“There does appear to be a pattern, doesn’t there?
“Everything amongst thetonis a pattern, from my experience. No one seems to be terribly original. Not even you, with your perfectly knotted cravats and your highly polished Hessians. Gentlemen have been wearing cravats and Hessians for eons.”
For a moment, Cam felt as though she had struck him. He hoped his cheeks weren’t burning. He wanted to strike back at her. But then he realized that perhaps it was a defence mechanism for her. And she hadn’t intended to be insulting. She looked uncomfortable. And she had told him she felt awkward socially. He hadn’t believed her when she’d said it, but perhaps now he’d have to see it. She was certainly unique. He would have to keep that in mind. Perhaps they ought to prepare further for their future social interactions.
Cam cleared his throat softly, buying himself another few seconds to dim his cooling ire. Hilaria appeared to have not noticed his anger. Tightening his hands on her, he tried to gain her attention. It worked beautifully as she returned her gaze to his while blinking as though she were coming awake. Her smile temporarily robbed him of his thoughts before he too blinked and the sensation dissipated.
“You have a remarkable ability to disappear into the moment,” he commented mildly.
“I’m sorry, Eastwood, had you been speaking to me and I didn’t notice?” Hot colour splashed across her cheeks, making her appear young and innocent. “There’s just something about the music and the motion that captivates me.”
“No, I hadn’t yet said anything, but I thought we ought to make some plans.”
She frowned slightly, looking confused, and the colour that had been receding stained her cheeks once more. “My apologies, my lord, I thought we had already done so.” She rallied, becoming irritated. “Actually, I’m certain we did. Did we not agree that you will attend our at home tomorrow and stay longer than is usually acceptable? And then we will attend the same social events and spend time together publicly. And you will collect me to go driving at some juncture, once more. And you are arranging the excursion to see the marbles Elgin has brought. I have been paying attention. I will not renege on our agreement.”
Cam smiled over her wording, even finding her irritation strangely amusing. He sought to soothe her. “Now it is my turn to apologize, Hilaria. I didn’t mean to imply I thought you were reneging at all. I just thought we might wish to discuss how absorbed in each other we ought to appear. You mentioned there seemed to be a certain pattern that these things follow. Do you wish to follow the pattern or set our own way?”
Now the poor dear seemed to be chagrined. Cam fought the urge to pat her back in a soothing motion. He also couldn’t pull her closer into his embrace, but he did tighten his hold on her once more. She appeared slightly confused but offered him a small smile.
“If we wish to stir up sufficient talk amongst our peers to reach our desired ends, we ought to do what is expected, I think. But maybe even more than usual?”
“What do you mean by more than usual? Are you suggesting even more interaction than usual for a courting couple?”
Once again she appeared embarrassed, not quite meeting his gaze with her own. Cam found her fluster endearing. She nodded.
“I agree, if you think you’ll be able to stomach that much of my company.”
This brought her gaze to his immediately. But Cam couldn’t read the conflicting stories being told on her face. It made him think she was of at least two minds on the matter, both looking forward to and dreading the prospect. Again she offered him a small, tentative smile. He nodded to her.
“Very well, how about if I arrive around the middle of your at home time and then after I overstay, invite you to go for a walk around the block? That should set enough tongues to wagging. Anyone who witnesses it will be sure to tell anyone else they encounter after visiting with you Shertons.”
Cam watched as she paled slightly and swallowed as though to clear a constriction in her throat. Her nod even looked as though it had a stutter. But then she seemed to collect herself. She nodded again, more firmly.
“That sounds like a good idea, thank you, Eastwood.” Suddenly, her smile widened. “And I’ve already mentioned to the housekeeper that there might be a greater need for pastries this week.”
He bowed to her as their dance ended. “I will look forward to it,” he murmured as he lifted her hand to his lips in farewell. A faint tremor went through her, which he didn’t comment on and tried not to think about.