Mr. and Mrs. Waverly were among those conversing, but Emma hadn’t yet arrived. The relief he felt nearly had him scowling. He walked to the sideboard and poured himself a drink so he had time to bury his dark mood before anyone noticed.
“Raybourne, I understand we have you to thank for rescuing Miss Barnes.” Mr. Waverly clapped him on the shoulder. “Well done.”
“It was nothing, sir. Miss Gray was the true hero. If not for her skills of observation as well as her ability to reassure Miss Barnes, the situation might’ve been worse.”
Waverly turned to his wife who joined them. “Did you hear that, dear? Lucy assisted more than she told us.”
“Lucy is a dear,” Mrs. Waverly said with a smile. “She has already shown her selflessness by taking care of Aunt Edith. What would we do without her?”
Hugh clenched his jaw to keep from asking why the entire family didn’t share in their aunt’s care. It seemed as if they expected Lucy to do so because it was convenient for them. Had anyone asked her what she wanted?
“There she is,” Waverly turned and gestured for his niece to join them. “Our heroine for the day.”
Lucy smiled politely as she joined them. She had yet to look at Hugh. “Good evening.”
Her woolen gown was the color of red wine and made her creamy complexion glow. Her upswept hair left her delicate neck bare, tempting Hugh with its graceful lines.
“Far more than a day, I should think.” The words escaped Hugh before he could halt them.
“Oh?” Waverly turned back to Hugh with a brow raised.
Hugh forced a smile as Lucy finally looked at him. “Her tireless care of her aunt seems as if it should be applauded as well.”
“Absolutely.” Mrs. Waverly squeezed her niece’s arm. “I was just telling Mr. Raybourne that I didn’t know what we’d do without you.”
“Aunt Edith is a dear.” Lucy smiled, but the tightness in her expression convinced Hugh he was right.
She might love her aunt, but no young lady should waste years seeing to the wishes of a woman who had one ailment after another.
Even Emma had mentioned that their aunt had a “delicate constitution”. Hugh knew exactly what that meant as he’d had an elderly spinster aunt who’d acted in much the same manner.
Mr. and Mrs. Waverly’s attention were taken by one of the other guests, leaving Hugh standing with Lucy.
“Please accept my apologies for causing you upset earlier,” he began.
“The fault is mine.” Lucy glanced about as if to make certain no one overheard before meeting his gaze. “My emotions got the better of me.” Her long lashes swept down and hid those eyes once more.
Surprise kept Hugh silent. Her honesty was refreshing, and the vulnerability she revealed only made him feel more protective of her.
“I haven’t experienced anything quite like that before.” She looked him in the eye, stealing his breath. “It was...unexpected.”
The desire he’d spent the past few hours trying to snuff out sparked back to life, brighter than before. “For me as well.”
Her eyes widened as if she were amazed by his admission. Then she shook her head with a smile. “Forgive me, sir, but I’m well aware of your reputation. I don’t believe for a moment that a man like you would find our time together special.”
This was his chance to let her think she was right. That their kiss had been ordinary. Doing so would surely convince her to keep her distance and force him to pursue Emma.
It should be so simple. But he couldn’t do it.
“You are special, Lucy. A true gift.” He lifted his glass in a silent toast. “I hope you come to realize one day how very wonderful you are.”
With a nod, he stepped away before he admitted just how much he admired her. And how much he wanted to repeat their kiss.
“What was that all about?” Emma asked with a frown as she approached Lucy.
“Mr. Raybourne was thanking me for assisting with Miss Barnes today.” Lucy’s heart thudded as she watched him cross the room to speak with Viscount Jameson.
Did he really think her special? Wonderful? The idea left her feeling thoroughly unsettled. She told herself that was what a rogue like him would say. Yet that didn’t ring true. Not when he’d said it with such sincerity.
Guilt settled over her like a wet blanket, prickly and uncomfortable, as she turned her attention to Emma. If her cousin found out about the kiss, would she despise Lucy?
“I don’t see why when he’s the one who rescued her.” Emma sighed as her gaze held on Hugh. “I must say that his actions today make him even more appealing. To think he carried her all that way. How strong he is.”
Lucy forced her gaze away from Hugh before she told Emma she was right. Based on the feel of his muscled arm during their kiss, he was very strong, and his actions heroic. But he was not for her. She had Aunt Edith to care for and no room in her life for a man. Their kiss had been a mistake, and she’d take care not to repeat it, especially if Emma was truly interested in him.
“Does that mean you’re still considering him as a suitor?” She studied Emma, wondering if her time with him during the sleigh ride had helped her decide.
Yet part of her couldn’t understand how her cousin could not be besotted by the man. The moment before Hugh’s lips had pressed against hers, her heart had threatened to beat out of her chest. Hadn’t she always thought a woman would know before a kiss whether the act would be special? She’d been right.
Her stomach danced as she relived their time together again, and it was all she could do to keep a polite mask on her face.
“Oh, yes. I believe his actions overtake Mr. Barnes’ by far.” Emma’s gaze slid from Mr. Barnes back to where Hugh and the viscount stood. “Although Viscount Jameson is thoroughly tempting as well. His title makes him so appealing.”
Lucy tightened her lips to keep from sharing her opinion on the topic. A title shouldn’t matter—only the kind of man he was. But title and wealth were two major factors a lady should consider when the subject of marriage arose. A man’s demeanor and good humor were only important if the other factors were met. Marriage was often a business dealing, not a matter of the heart.
“This evening after dinner, we’ll play a few games.” Emma’s smile gave Lucy pause. “It will be great fun and provide a chance for me to get to know the viscount better.”
“What sort of games?” Lucy nearly didn’t want to ask. Emma might say her target was Viscount Jameson, but Lucy had no doubt she’d flirt with whoever was nearby. She almost hoped Aunt Edith would need her so she wouldn’t have to witness Emma flirting with Hugh. Suddenly the days stretched long before Christmas arrived and the party ended.
“Hunt the Slipper.” Emma’s giggle was alarming.
While the game was usually played by children, Lucy could imagine only too well how scandalous it would be with adults since touching was involved. Her cheeks heated at the image of searching for the slipper hidden on a guest’s person, Hugh in particular.
“Will your mother allow it?” Lucy asked, unable to keep a note of disapproval in her voice even if it made her feel quite the spinster.
“With luck, Mother and the other ladies will remain in the drawing room and we will invite the younger, unattached guests to join us in the sitting room.”