Hugh sorely missed Miss Gray’s presence during the ice-skating outing later in the day. She’d looked so happy before he’d interrupted her that he was almost sorry he had. Almost.
Now as the group bundled into the wagon that would return them to the house where warm beverages awaited them, he was pleased he’d had time with her earlier.
He hadn’t been able to resist questioning Miss Waverly about her whereabouts, but his inquiry had been met with a vague response. “I’m sure she’s caring for Aunt Edith. That’s how she spends every day.”
Hugh didn’t understand the family. Why wouldn’t they take turns with their aunt, especially when they were all staying under the same roof? Why did it fall to Miss Gray?
Miss Waverly sat by him in the wagon and the brief interlude was enjoyable. But he had no doubt the skating excursion would’ve been more fun for everyone if Miss Gray had been there. She’d made certain all the guests were enjoying themselves last evening. But today, several had regained their awkwardness and skated alone, something Miss Waverly either didn’t notice or didn’t care about.
Hugh frowned. Why was he suddenly aware of other people’s happiness?
“You’re a fine skater, Mr. Raybourne.” Miss Waverly placed her gloved hand under his arm while the wagon bumped along toward the house.
The contact surprised him, but when she smiled up at him, her blue eyes sparkling, he was even more surprised to realize he felt nothing.
“As are you, Miss Waverly.” This was his chance to flirt. To say something charming. But his mind was blank. The reserve he felt with her was puzzling.
She smiled, seemingly unaware of his internal debate. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and he was shocked at her forwardness since they weren’t alone.
“I hope we have the chance to do so again.” She leaned closer.
“As do I.” He patted her hand on his arm. Still, nothing clever came to mind, much to his dismay.
They arrived at the house, saving him from further conversation. Emma walked up the front steps with another guest. But as everyone doffed their outer garments in the entrance hall before moving en masse upstairs to the drawing room, she stared at him for a moment before stepping into the small reception room off the entrance.
Hugh paused. He knew an invitation when he saw one. Did he dare accept it? He reminded himself that she was the reason he was here. After lingering briefly in the foyer, he joined her where she stood before the fire in the small room, holding out her hands toward the flames.
“Cold out there, wasn’t it?” he asked as a way of announcing his presence as he forced himself forward.
“Terribly,” she said with a smile. “My hands are still freezing.” She held them out as if to show him.
“I’m sure you’re chilled to the bone.” He glanced at her hands but didn’t take them, deciding to keep his distance. With his luck, someone would come upon them.
She dropped her hands with a slight pout. “I’m cold everywhere.”
“Shall I add more wood to the fire?”
“I can think of a better way to warm.” She batted her lashes several times.
Her invitation was clear but holding her wasn’t worth the risk. Not when her father was beginning to like him. A trickle of unease ran along his skin, and though he couldn’t pinpoint the cause, he always listened to his instincts.
“What is it?”
“We should join the others.”
The twist of her lips suggested disappointment. “I suppose so.” She stepped close to tap a finger on his lapel. “But be on the lookout for mistletoe. One never knows where it might appear.”
Then with a flirtatious smile, she took her leave.
He sighed as he watched her go, wondering what was wrong with him. Since when did he have to be talked into a tête-à-tête with a beautiful lady?
“You tried to convince him to kiss you?” Lucy stared in disbelief at Emma, who sat on the settee beside her in Aunt Edith’s bedchamber later that afternoon. Her whispered words were louder than she intended but their aunt continued to snore gently.
“I don’t have much time and few opportunities,” Emma insisted. “I must take advantage of each one.”
“What did he say?” Lucy had yet to kiss anyone. The thought of doing so caused her mouth to dry. Or was it the idea of kissing Mr. Raybourne that caused it?
Emma heaved a sigh which spoke clearly of her disappointment. “Only that we should rejoin the others. If he likes me, why wouldn’t he take my hint?”
Lucy glanced again at Aunt Edith, but she still slept soundly despite their whispered conversation. “It sounds to me as if he acted as a gentleman should.”
“But he’s a rogue. One would think he’d take advantage of the moment.”
Lucy smiled. “Perhaps you’ve been reading too many romances. Besides, it’s not just a kiss that matters. It’s the moment before the kiss. It’s about how you feel when he looks into your eyes.”
“I felt a lovely flutter as we stood there alone.” Emma’s eyes narrowed as she analyzed the moment. “Have you experienced that as well?”
“I couldn’t say.” Not when the only times she’d felt that had been with Mr. Raybourne. When his eyes had held on her as if nothing else in the world mattered. The memory was enough to cause another flutter.
“Hmm. I suppose it could’ve been nerves. The idea of Mother or Father walking in worried me.”
“As it should. Do take care.” Lucy had to warn her.
“Of course.” Emma waved her hand. “I shall try Mr. Barnes next. Though it will be a challenge to find a moment alone when his sister is forever at his side.”
“Miss Barnes doesn’t seem to make friends easily.”
“Which is why I’ll need your help. If I give you a nod, it means you should lure her away from her brother’s side.”
Lucy hid a sigh. While she was grateful to be here with her family, she didn’t care for the games Emma was playing. “You do realize a moment alone with a man might be all it takes to find you betrothed.”
“I shall be careful. Besides, it’s a thrill to attempt a moment of passion.” She placed both hands over her heart as she spoke.
“A moment of what?” Aunt Edith asked with a frown, suddenly wide awake. “What did you say?”
“Poison,” Emma quickly supplied as she dropped her hands. “We’re discussing a book I’m reading. The heroine has to find poison.”
“Humph.” Aunt Edith considered Emma for a long moment as if unconvinced. Then she closed her eyes once more.
Lucy waited a breath before whispering, “Your recklessness might not end well.”
“You sound like my mother. Where is your sense of adventure, Lucy?” Emma shook her head. “You’ll be a spinster if you don’t find it.”
The thought was a sobering one. Though she loved her aunt, she had no desire to spend the rest of her life living such a solitary existence. Would she have a chance for more? And if that chance came along, would she have the courage to take it?
Hugh arrived early in the drawing room before dinner, hoping to find Miss Waverly. After much thought, he was certain that coming to know her better would be the solution to the absence of a connection he felt when they were together. He might appreciate her beauty, but physical attraction would only last so long.