Kaleigh hesitated as she looked over at the garden party situated cozily by the gazebo. It was far too tempting to return back inside and get lost for a bit in the house, delaying the inevitable drudgery of small talk with the ladies and gentleman gathered outside. Her mother had claimed a headache and Kaleigh dearly wished she could have done the same. She knew no one here. She had only been invited because her mother was good friends with Lady Moreland.
And so she stood in the shadows just inside the doorway. No one had seen her as of yet. She could even leave and send a note apologizing for missing the party.
“Contemplating a hasty exit?”
She was scarcely able to swallow her yelp. Before she could turn to ascertain if she knew the man who had so rudely snuck up behind her, a hand settled around her waist further pulling her back, deeper into the shadows.
“Polite society miss or mischievous imp?” He growled softly, setting her spine a tingle.
At that, he slowly spun her to face him while at the same time pushing her gently into the wall so she could not escape. She opened her mouth to answer but froze. His proximity was oddly intoxicating and thought-scattering.
“Shall I kiss the answer out of you then?” He leaned in, an unruly smirk brightening his features.
Kaleigh could only manage to gasp. Her mouth would not move to answer.
Time almost stilled as her overly taxed brain watched as he drew near. If she hadn’t been backed into a wall already she was sure that she would have moved away, mostly sure at least.
As his lips gently brushed hers her eyes fluttered closed, lost in the sheer immensity of the sensations rushing through her. While the situation wasn’t what she had imagined of her first kiss, the kiss itself rose beyond all expectations. It wasn’t more than a second or two before he eased back and flashed a slightly chagrined but roguish grin her way.
With a bow, he stepped back and away from her and she felt bereft. Of what, she knew not.
“A pleasure to meet you.” His smooth charm lingered on the word pleasure.
And before she could do anything more than gasp at his audacity, he was gone, out the door and onto the lawn.
Now she knew that she would not be staying for the garden party. She couldn’t. Not with him there. She would hardly be able to hold her countenance.
As she turned to leave, Miss Roselyn and her mother, Lady Durrant came into view. Now there was no avoiding it. Nodding amiably in their direction she preceded them out the door, as if they had not caught her lingering in the hallway.
Approaching the party she slowed so that she would arrive at the same time as the other new arrivals.
Lady Moreland immediately rose from her chair on the manicured lawn.
“Ah you have come! I had worried you would not make it.” She was looking straight at Kaleigh as she said it before turning to the others. “Lady Durrant, Miss Roselyn, Miss Fawcett, allow me to make introductions. You all must know the Wuthers already as well as Miss Trent and Miss Lively. However I just finished introducing my nephew who has only recently returned home from touring the continent. Lord Endicott, Lady Durrant and her daughter Miss Roselyn. And Miss Kaleigh Fawcett, daughter of my dear friend Lady Fawcett.”
Kaleigh could scarcely breathe or look anywhere appropriate as she was introduced to the man who had already acquainted himself with her in the hallway moments before. He was Lady Moreland’s nephew! Oh how she wished she could faint.
Seconds passed and curtsies were made to the man who stood there smirking in her direction. Kaleigh prayed that no one else took notice of his undue attention. Once seated she turned her gaze to the rest of the group, steadfastly not looking in Lord Endicott’s direction.
It did her no good however when once again his voice whispered into her ear. “You seem a favorite of my aunt’s, we may be seeing more of each other.”
Her back was to him. If she moved to face him and respond in any way, the whole group would surely notice.
He continued, shooting delicious shivers across her neck. “And if that kiss was any indication, it will be most enjoyable getting to know you better. In fact, I find myself tempted to see how I can catch you alone again. And soon.”
Kaleigh could barely breathe at the thought of receiving more of his kisses. What kind of a daring rogue was this man and why had he singled her out?!
Thankfully, Miss Lively unknowingly forced Lord Endicott to withdraw from his hidden teasing as she turned her eager attentions on him.
“Lord Endicott” Miss Lively simpered. “How are you finding London after being gone so long?”
“London has not changed, Miss Lively. I find the familiarity to be most welcoming. Although there have been a few wonderful additions to my aunt’s circle of friends whom I am pleased to add to my own.”
He might not have been looking at her as he spoke, his attention directed at Miss Lively who blushed rather becomingly at his comment, assuming he was speaking of her. Kaleigh could feel his closeness as if he was once again pinning her to that wall.
Luckily Kaleigh only had to stay for a short time before a note was delivered to their party, her mother insisting she return home. Making her excuses Kaleigh rose, relieved to be making a plausible escape without appearing rude or flighty. She almost stumbled as Lord Endicott rose with her. He bent to give his aunt a kiss on her cheek.
“I must beg my aunt’s forgiveness. I had not known you were holding this get together or I would have planned more time into my day to spend with you. However I have business that requires my attention and I must take my leave. Miss Fawcett, allow me to escort you out.”
He didn’t wait for her to respond, tucking her hand in his elbow. Once they were out of sight of the party he sighed.
“You, my little beguiling vixen, were my only reason to stay at that dratted party. How is it that I have not known of you before this?” He stepped closer.
Kaleigh was once again at a loss. “How should I know? I haven’t been hiding.”
“Haven’t you?”
When she shook her head he chuckled.
“Miss Fawcett, has anyone ever told you that you are temptation personified?”
Again she shook her head. She was not going to allow herself to get caught between him and a wall again. And as delightful and compelling as his kiss had been, she was not the kind of girl to invite scandal. He handed her into her carriage.
He bowed. “I will be seeing you again.” It wasn’t a question. More of a promise.
