Page 62 of A Perfect Engagement
He led her onto the dance floor for the minuet. They stood facing each other, hands raised, palms lightly touching as the first strains set the mood. Miles’s expression was composed and imperceptible as always. She didn’t know how anyone could mix up the two brothers. Miles was quieter than his brother, no, perhaps just more reflective. She often found him hard to decipher. Was he lost in thought or simply assessing the situation at hand? Daniel, by far the more talkative of the two, had an easy, affectionate way about him. She could read the emotions across his face as easily as she could read the notes in her favorite concerto.
Miles was always turned out impeccably. His hair combed and oiled back from his forehead in the most fashionable style. His jackets brushed, his boots polished to a high shine, and his cravat intricately tied. Daniel always looked slightly mussed, like he dressed quickly and couldn’t be bothered with the details. What was Daniel doing right now? Sitting out in his garden, enjoying the chirping of the frogs from his pond. Or perhaps he was reading a bedtime story to his daughter.
Miles stepped back and gave a bow. Charlotte automatically dropped to a curtsy, and the dancing began in earnest. She banished her thoughts of Daniel.
“How are preparations for the wedding going?” Miles asked.
“Smoothly.”
“Do you need anything from me?”
“Just for you to show up,” she teased.
“I will be there at ten o’clock on the dot,” Miles promised with all seriousness.
“My lord, that was a joke.”
His face reddened. “Of course, I knew that.”
The set ended, and Miles winged an elbow to escort her off the floor. They exchanged a mutual look of exasperation at seeing her mother hovering at the edge of the dance floor.
Miles turned them toward the other end of the room. “Shall we get some air on the terrace?”
She nodded, appreciative of his quick thinking. Once they were outside, Miles guided them to a spot away from the pair of glass doors which led from the ballroom. A thick vine of wisteria climbed the outside of the house, and the fragrant scent of the blooms perfumed the night air. As the dancing inside had just begun, they found themselves alone out on the terrace.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” She lowered her eyes. The second compliment of the evening. What was going on?
“Charlotte, may I kiss you?”
Her gaze flew up to meet his.
“I think perhaps it’s time, with the wedding approaching that we see…” He looked acutely uncomfortable. He tugged on the lapels of his jacket in a motion so endearing she could do nothing but nod her ascent. This is what she needed to banish Daniel from her thoughts.
Miles stepped closer and placed a hand at her waist. His other hand took hers and intertwined their fingers. Charlotte raised her face and gazed up into familiar warm brown eyes. Daniel’s eyes always sparked with humor and pulled her in so she could think of nothing else but him.What are you doing? Focus on the man in front of you.
Miles gazed down at her for a long moment before dipping slowly to brush his lips against hers. Gently once then twice, and a third time, he pressed more firmly while he pulled her closer. She focused on how nice and firm his lips were against hers. How good he smelled, like fresh soap. It was a very nice kiss. Miles raised his head, his gaze intense, and she wondered what he was about to say.
Then he gave her hand a squeeze. “That was nice. Now, shall we go back inside?”
That was nice?Not sure how to respond, Charlotte nodded her head and allowed herself to be led back into the ballroom. They ran into Lord and Lady Rivenhall as they entered. Olivia leaned forward to give her a kiss on the cheek.
“Hello! I’m so glad you’re here. This is turning out to be quite the crush, and I still haven’t seen anyone I actually like.”
“Hawksridge, good to see you again,” Lord Rivenhall said. “Shall we find some wine for us all?”
“Absolutely,” Miles replied. “We will be right back, ladies. So Rivenhall, what do you think about the article in this morning paper about the Hollins tax cut?”
“Appalling. Those blowhards have no idea what they are starting.”
The two men walked away deep in conversation.
“Let’s sit while there are still chairs. With all these people they have to maneuver through, they won’t be back for a while.” They settled on two nearby chairs. “I see you two were coming in from outside. Nice weather this evening.”
“He kissed me,” Charlotte blurted out.
“He did?” Olivia turned in her seat to face Charlotte. “How was it?”
