‘My housekeeper informed me that plants were a must. Why, I have no idea, but as you can see, for once I capitulated. It looks like a forest in here.’
‘Yes.’ He glanced around, noticing a surprising new abundance of shrubbery. ‘It certainly looks greener than usual.’
‘It’s ridiculous. Goodness knows what I’m supposed to do with it all afterwards. I certainly shan’t be throwing another party in a hurry.’ She fixed him with a steely look. ‘I expected you here earlier.’
‘I went for a ride and stayed out longer than I intended.’
‘If that’s supposed to be an excuse, then I don’t accept it. You ought to have been here on the receiving line.’
‘My apologies. I didn’t think that you’d need me.’
‘Honestly, Samuel, you’re getting as bad as your grandfather.’ She gave him an exasperated look. ‘Fortunately, despite your absence, things have been going well. Even Miss Fortini appears to be on her best behaviour.’
‘Indeed?’
‘Yes, she’s barely rolled her eyes all evening. She’s been much admired, too, although most of the gentlemen have been more discreet about it than you, I’m pleased to say. I was afraid your gaze might burn a hole in her dress.’
‘Tactfully put, as always, Grandmother, but you’re right, I shouldn’t have stared. I was just surprised to see her.’
‘Really?’ His grandmother’s voice was blatantly sceptical. ‘Then I shall have to take care not to startle you in the future, Samuel, if that’s the effect.’
‘You stopped surprising me a good twenty years ago, Grandmother. Now if you’ll excuse me, I ought to go and apologise.’
‘Do that and fix whatever squabble you two have had while you’re there.’
He tipped his head, refusing to either acknowledge or contradict the comment, before making a beeline straight across the room.
‘Miss Fortini.’ He bowed gallantly. ‘I’ve just been admonished for staring. May I say how lovely you look this evening?’
‘Thank you, Captain.’ She bobbed a small curtsy in return, her pupils widening a fraction as their eyes met, then to his surprise extended a gloved hand. He accepted it at once and pressed his lips lightly against her fingers, better prepared this time for the surge of desire that immediately raced through his body. It was like an oncoming tide, building in strength the closer he got to her. He wanted to get closer still, to touch a lot more than her hand, too, to gather her into his arms and...
‘Lambert.’ He let her go again reluctantly, turning towards her companion with gritted teeth and a forced smile. ‘How do you do?’
‘Very well, Delaney.’ Fortunately the Marquess seemed unaware of any tension. ‘But how could I not be in such charming company?’
‘Indeed. Miss Fortini is very charming.’
‘She’s just been telling me that she’s Belle. The Belle.’
‘Just Belle.’ The lady in question looked faintly embarrassed, though her gaze never wavered from the Marquess. ‘Although I’ve always preferred the name Anna.’
‘But that’s far too plain!’ Lambert put a hand over his heart. ‘A beautiful woman should have a beautiful name and you’re quite the most exquisite diamond in the room this evening, Miss Fortini.’
‘I’d keep my voice down if I were you.’ Samuel felt a primitive urge to raise his fists. The way Lambert was looking at her was altogether too appreciative. ‘My grandmother takes offence very easily.’
‘Ah.’ The other man’s gaze flickered with alarm towards the Baroness. ‘Well, naturally I didn’t mean to offend...’
‘Your grandmother said you were out riding.’ Miss Fortini came to the Marquess’s rescue.
‘Yes, over the Downs. It was such a beautiful day, I couldn’t resist the sunshine.’ He paused, waiting for some disparaging comment about the luxury of not having to work, but she only smiled.
‘Then I’m glad you made it back in time for the party. It’s nice to see a familiar face.’
‘A friendly one, too, I hope?’ He smiled back, suppressing a look of surprise. After the way they’d parted the last time, he’d expected her to still be angry with him. Or aloof at the very least. Instead, she seemed to have sheathed all her prickles, actually looking pleased to see him, as pleased as he was to see her. He was struck with the realisation that he really had missed her. Those gorgeous brown eyes, that low voice capable of leaping into sudden animation, that rarely bestowed smile, although she seemed to have been bestowing it quite liberally this evening... He felt an unwonted pang of jealousy.
‘Of course a friendly one.’ A mischievous gleam appeared in her eyes. ‘I just thought you might have had something better to do.’
That time he had to stifle a laugh. ‘At this precise moment, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. Perhaps you’d care to join me for a stroll about the room?’ He held an arm out, not that there was much possibility of strolling anywhere in such a crush, but he felt suddenly determined to separate her from Lambert.