Chapter 16
“There’s been another change of plan!” Miss Faith wandered into the bedchamber shaking her head and making both her sisters groan. “Mama is now going to the theatre to rehearse this morning and will be joining us for luncheon at Lord Stephen’s house later so she can spend the afternoon with us. He, his wife and their guests will be returning with us for the performance and because we’ll be dining with them afterwards, it has been decreed we’ll all be in their carriages. Lily, you need to meet her at the theatre at six to get her ready—but apart from that you are free.”
“And if I were you,” added Miss Hope with a roll of her eyes, “I’d make myself scarce at the first available opportunity in case our disorganised parents change their minds again. You get to enjoy a whole day in Brighton.”
“I wish I could enjoy a whole day in Brighton.” Miss Charity sighed. “It is such a glamorous town and Lord Stephen is so terribly dull.”
A whole day exploring Brighton sounded wonderful. It certainly sounded better than spending much of it at this inn dodging George and feeling wretched.
Lily finished helping the girls dress, then decided to avoid breakfast and the taproom altogether by helping Evan in the stables. He was in the midst of attaching the horses to the harness and, in just his shirtsleeves despite the cold February sea air, he was quite the sight to see.
“There’s been another change of plan.”
He turned, beaming, and it did something strange to her insides. “I heard. Apparently you and I have most of the day off. It’d be a shame to waste it, wouldn’t it?”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
Unfortunately, George picked that moment to cross the deserted stable yard, but before he had the chance to glare at them or see Lily’s hurt expression, Evan winked, then tugged her hand. As the man who callously broke her heart looked on, Evan pulled her close, his deep voice an intimate whisper. “Pretend you’re mad for me. Let’s show him you’re over him.”
Lily smiled up into Evans handsome face and rested her palm affectionately over his heart, feeling the way it sped up at her touch. “Is he still watching us?”
Evan looped his arms around her waist, his green eyes convincingly besotted, and both things set her off kilter. “Like a hawk, darlin’. Certainly with more interest than a happily married man should.”
“Good.” A strange excitement fizzed in her tummy, escaping in a giggle like the bubbles in the champagne Mrs Brookes had given her for Christmas. They made her feel reckless and bold, or perhaps it was Evan who had that effect. Whichever it was, it had the power to make her feel better. He smelled lovely—all soap and fresh air. Beneath her fingers, his hard body was warm and his embrace was oddly comforting. Because it seemed fitting and before she thought better of it, she stood on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
Then sighed in genuine wonder when he kissed her back.
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