Captain Howard advanced
toward the countess, conscious of the sound of his footsteps on the wooden
floor, the muted noise of coaches and drays through the closed windows and,
from the fireplace, the crackle of burning logs which relieved the chill of early
spring.
The buzz of
conversation resumed. Her ladyship scrutinised him. Did she approve of his
appearance? A smile curved her heart-shaped mouth. He repressed his amusement. Edward
suspected the widow’s rosy lips owed more to artifice than nature.
“How do you
do, sir,” she said when he stood before her. “I think we have not met
previously. Her eyes assessed him dispassionately. My name is Sinclair,
Katherine Sinclair. I dislike formality. You may call me Kate.”
“Captain Howard
at your service, Countess.” Shocked but amused by boldness more suited to a
tavern wench than a great lady, Edward paid homage with a low bow before he
spoke again. “Despite your permission, I am not presumptuous enough to call you
Kate, yet I shall say that had we already met, I would remember you.”
“You are
gallant, sir, but you are young to have achieved so high a rank in Her
Majesty’s navy.”
“An
unexpected promotion earned in battle which the navy did not subsequently
commute.”
“You are to
be congratulated on what, I can only assume, were acts of
bravery.”“Thank you,
Countess.”
The depths
of her ladyship’s sapphire cross and earrings blazed, matching his sudden
fierce desire.
Kate, some
four inches shorter than Edward, looked up at him.
He leaned forward. The customary greeting of a kiss on
her lips lingered longer than etiquette dictated. Her eyes widened....
Publisher. MuseItUp Publishing
