CHAPTER 13
Hetty stopped at the mirror above the bureau in the hallway to pinch her cheeks for a little bit of color. Accepting that this was the best it would be, Hetty took a deep breath and entered the west drawing room.
Miles was already on his feet, standing near the window overlooking the small garden.
“You have a lovely home here,” Miles turned and smiled at her. His eyes taking a moment to linger over every minute detail.
Hetty felt flustered, “Thank you, Lord Chambers.”
His eyes shot to hers, “Miles, I insist.”
Hetty’s cheeks pinked, “Yes, of course, Miles. Would you care for some tea?”
He shook his head slowly, “I have just come from breaking my fast. I know that I am a trifle early, but I had hoped to catch you before the rest of your suitors.”
Hetty smiled, “I am afraid that there is not a very long line.”
“There ought to be.” His cool blue eyes were arrested by her face. Miles couldn’t remember a time he had seen anything quite so lovely.
Hetty’s color increased, “Thank you, Miles. Would you care to sit down a while?”
Something tightened in his chest every time she used his name. “I would be delighted to.”
Miles waited until Hetty had chosen her seat. Luckily, she went to the settee which had plenty of room for the two of them. When he sat beside her, Hetty scooted a bit away, and he scooted closer to her.
Hetty’s eyes automatically went to where her maid was sitting.
“She cannot see us well from here,” Miles whispered conspiratorially.
Hetty felt his breath against her cheek. She knew that he was sitting far closer than was proper. But she didn’t want him to move away.
Her dream flashed into her mind and she pictured him leaning down to kiss her. Unbeknownst to her, she began staring at his lips.
“Hetty,” he whispered her name and her eyes flew back to his. They had darkened considerably and he had a look of a predator about him.
Hetty’s breathing increased, surely, he was not interested in kissing her, was he?
Miles leaned in a fraction, watching her closely. When she didn’t move away, Miles knew that he had to taste her. Even if it was for only the briefest of moments.
Just as he went to dip his head, the maid spoke up, “Did you call for me, Miss?”
Hetty wanted to grind her teeth, the maid knew damn well that she hadn’t called for her. She looked back at Miles and he was running his hands through his hair, the spell was broken.
There was a sudden thump against the south wall. Followed by a muffled curse. Her family was attempting to spy on her! Of all the addlepated, ham-handed things to do.
Miles was looking at her askance, “I do believe that someone might have injured themselves.”
Hetty rolled her eyes, “I can only hope so. I apologize, Miles, I think we have some eavesdroppers on our hands.”
Miles raven brows lifted, “Moberly?”
Hetty nodded, “And my mother, make no mistake about that.”
“Want to have some fun with them?” Miles smiled wickedly.
A grin grew on Hetty’s face, “What do you have in mind?”
Miles winked at her, “Just follow my lead,” elevating his voice a bit he called out, “My dearest love, I long to be with you again.”
Hetty giggled, but quickly added, “We must meet in secret, you know how they are.”
Miles grinned back at her, “I can’t wait to sup from your lips! Do not say that we must detain our tryst.”
Hetty covered her mouth to keep her laughter in check, “My bloody family is entirely too nosey.”
There was another thump against the wall, and they both had a hard time stifling their amusement.
“I am so thrilled you have agreed to run away with me!” Miles added with gusto.
“Well, you needed a mistress, and I had nothing better to do,” the words were no sooner out of Hetty’s mouth than Daniel and the Dowager came rushing into the room.
“I will see you at dawn!” Daniel demanded hotly to Miles.
Whilst the dowager was raging, “You will be nobody’s bloody mistress, Henrietta Moberly! You are grounded for the rest of your life!”
Miles and Hetty threw their heads back in gales of laughter. Every time they tried to contain themselves they would take one look at each other and another peal of laughter would come forth.
“I do not understand,” the Dowager sniffed.
“I do believe that we have been had,” Daniel frowned, “How did you know?”
“I do apologize for raising your ire, Danny. But you and mother are quite possibly the worst spies in existence. Who kept banging against the wall?”
The Dowager blushed, “Daniel was in my way, I couldn’t hear as well at the beginning. I had to nudge him to the side a bit.”
Miles grinned, “While an appointment at dawn does sound exhilarating. I am going to have to pass. I have no desire to dishonor your family, or your sister. We just wanted to have a bit of fun.”
“I think I aged ten years in the last few minutes,” Daniel grumbled. He looked over to where the maid was sitting, “I had forgotten you were in here. Was there anything untoward about how these two were behaving?”
Hetty held her breath for a moment hoping that the maid would not call her out about he almost kiss.
“Nothing, Milord, everything was just as it ought to be,” the maid answered resolutely.
Hetty made a mental note to sneak her a cake from supper.
“Well, it’s been a delightful morning. I have a pressing engagement, so I must be off.” Miles turned to Hetty, “Will you be attending the Bilkshore event this evening?”
Hetty looked to her mother for confirmation. The Dowager nodded.
“Yes, we will be there.”
“Splendid,” Miles flashed his straight white teeth, “I should like to reserve the supper dance and one other if I might?”
Daniel growled but Miles ignored him.
Hetty felt on top of the world, “I shall put your name down, thank you.”
Miles stood and said his goodbyes, bowing over both Hetty and the Dowager’s hand. After removing himself the Dowager and Daniel turned to Hetty.
“Did you know we were there the entire time?” Daniel demanded.
Hetty smiled, “Yes, and it serves you both right for not trusting me and for butting your noses in where they do not belong. I told you that we were just friends.”
The Dowager sat there speculating, “I am not so sure. Lord Chambers has a most decidedly friendly look in his eyes when he looks at you.”
Hetty felt a glimmer of hope, but she squashed it before her mother could see it. If things did progress with Miles, it would be because she wanted it to. And not because her mother goaded her into it.