She wasn’t really sure why he would want to.
“Are they straight yet?”
His question brought a wave of heat to her face and she quickly set the sheets in a neat pile, and closed the lid over the keys. She normally did not stand around contemplating the appeal, or not, of her brother’s closest friends. “I’ll just put them away.”
She nudged the stool beneath the pianoforte and hurried to place the sheet music in Valentine’s study where they belonged on the high shelf. Footsteps followed her and a shiver raced over her skin. She set the music away then faced the room. Walter George had followed her.
“Yes?”
His lips twisted into a slow grin. “Thank you for the dance.”
“A pleasure.” Her heartbeat quickened as she held his gaze.
“Was it?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I had wondered, after yesterday, if you’d have rather not danced. I trust I did not make you feel too uncomfortable.”
She shook her head to reassure him. While in his arms, she had thought about his proximity, but it had certainly not distressed her. “You are a fine dancer, sir. I do not think the lesson would have ended so well without your presence.”
He smiled again. “You tested my theory that we could dance together even with our eyes closed. What was your opinion?”
“I was curious but it seemed no hardship to me.” She blushed, remembering the feeling of spinning out of control in Walter’s sure grip. It had been a wonderful sensation. Almost like floating in the sea, which she hadn’t done in years. Not since she’d been a girl in Andy’s care. “Did you close your eyes, too?”
“No, I was much too busy making sure to avoid crashing into your brother and Julia. Perhaps another time when they are less unpredictable.” He glanced behind him and frowned.
Wondering
what it was that drew his notice, she moved to his side, just as his attention returned to her.
His eyes lit with teasing light that set her instantly at ease. “Your brother and sister-in-law have just crept upstairs, no doubt for a private word about the dancing.”
She frowned at the news. “They do sneak away fairly often. I suppose that is why Mr. Radley formed the idea that I was interested in him. I never considered the consequences properly. Please understand it’s not by my design that we are left alone.”
“Oh, I am well aware of that,” he whispered. His fingers rose to caress her cheek. His thumb stroked over her skin and she blushed, suddenly hot and uncomfortable and all too aware of him as a man. “But I cannot say I am disappointed.”
She gaped and then snapped her mouth shut. Was Walter flirting with her? Since he’d never done so before, she wasn’t sure what to think or do, or how to account for it. But she was actually more often alone with him than she’d ever been with Linus Radley. She eased back against the wall, away from him.
Walter grinned and took a place at her side then set his hands behind his back so he leaned upon them. He stared at the window and a frown creased his brow. “Julia worries a lot more than I’d imagined.”
Melanie relaxed. She was merely imagining his interest. Walter would not have the least idea to be improper. He probably meant nothing by those smiles. He was a friend, perhaps more so than prior to her confession about her governess.
However he viewed her, she appreciated his steady presence and wondered if she could ask more of him to risk confiding further. There had been many times she’d longed for someone to talk to. She leaned toward him, hoping she hadn’t misunderstood his kindness. “This morning, I happened upon her before she’d left her bedchamber and had to insist she change her appearance. She’d pulled all her hair back and wore the most modest gown she owned. I am sure my brother would not have liked to see her that way.”
He glanced toward the door. “She believes she must imitate you?”
“I had hoped I had imagined it, but after this morning, I do not doubt.” Melanie pressed her hands together at her waist. “I don’t know how to reassure her that the way she has always appeared is best. Perhaps your sister could visit more often and lend her voice as well. Since the marriage, Julia has not been herself. I fear my father’s criticisms have been taken too much to heart.”
“Keep doing what you’re doing, but I will have a quiet word to Imogen about your fears.” He smiled. “I am glad she listened to you this morning. She did look lovely, as do you.”
“Thank you,” she said, but her heart fluttered. She’d been complimented for her looks all her life, but this was the first time in a very long time she felt certain the compliment was offered with no hidden motive. “You’re very kind.”
“As are you. You stepped aside very graciously when your brother married.”
“It was only right. Julia is his wife and this is her home now.”
“It cannot be easy.” He turned and leaned his shoulder against the wall, facing her. “You must be very frustrated.”