would be the first step toward his goal of marrying her.
His stomach clenched with nerves, worried she might reject him. Had their time together and those earth-shattering kisses meant as much to her as they had to him?
His thoughts in turmoil, he nodded at a few acquaintances but didn’t stop to speak to anyone, too focused on finding Millicent. He made his way around the entire dance floor, studying the couples without success.
The feel of the cool evening breeze had him turning to see the patio door ajar and movement through the glass pane caught his attention.
A couple appeared to be in an intimate embrace, scandalous to witness at a ball. Yet a moment later, he realized the woman struggled against the man’s grasp.
Not just any woman.Millicent.
Rage bubbled up inside Winston as he flung open the door and hurried out. “Let her go.” He grabbed the man’s arm, turning him, even more enraged to realize the man’s identity. Dunthorpe.