“By accident.”
“Because he waltzed with you in the kitchen and you enjoyed it immensely.”
Trust Lilah to know that already, for all that it happened barely more than an hour ago.
“Aren’t you a little interested in Lord Sayres? In a romantic fashion?”
Gwen worked very hard to keep her expression calm. It was true that she had revisited the memory of their impromptu kiss several times, most especially at night. She relived it in every detail, re-examined what had led up to it, what they’d said and how she had felt in his arms. She touched her lips and wondered what it would be like to feel his mouth against hers again. She played with the memory like she played with her plant sketches. She analyzed them and wondered what would happen if the tiniest thing changed.
And she already knew that she’d do the same with the memory of their waltz. Hadn’t she already spent several minutes examining the feel of his hand about her waist when she should have been sorting through her botany books?
Was that romance? Perhaps. For her part at least. But Lord Sayres was a notorious flirt. Even she knew that what a man considered romance was vastly different from a woman’s dreams. And even if a fraction of what Aunt Isabelle said was true, then she would be well served to keep her heart and her fantasies to herself.
“I don’t read too much into a single dance or any kiss, especially since he apologized directly afterwards. Isn’t it the nature of some men to be free with their attentions?”
They both knew it was true and so Lilah nodded and closed up the portmanteau. But she was unable to keep silent. “I still wish you would consider him. He’s upset your days and you’ve never seemed happier.”
Gwen bit her lip and looked at her sister. “You know how hard it is for me to talk to people,” she said. “You know how I have tried and tired, but they always laugh at me. They think I don’t see it, but I do.”
“Of course, I know,” said Lilah as she grasped Gwen’s hands.
“Lord Sayres is different. He doesn’t laugh, and he explained about winking. I know it’s a silly thing, but no one has ever explained it to me before.”
Her sister smiled as she pressed a kiss into Gwen’s hands. “That sounds like you like him.”
“Of course, I like him. I wouldn’t be going to Lincolnshire if I didn’t. But…”
“But what?” Lilah squeezed Gwen’s fingers. “Come now, tell me everything.”
“But is that romance?” she said. “Or am I merely happy to have someone new who will talk with me? Someone who understands and does not laugh?”
Lilah was silent. Gwen could not read her expression, but then Lilah always kept her thoughts to herself. In the end, she pulled Gwen into an impulsive hug.
“You will make the right choice, Gwen. You’re the smartest person I’ve ever known.”
“But I’m not smart with people.”
“You’re smart enough,” Lilah said. “You just need more time in his company.”
Gwen wasn’t sure, but there wasn’t time to argue as they both heard a carriage ride up to the house. Lilah’s eyes widened as she quickly tugged on Gwen’s gown.
“Hurry. Let me help you change out of that awful dress.”
“But—”
“Do it for me, since I shall not be wearing a pretty dress anywhere without you to accompany me.”
It was guilt that made her agree, but it was worth it when she saw the gleam in Lord Sayres’s eyes as she descended the stairs. He was probably happy that she was ready and would not make him late. They had a very long way to go. But she imagined that he thought she looked very fine and that lifted her spirits. Which was very uncharacteristic of her, though she refused to examine the feeling. There were plenty of other things with which to occupy her thoughts.
First was the loading up of the carriage and the unfamiliar crest on the side door. It was not Lord Sayres’s emblem, she was sure. He must have noticed her looking because he answered without her having to ask.
“I borrowed Aaron’s carriage.”
She frowned. “Lord Ares from the masquerade?”
“The very same. He lends me the use of his conveyance and in return I give him excellent advice on where to invest his money.”
She arched her brows. “And will he be buying daffodils?”