Page 160 of The Sisters of Sea View
Their faces, formerly a shoulder-width apart, were now even closer as he angled toward her. She drew in a shaky breath as the space between them dwindled.
He was so close. Achingly, temptingly close. Her fingers tingled, longing to reach out and stroke his cheek.
His mouth parted slightly and his eye burned bright.
He spoke in a low voice that rumbled through her as the music had done. “There is ... so much I want to say, but words seem inadequate.”
She ran a nervous tongue over her lips. His focus snapped to her mouth, lingering there.
He leaned closer, gaze lifting to hers, measuring, waiting. She held her breath, not moving, and certainly not moving away.
When she did not retreat or object, he leaned closer yet, his face, his mouth, nearing hers. Her eyelids fluttered closed as his lips touched hers, softly, warmly, deliciously.
A moment later, he lifted his head, breaking the contact too soon.
His gaze again met hers, and a soft smile teased a corner of his mouth. “Thank you. That was ... perfect.”
Leaving her to wonder if he had meant the music, or the kiss.
“Don’t stop now,” a voice called.
For a moment, confusion muddled Viola’s kiss-addled brain. Don’t stop kissing? She was ready to agree with that.
Then she realized the voice belonged not to the major but to his father.
“Play another. Oh...” His gaze fastened on his son seated close to Viola, and his eyes widened in surprise. “I say...” Awkwardness tinged his tone. “Pray excuse me.”
“Not at all,” Viola said, even as her cheeks heated.
The major rose from the bench. “I was only helping Miss Summers turn the music.”
“Is that what young people are calling it these days? Well, I shall leave you to it.” He turned and strode from the room.
The awkwardness spread to the two of them.
She rose as well. “I had better go.”
He nodded. “Thank you for obliging me. By playing, that is.” With a wince, he bowed and gestured for her to precede him out.
He walked her to the front door. There, he said, “I hope I did not overstep. The moment seemed to call for more than words.”
She nodded, cheeks burning all the more. “I understand.”
He studied her face with a look of concern. “Are you upset?”
She shook her head. “Embarrassed.”
He ran a light finger over the hot skin of her cheek. “You, my dear Miss Summers, have nothing to be embarrassed about. Trust me.”
30
Sews up Hare Lips. Fixes Gold Roofs and Palates.
—Josiah Flagg, Jr., broadside advertisement
Later that afternoon, Sarah and Emily sat in the library together, quietly discussing Claire’s letter and the final preparations for the Eltons’ dinner party the following evening.
Mrs. Elton entered the room, wearing a frown. “I can’t understand it, but the response to our invitations has been most disappointing. I cannot help but think it must have something to do with this house or your family. Miss Viola, perhaps. Or maybe the weather. There must be some reason so few have written to accept, and not the ones we most wanted. Is there some village fête you forgot to warn us about?”
