That discovery left him with an awkward awareness of Melanie that made his whole body tingle.
Six
Since the dance lessons were clearly over for the day, Melanie’s attention drifted to Walter George again as he assisted with righting the room’s furniture back to its normal placement. He had stayed, danced with her again after tea, and seemed in no hurry to go about his own business.
Melanie didn’t mind that Walter was here, but the quality of her thoughts relating to him confused her. He was a fine dancer, an entertaining conversationalist. His sense of humor had smoothed over the tension building between her brother and his wife. She liked him.
She
liked
Walter George very much, and that was altogether baffling to realize after being acquainted with him for so long and thinking nothing more of it until he’d pulled her closer in their dance.
When their eyes had met and held, she’d almost swooned at the heat in them. Only her training had saved her from reacting; only her understanding of Walter’s character had prevented her from jerking back. The moment had quickly passed and since then he’d been nothing but a perfect gentleman. The same Walter she’d always known and trusted.
Although yesterday when he’d held her, her heart
had
beaten a little faster than she was accustomed to in his presence. She hadn’t even minded him prying about her governess’s death. He had seemed to possess a genuine interest in understanding her reactions, her need to avoid being held. He would tell no one of her emotional outburst too. He’d promised and she believed him completely in that regard.
Walter had always been a man of his word.
He was possessed of an exemplary character. Very loyal to his friends and family.
She fussed with straightening the sheet music, surreptitiously noticing his ease and affability with her family. Walter was everyone’s friend. People just seemed to like him, fathers, mothers, sons, though she’d never heard of him having a sweetheart of his own.
Perhaps it was his ready smile, offered so often in the recent weeks that made her notice his qualities now. Despite all she’d done wrong in the past, all the toes she’d trod on unwittingly, he still seemed willing to be friendly toward her. The first to overlook her many mistakes.
She wasn’t really sure why he would want to.
“Are they straight yet?”
His question brought a wave of heat to her face and she quickly set the sheets in a neat pile, and closed the lid over the keys. She normally did not stand around contemplating the appeal, or not, of her brother’s closest friends. “I’ll just put them away.”
She nudged the stool beneath the pianoforte and hurried to place the sheet music in Valentine’s study where they belonged on the high shelf. Footsteps followed her and a shiver raced over her skin. She set the music away then faced the room. Walter George had followed her.
“Yes?”
His lips twisted into a slow grin. “Thank you for the dance.”
“A pleasure.” Her heartbeat quickened as she held his gaze.
“Was it?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I had wondered, after yesterday, if you’d have rather not danced. I trust I did not make you feel too uncomfortable.”
She shook her head to reassure him. While in his arms, she had thought about his proximity, but it had certainly not distressed her. “You are a fine dancer, sir. I do not think the lesson would have ended so well without your presence.”
He smiled again. “You tested my theory that we could dance together even with our eyes closed. What was your opinion?”
“I was curious but it seemed no hardship to me.” She blushed, remembering the feeling of spinning out of control in Walter’s sure grip. It had been a wonderful sensation. Almost like floating in the sea, which she hadn’t done in years. Not since she’d been a girl in Andy’s care. “Did you close your eyes, too?”
“No, I was much too busy making sure to avoid crashing into your brother and Julia. Perhaps another time when they are less unpredictable.” He glanced behind him and frowned.
Wondering what it was that drew his notice, she moved to his side, just as his attention returned to her.
His eyes lit with teasing light that set her instantly at ease. “Your brother and sister-in-law have just crept upstairs, no doubt for a private word about the dancing.”
She frowned at the news. “They do sneak away fairly often. I suppose that is why Mr. Radley formed the idea that I was
interested
in him. I never considered the consequences properly. Please understand it’s not by my design that we are left alone.”
“Oh, I am well aware of that,” he whispered. His fingers rose to caress her cheek. His thumb stroked over her skin and she blushed, suddenly hot and uncomfortable and all too aware of him as a man. “But I cannot say I am disappointed.”
She gaped and then snapped her mouth shut. Was Walter flirting with her? Since he’d never done so before, she wasn’t sure what to think or do, or how to account for it. But she was actually more often alone with him than she’d ever been with Linus Radley. She eased back against the wall, away from him.
Walter grinned and took a place at her side then set his hands behind his back so he leaned upon them. He stared at the window and a frown creased his brow. “Julia worries a lot more than I’d imagined.”
Melanie relaxed. She was merely imagining his interest. Walter would not have the least idea to be improper. He probably meant nothing by those smiles. He was a friend, perhaps more so than prior to her confession about her governess.
However he viewed her, she appreciated his steady presence and wondered if she could ask more of him to risk confiding further. There had been many times she’d longed for someone to talk to. She leaned toward him, hoping she hadn’t misunderstood his kindness. “This morning, I happened upon her before she’d left her bedchamber and had to insist she change her appearance. She’d pulled all her hair back and wore the most modest gown she owned. I am sure my brother would not have liked to see her that way.”
He glanced toward the door. “She believes she must imitate you?”
“I had hoped I had imagined it, but after this morning, I do not doubt.” Melanie pressed her hands together at her waist. “I don’t know how to reassure her that the way she has always appeared is best. Perhaps your sister could visit more often and lend her voice as well. Since the marriage, Julia has not been herself. I fear my father’s criticisms have been taken too much to heart.”
“Keep doing what you’re doing, but I will have a quiet word to Imogen about your fears.” He smiled. “I am glad she listened to you this morning. She did look lovely, as do you.”
