Here is an excerpt as they try:
Eseld finished her punch and looked away.
“I was being friendly with the viscount, on a purely decent
level, on my part.”
“I’m worried about you. Men can take advantage.
As in being purely mercenary.” Robert’s emotion rose to the
surface, rawer than he wished. “I want you to be very
cautious.”
“I’m aware of greedy men. And I’m not
romantically involved, if that’s what concerns you.”
She didn’t sound angry, more a question. A yearning?
“Are you collecting friends or inquiring where you
should not?” He toned down his rhetoric, not wishing to
upset her.
“That again. You think me foolish, or incapable.”
Her reply was soft despite what she stated. She didn’t
deny her motives.
He moved closer. His heartbeat thudded; was she
investigating a possible spy as he first surmised? “You
are one of the most capable women I know. Please,
confide in me.” They appeared to still dance around one
another—this time with words.
She turned and faced him. “I don’t want us to be at
odds.” She paused for a moment and lightly touched his
stock. “Is that all you seek, me to confide? Am I but a
contrary girl who must be guided by you?”
“Truthfully, as we were always truthful in our
youth, I want to kiss you.” He cupped her upper arms
and couldn’t believe he’d said that aloud. Her jasmine
perfume invaded his senses. “Pardon my boldness. I’m
not of your station anymore, am I?”
“That doesn’t matter to me,” she whispered. “But
aren’t you still in mourning?”
Is the notorious spy tracking them even at Truro's famous assembly rooms?
Purchase from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Entice-Spy-Diane-Scott-Lewis-ebook/dp/B09D9ZCRKX
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