The Last Eligible Bachelor - Ashtyn Newbold Page 0,70

crossed the room.

“We shall search Miss Sedgwick’s room tomorrow,” the housekeeper said. “Simply to rule out the possibility.”

“And her maid?”

“Her room will be searched as well.”

The latch clicked on the door, and their conversation faded into the hallway, as well as the light from their candles. The room filled with darkness once again, our place by the window drenched in silvery moonlight. The moment they were gone, the hammering of my heart became more evident, and I willed myself to relax. The relief that flooded my chest caused a quiet laugh to escape me, and soon Mr. Hill was chuckling too. I felt the vibration of his laugh against me. He was still holding me close, his smiling eyes still staring into mine, just inches away. I had never been so loath to leave the floor.

“You’re lucky you had the foresight to return the necklace tonight,” Mr. Hill said, his voice hoarse and quiet from lack of use. He did not seem any more inclined that I was to leave our place between the window and the sofa. Laughter still punctuated his words, and I couldn’t help but join in.

Another giggle burst from my lips, and I put a hand to my forehead. “Do I have an air of suspicion about me? Why is it Mrs. Ollerton would think me a thief?”

“You did manage to steal me.”

I laughed. “Ah, yes, the most treasured prize of all.”

“It was far past time you realized that.” A wink accompanied the words, his smile growing wider and even more infectious.

I scoffed, shaking my head, though my laughter betrayed my amusement. “One cannot steal something that is willingly given, or rather…forced upon them.” I raised one eyebrow. “I made no effort. You came to me willingly, as I was the only one not attempting to steal you.”

He laughed, his gaze softening as he searched my face. My own laughter faded at that look, a deep, penetrating flutter starting in my chest and spreading through my stomach. I knew his eyes were blue, but in the dim light, they appeared grey. For a moment, I had forgotten that it was past midnight and we were sitting most improperly on the floor, hidden and risking my reputation as well as Sophia’s. I had forgotten about the pendant digging into my palm. I had forgotten our courtship was false.

I had forgotten that I wasn’t supposed to feel anything for him.

I recognized the flutter in my chest as longing, and it seemed to be encouraged by my acknowledgement. The flutter surged, sparking a flame in my chest as I glanced at Mr. Hill’s smiling lips.

“Since we have now established you are not indeed a thief,” he began, “we are forced to face the truth that I am one.”

I met his eyes, my heart leaping when his gaze flickered down to my mouth and back again. “Are you?” I choked. “Was it you who stole the pendant in order to frame me?” I spoke in an effort to tame that wild thing in my chest, but it pounded harder than before.

“No, but I would have, had I known it would lead to this.” His voice carried an edge of mischief, but I lacked the strength to scold him for it. What did he mean by this? Was it our hiding place? His arm around me? Each time he glanced at my lips my breathing stalled.

I maintained a confused expression. “Surely the other ladies didn’t intend for it to lead to this,” I said in a hoarse whisper. I tried to cast him a look of reprimand, but his smile distracted me.

He leaned his head closer, all traces of his laughter gone. My heart still pounded, no matter how much I told it to slow down. “May I steal something from you, Miss Sedgwick?” he asked in a murmur. He seemed just as unaware of our improper situation as I was becoming. Or perhaps he simply didn’t care anymore.

“That will depend on what it is.” I swallowed, careful not to glance at his grinning lips. He may have been teasing me, but I had never felt more serious in my life. More trapped or vulnerable or safe. I looked up at his eyes, and Mrs. Ollerton’s choice of words flashed through my mind. Passion.

My head swam.

“A kiss.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to calm the rate of my pulse and the shaking in my hands.

“If it is willingly given, I shouldn’t have to steal it at all,” he said.