“Thank you,” she said, but her heart fluttered. She’d been complimented for her looks all her life, but this was the first time in a very long time she felt certain the compliment was offered with no hidden motive. “You’re very kind.”
“As are you. You stepped aside very graciously when your brother married.”
“It was only right. Julia is his wife and this is her home now.”
“It cannot be easy.” He turned and leaned his shoulder against the wall, facing her. “You must be very frustrated.”
She stared at him. “How could you suggest that?”
“I have been acquainted with you for over fifteen years, and you do like to be busy and do things your way.” He smiled. “That was a compliment, in case you were not certain of my intent. I have a high regard for women who know their own minds.”
His gaze dropped and her breath caught. Why was he looking at her mouth? “Thank you,” she managed to choke out.
“Dance with me again,” he whispered.
He held out one hand and even as she slipped her palm over his instinctively, she wondered why she would do it. There was no music. Her hand rose to his shoulder as he wrapped one arm around her waist. Her breath caught as he tugged her closer, forcing her to look at him.
He held her gaze a moment longer than comfortable—and when he bent his head and brushed his lips across hers, Melanie was utterly surprised. And not just by the kiss, but by the fact that it was Walter George delivering it.
He’d tricked her!
Unfortunately, she couldn’t make herself move away from him.
She stood frozen in place, her feet rooted to the spot, her lips molding to his.
His kiss deepened to one of gentle exploration. Their lips clung and she couldn’t stop the sound that escaped her control.
He drew back, searching her face. A question lingering in his gaze that she had no answer to. She didn’t know what he was doing; she didn’t know what she was thinking to allow it either.
He cupped her face and brushed his thumb over her cheekbone. His touch was soothing, unhurried, reminding her of his gentleness of the day before.
His other hand firmed across the curve of her back and he sighed softly.
She blushed and glanced down at his chest. She’d rarely allowed a suitor such liberties, for good reason, and Walter was not one of those—never a suitor. In fact, she should stop him before he regretted his actions. She lifted her face to ask for release just as he pulled her against his body and sought her lips again for another kiss.
The kiss was deeper, overpowering, and Melanie clung to him for balance, swept away by an experience unlike any other.
She had allowed a kiss or two from one prior suitor but hadn’t particularly cared for the experience of being pawed at. But with Walter, she felt no fear, only familiarity. His tongue danced across her parted lips and she whimpered at the unexpected sensation.
She pushed at his chest firmly, at last remembering where they stood. Valentine and Julia could come back at any moment and she dreaded to think what they might say of her behavior. They might insist Walter had to marry her, just because of a mere kiss. She would refuse him, of course. Walter did not realize he was making a grave mistake.
They studied each other a long moment in silence. Words failed Melanie as she struggled to contain her panic.
Walter nodded finally then cleared his throat. “Thank you again for the dance. I don’t believe I’ve ever had a more enjoyable afternoon.”
His gaze darted to her lips once more and she trembled anew. What had she done? Anticipation and fear gripped her. She couldn’t decide which affected her more. Walter was just Walter. Her neighbor. Her brother’s friend. He had never once shown romantic interest in her before today. She had to say something cutting to send him away, but words stuck in her throat.
“Until dinner tonight, Mellie. Perhaps you might oblige me with another dance then.” As he departed the room, a tiny smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
Melanie collapsed against the wall, acutely aware that despite the surprisingly pleasant kiss, she’d dread his return later. She didn’t want to disappoint him but she would. She had no business encouraging any man.
Seven
The trouble with eating with friends was that it was entirely possible to eat too much and not feel guilty about it. That lack of guilt was what had led to Walter’s larger size years ago. In recent times, exercise had combatted the worst of his past overindulgence, but hadn’t lessened his sweet tooth.
Much like his interest in kissing Melanie. Once tried, it was all he could think about.
He scraped the last of the Empress Pudding from his plate and glanced about him with a warm smile. It was good to be among friends.
Across the table, one of the most influential couples in Brighton was seated and appeared happy. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwood, an older couple with children grown enough to have children of their own, were not quite finished with the splendid dessert course the Mertons had provided. Julia and Valentine were clearly done and smiled at each other all too often. Melanie, his dinner companion, was keeping pace with Walter and had helped along the conversation when it had lagged all through the meal.
Of their earlier kiss, she showed no outward sign of reaction to him.
Mrs. Hartwood pressed a napkin to her lips. “You set a wonderful table, Mrs. Merton.”
Julia beamed happily as Valentine caught her hand. “Thank you, Mrs. Hartwood. You are very kind to say so, but you should also thank my dear sister. Without Melanie’s help, I would never have managed it all so well. My brother rarely entertained.”
“Well, you are in good hands now.” Mrs. Hartwood glanced at Melanie approvingly. “You must both come for tea tomorrow and meet my grandchildren.”
Melanie smiled warmly at Julia and allowed her to answer. “We should like that very much.”
Such a gracious woman to defer to a younger sibling-by-marriage, but he supposed that was how it was meant to be in such a household. He cast a glance over Melanie and saw more that appealed to him. She was wearing a modest burgundy gown with dark seed pearls decorating the neckline and silver embroidery across the bodice and capped sleeves. It was a simple gown really, but made unique by the careful details, and one that suited Melanie to perfection. She did not try to draw attention but she claimed it anyway.
One had to look hard to see the effort the woman made to suit the situation. Julia, seated across the table, outshone Melanie with her gold necklace and elaborate curls. Her gown was of cream silk and lace, a costly gown by any standard. But of the two, Walter preferred Melanie.