chance to flirt. To say something charming. But his mind was blank. The reserve he felt with her was puzzling.
She smiled, seemingly unaware of his internal debate. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and he was shocked at her forwardness since they weren’t alone.
“I hope we have the chance to do so again.” She leaned closer.
“As do I.” He patted her hand on his arm. Still, nothing clever came to mind, much to his dismay.
They arrived at the house, saving him from further conversation. Emma walked up the front steps with another guest. But as everyone doffed their outer garments in the entrance hall before moving en masse upstairs to the drawing room, she stared at him for a moment before stepping into the small reception room off the entrance.
Hugh paused. He knew an invitation when he saw one. Did he dare accept it? He reminded himself that she was the reason he was here. After lingering briefly in the foyer, he joined her where she stood before the fire in the small room, holding out her hands toward the flames.
“Cold out there, wasn’t it?” he asked as a way of announcing his presence as he forced himself forward.
“Terribly,” she said with a smile. “My hands are still freezing.” She held them out as if to show him.
“I’m sure you’re chilled to the bone.” He glanced at her hands but didn’t take them, deciding to keep his distance. With his luck, someone would come upon them.
She dropped her hands with a slight pout. “I’m cold everywhere.”
“Shall I add more wood to the fire?”
“I can think of a better way to warm.” She batted her lashes several times.
Her invitation was clear but holding her wasn’t worth the risk. Not when her father was beginning to like him. A trickle of unease ran along his skin, and though he couldn’t pinpoint the cause, he always listened to his instincts.
“What is it?”
“We should join the others.”
The twist of her lips suggested disappointment. “I suppose so.” She stepped close to tap a finger on his lapel. “But be on the lookout for mistletoe. One never knows where it might appear.”
Then with a flirtatious smile, she took her leave.
He sighed as he watched her go, wondering what was wrong with him. Since when did he have to be talked into a tête-à-tête with a beautiful lady?
“You tried to convince him to kiss you?” Lucy stared in disbelief at Emma, who sat on the settee beside her in Aunt Edith’s bedchamber later that afternoon. Her whispered words were louder than she intended but their aunt continued to snore gently.
“I don’t have much time and few opportunities,” Emma insisted. “I must take advantage of each one.”
“What did he say?” Lucy had yet to kiss anyone. The thought of doing so caused her mouth to dry. Or was it the idea of kissing Mr. Raybourne that caused it?
Emma heaved a sigh which spoke clearly of her disappointment. “Only that we should rejoin the others. If he likes me, why wouldn’t he take my hint?”
Lucy glanced again at Aunt Edith, but she still slept soundly despite their whispered conversation. “It sounds to me as if he acted as a gentleman should.”
“But he’s a rogue. One would think he’d take advantage of the moment.”
Lucy smiled. “Perhaps you’ve been reading too many romances. Besides, it’s not just a kiss that matters. It’s the moment before the kiss. It’s about how you feel when he looks into your eyes.”
“I felt a lovely flutter as we stood there alone.” Emma’s eyes narrowed as she analyzed the moment. “Have you experienced that as well?”
“I couldn’t say.” Not when the only times she’d felt that had been with Mr. Raybourne. When his eyes had held on her as if nothing else in the world mattered. The memory was enough to cause another flutter.
“Hmm. I suppose it could’ve been nerves. The idea of Mother or Father walking in worried me.”
“As it should. Do take care.” Lucy had to warn her.
“Of course.” Emma waved her hand. “I shall try Mr. Barnes next. Though it will be a challenge to find a moment alone when his sister is forever at his side.”
“Miss Barnes doesn’t seem to make friends easily.”
“Which is why I’ll need your help. If I give you a nod, it means you should lure her away from her brother’s side.”
Lucy hid a sigh. While she was grateful to be here with her family, she didn’t care for the games Emma was playing. “You do realize a