Page 9 of A Gentleman's Kiss
There was something in his eyes, a deep shade of green, they drew her in and held her there. His gaze promised things. What that promise meant she wasn’t sure nor could she comprehend, although it did pique her curiosity.
Lillian pulled her gaze away from his and glanced toward the ground. She fidgeted slightly and could feel the heat rise in her cheeks from the intensity of his stare.
“Sir Trenton, the pleasure is mine. You have a lovely estate,” Lillian answered, hoping the heat in her cheeks would fade.
His penetrating gaze raked over the length of her. Her stomach jumped with nerves. Not the delicious warmth that Lord Wessex made her feel when he did the same thing. “Perhaps I could give you a tour?”
Lillian wasn’t sure how to answer. She wasn’t entirely comfortable with going on a tour with the man, and she didn’t know why. Perhaps it was just that she was overwhelmed. There certainly was a lot going on, and she’d just met so many new people, all of whom she’d never remember their names. Perhaps a tour would in fact be in order. She could get away for a short time from the crowds and the whispers and stares. “Yes, a tour would be delightful.”
Aunt Georgiana shot her a sharp gaze, and she wondered at its meaning. Should she have asked permission first? Lillian also noticed, Lord Wessex’s brow was wrinkled and his mouth had taken on a stern line. The muscle of his jaw ticked, and his hands became fists at his side.
Lord Wessex must be jealous. He’d wanted to be her escort, that was certain and now she’d rebuffed him and chosen someone else. Aunt Georgiana was another matter entirely. Was it only that she considered Sir Trenton to be above Lillian’s station? What was her station?
The whole social class order in London confused her. In America, there had certainly been upper class, middle class and lower classes, but it was easier to understand. Here it seemed a jumbled mess.
Sir Trenton was a baronet. Although her father was the younger brother of a duke, and had once been an earl her mother was a commoner. Did that make a difference? It was all too puzzling.
She decided to ignore her aunt. It wasn’t like Sir Trenton was asking her to marry him, he just wanted her to go for a walk. Besides were it to come to anything, a baronet would lead a simpler life than any other titled man, and she was looking for a simple life.
After the internal battle with herself, Lillian settled on taking the tour of the gardens with Sir Trenton. He was so devilishly handsome, and she decided she liked the way he gazed at her with interest.
