Page 18 of Lady and the Scamp

“I didn’t know you thought so.”

She felt her cheeks heat and hurried to change the subject. “As I was saying, those were my friends before I married. After I married, it was the wives of Lord Averley’s friends and the women who were part of the gentry near Averley Hall.”

“And now?”

“And now it’s Lady Jocelyn and the Duchess of Charlemont.”

“Surely not the duchess. I can’t see her giggling late into the night.”

She almost smiled at the image. “But that’s my point. We have different needs at different seasons of our lives.”

“And you thought I was a friend to Albert when he was a bachelor seeking frivolity and adventure.”

“Yes. I couldn’t see how you would fit into his world now. I am happy to say I was wrong.” She gestured to her door. “This is my chamber.”

“Then I’ll bid you good-night and leave you with something to ponder.”

She paused and tilted her head to regard him. “What is that?”

“People change. I might have been a libertine in my youth—an assumption by the way, and not one based on fact—but I’m not still seeking pleasure at every turn.”

“I’m so sorry I assumed, and I see now my theory about needing different people at different times in our lives might be flawed in some circumstances.”

“It’s not flawed. It simply fails to take into account that love and friendship can be a constant. We may change, but our feelings for those we care about do not.”

“Albert is lucky to have you here during this trying time.” She was aware that Galloway was standing close to her. The distance between them was no less than it had been all evening, but itseemedas though he was very near, indeed.

“And the queen is fortunate to count you as a friend. But you’re still trembling.” He took her hand from his arm and held it.

“I’m cold,” she said. She should draw her hand away, but she liked touching Galloway. She liked having her hand held by him.

“Not frightened?” he asked. “I don’t want you to be frightened. You’re safe.”

She nodded. “I feel safe.”

Had he drawn her closer or had she moved toward him? It seemed they were brushing against each other. Her whole bodywas tingling and aching to press against him. She had to actively resist the urge.

“You are safe,” he said. “You are always safe with me.”

She knew she didn’t imagine the way he looked at her. His brown eyes were full of interest, so dark now that she couldn’t see the gold flecks. He leaned forward, and she closed her eyes, anticipating the feel of his mouth against her own.

But he merely brushed his lips over first one cheek and then the other, pausing close to her ear to whisper, “Good-night, Emily.”

She swallowed. “Good-night.”

He stepped back, and she felt even colder than before. Her hands were shaking badly now but, somehow, she managed to open the door of her chamber. When she closed it, he was standing outside, watching her go inside. She pushed the door closed and leaned against it, listening as his footfalls faded away.

Emily pressed a hand against her abdomen. Her corset seemed to cut off the air to her lungs. She couldn’t manage a deep breath, and she badly needed air. She’d thought Galloway would kiss her. She had wanted him to kiss her—and not a mere brush of his mouth on her cheek.

Since Jack’s death, she had never wanted another man to kiss her or even touch her. It had been difficult to even imagine such a thing. But she was imagining it now.

She rang for Pratt and waited for the crushing guilt to force her to her knees. She wanted a man who was not her husband to kiss her. Surely, she would feel ashamed of that.

But no guilt came. Pratt arrived and helped Emily dress for bed. With the corset off, she finally managed a deep breath, but even warm and snug under the covers, sleep was elusive. She didn’t know how or when, but her grieving had ended. She would always love Jack, but she was no longer mourning him.Perhaps Lady Jocelyn was right, and it was time to take off her mourning attire. It was time to move on with her life.

Not that she would make Mr. Galloway part of her future, but he’d shown her that she was ready to take the next step. She could think of a future without Jack and even imagine herself married again.

She closed her eyes and heard Galloway whisper, “Good-night, Emily.”

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