Now that the duke had vacated, Finn relaxed slightly. He brought his Bath chair close enough to her that their knees touched. Of course he felt nothing at the contact, but a tiny inhalation issued from her. He gave her what he hoped was his most charming grin. “I am too now that I find myself in your company.”
“See? I knew you had it in you to act like a polite gentleman instead of a troll beneath a foot bridge.” Amusement sparkled in her eyes as she raised a hand and poked a finger into her coif.
“At times, the bridge becomes boring.” When her orange blossom scent hit his nose, he stifled the urge to groan. “That gown suits you.” What an asinine thing to say. She probably already knew it.
“Thank you for noticing.” She laid a hand on her stomach. “I like to think it resembles the midnight sky on a starry night.”
“That it does.” When was the last time he’d ever taken notice of the nighttime sky? Not since he’d left Belgium, certainly. Finn glanced toward the French-paned doors at the opposite side of the room that had been thrown open to catch the night breeze. “Too bad it’s overcast tonight, else we could move outdoors and star gaze.” What an idiotic thing to say. He swung his attention back at her and hoped she didn’t think him a nodcock.
“I wouldn’t mind that, for the crush is growing in here.” When he didn’t move, she lifted a red eyebrow, clearly waiting, but his courage gave out. She pressed her lips together, and he stared at her mouth, those luscious lips made for kissing. “Have you continued to have feeling in your leg?”
Glad of the interruption to his thoughts, he nodded. “Some, yes. In random spots, but nothing significant.”
“Still, you should see your surgeon. Perhaps something has changed with the nerves in your spine.” She leaned forward and briefly touched a hand to his knee. “Regardless, it’s encouraging.”
“Perhaps, but I refuse to have my hopes buoyed in the event they come crashing down.” He’d come to crave her optimistic attitude and her sunny smiles. “Ah, how well do you know the duke?”
“We’re acquaintances.” She dropped her gaze. “My father wishes for me to encourage his attentions.”
“I see.” It took all his willpower not to turn about and check to see if the man lurked in the room, biding his time. “Do you intend to encourage him?”
“At the moment, no. As I told you, I refuse to marry unless love is involved.” She glanced up and waved to what he assumed was an acquaintance.
Finn glanced over his shoulder. When a pair of young men approached, he growled and glared, making it clear that he wouldn’t let them join the lady while he had her attention. They diverted on their path, and he smiled without mirth. When Jane snickered, he looked at her. “What?”
“It’s cute how you’re jealous.”
“I am not.” He ignored the heat creeping up the back of his neck. “I merely don’t wish to have our conversation interrupted.” She could take from that what she would. “How have you been?”
“Well.” The smile that flirted with her mouth teased him beyond measure, and his chest tightened with a need he hadn’t felt in years. “I finished the book you bought for me.”
“Oh? How did you find it?”
She shrugged, and the candlelight winked on her heart-shaped pendant. “I didn’t enjoy it as well as the classic fairy stories.” A throaty laugh escaped her. “I’m not certain if the wild ways of American living are one of my interests.”
“Understandable.” Would that he was a whole man and could claim the cushion beside her, encourage a chance brush of his sleeve against her arm instead of being removed from her due to the Bath chair.
“I enjoyed our conversation at the chocolate house.”
“As did I.” In some shock, he realized he spoke the truth.
“Good.” She nodded and once more poked a gloved finger into her hair.
He frowned. “I beg your pardon, but are you suffering from lice?”
“Finn!” Her outraged squeak tugged a grin from him at his effrontery. “How dare you.” Yet amusement continued to glimmer in the green pools of her eyes. “I do not. However, I despise hair combs and pins. They hurt my scalp and generally make my head hurt.”
An image of her with her fiery hair flowing free about her shoulders and back took up residence in his mind. The fact that, in his imaginings, her gown was loose and sagging on her arms, barely clinging to those voluptuous globes of her breasts had no relevance.
“Then I hope you find relief soon.”
“Since I can’t exactly let down my hair in a public setting, perhaps you should tell me about your family. I wish to understand the man beneath the surly disposition.”
“I can’t help who I am.”
“Pish posh. I believe you can, but you’re too lazy.” When he bristled, she winked. “Settle, Finn. I’m teasing.”
Why would she do such a thing? “Fine. Where shall I start?”