Lucy, other than himself. Therefore, he had no business thinking of a future with her.
Was that what he was doing? Considering a future with Lucy? He shook his head at the startling thought. That hadn’t been part of his plan. If only he’d remembered that before kissing her.
“You don’t care for the knot?” James sounded terribly affronted.
“The cravat is perfect, as always.” Hugh frowned. “A certain lady is causing my frustration.”
“I see.” He looked as if he were about to say something only to hold back.
James chose wisely, for Hugh had no wish to talk about Lucy or Emma. Neither lady was making him happy at the moment. Or rather, his feelings for them weren’t. Even his thoughts made no sense.
He attempted to clear his mind as he made his way to the drawing room where the guests had gathered before dinner.
Mr. and Mrs. Waverly were among those conversing, but Emma hadn’t yet arrived. The relief he felt nearly had him scowling. He walked to the sideboard and poured himself a drink so he had time to bury his dark mood before anyone noticed.
“Raybourne, I understand we have you to thank for rescuing Miss Barnes.” Mr. Waverly clapped him on the shoulder. “Well done.”
“It was nothing, sir. Miss Gray was the true hero. If not for her skills of observation as well as her ability to reassure Miss Barnes, the situation might’ve been worse.”
Waverly turned to his wife who joined them. “Did you hear that, dear? Lucy assisted more than she told us.”
“Lucy is a dear,” Mrs. Waverly said with a smile. “She has already shown her selflessness by taking care of Aunt Edith. What would we do without her?”
Hugh clenched his jaw to keep from asking why the entire family didn’t share in their aunt’s care. It seemed as if they expected Lucy to do so because it was convenient for them. Had anyone asked her what she wanted?
“There she is,” Waverly turned and gestured for his niece to join them. “Our heroine for the day.”
Lucy smiled politely as she joined them. She had yet to look at Hugh. “Good evening.”
Her woolen gown was the color of red wine and made her creamy complexion glow. Her upswept hair left her delicate neck bare, tempting Hugh with its graceful lines.
“Far more than a day, I should think.” The words escaped Hugh before he could halt them.
“Oh?” Waverly turned back to Hugh with a brow raised.
Hugh forced a smile as Lucy finally looked at him. “Her tireless care of her aunt seems as if it should be applauded as well.”
“Absolutely.” Mrs. Waverly squeezed her niece’s arm. “I was just telling Mr. Raybourne that I didn’t know what we’d do without you.”
“Aunt Edith is a dear.” Lucy smiled, but the tightness in her expression convinced Hugh he was right.
She might love her aunt, but no young lady should waste years seeing to the wishes of a woman who had one ailment after another.
Even Emma had mentioned that their aunt had a “delicate constitution”. Hugh knew exactly what that meant as he’d had an elderly spinster aunt who’d acted in much the same manner.
Mr. and Mrs. Waverly’s attention were taken by one of the other guests, leaving Hugh standing with Lucy.
“Please accept my apologies for causing you upset earlier,” he began.
“The fault is mine.” Lucy glanced about as if to make certain no one overheard before meeting his gaze. “My emotions got the better of me.” Her long lashes swept down and hid those eyes once more.
Surprise kept Hugh silent. Her honesty was refreshing, and the vulnerability she revealed only made him feel more protective of her.
“I haven’t experienced anything quite like that before.” She looked him in the eye, stealing his breath. “It was...unexpected.”
The desire he’d spent the past few hours trying to snuff out sparked back to life, brighter than before. “For me as well.”
Her eyes widened as if she were amazed by his admission. Then she shook her head with a smile. “Forgive me, sir, but I’m well aware of your reputation. I don’t believe for a moment that a man like you would find our time together special.”
This was his chance to let her think she was right. That their kiss had been ordinary. Doing so would surely convince her to keep her distance and force him to pursue Emma.
It should be so simple. But he couldn’t do it.
“You are special, Lucy. A true gift.” He lifted his glass in a silent toast. “I hope you come to realize