Julian was uneasy with the mischief in his friend’s eyes. ‘How do you know that?’
‘I read the papers, like everyone else—albeit later in the day. What do you say you introduce me?’
‘No.’
‘I promise to behave.’
‘No.’
‘Windsucker.’
‘Dolt.’
Hart tossed the lock of hair out of his eyes. ‘Well, I think you’re going to have to do something. It seems the lady knows you are here.’
The moment their eyes met every part of Julian’s body reacted to the sight of her. When she gave him a small smile he managed to nod in return.
‘Capital! You’ve been acknowledged. Now, go and speak with her.’
What could he possibly say to her when all he could think about was taking her to some remote area of the museum? Trying to kiss her had been highly improper. What if she was angry with him for his boldness?
He was at war with himself. Part of him wanted to go over to her and remain with her for the rest of the day. The other part of him knew that spending any more time with her would make him miserable with unfulfilled longing.
‘Are you going to stare at her all afternoon?’ teased Hart.
‘The thought did occur to me.’
* * *
Katrina could actually hear the pounding of her own heart. She had spied Lyonsdale standing near the doorway and simply wanted to observe him. But he had caught her staring, and Katrina had been so embarrassed she had lowered her head so he wouldn’t witness her blush. Now, because they had made eye contact, he would feel obligated to say hello.
With a confident stride he crossed the gallery with his companion and stopped a few feet in front of her. ‘I hope you ladies are both well,’ he said, inclining his head politely.
She struggled with the urge to finish the kiss he had started. ‘Yes, thank you, and you?’ she said, twisting her finger around the braided handle of her reticule.
‘Quite well, thank you,’ he replied, and then introduced Katrina and Sarah to his friend, Lord Hartwick.
‘Have you both been enjoying the exhibition?’ Sarah asked.
‘He has,’ replied Lord Hartwick. ‘I must confess broken statues do not hold my interest—especially when most of them are of men.’
Lyonsdale eyed his friend sharply, and a silent communication passed between them before Lyonsdale turned back to Katrina. ‘Has any particular piece caught your eye?’ he asked.
Why was it that the only sculpture she could remember seeing was that of the nude man? Was Lyonsdale as muscular as the man carved out of marble? From the way the cut of his coat accentuated his frame, he appeared to be. There had to be another piece of art she could remember seeing...
‘The horse’s head,’ she blurted out, grateful she had thought of such an innocuous piece.
‘It is quite lifelike, is it not? I enjoy the friezes myself.’
Their almost kiss had muddled her brain. Katrina was beginning to picture his head upon the statue that had so intrigued her earlier. That odd flutter was back, low in her abdomen, and the air was growing thin. If she didn’t distance herself from him immediately she was certain to make a cake of herself.
‘Well, it was nice to see you again. I believe we will leave you gentlemen to your leisure and continue on.’
When Lyonsdale inclined his head and was about to turn away, his friend cleared his throat. Katrina caught the questioning look that crossed Lyonsdale’s face.
Lord Hartwick tipped his head. ‘I believe, ladies, that you could not have a better guide than His Grace. Perhaps you would be interested in having him explain the Marbles to you?’
Katrina eyed both men hesitantly. How could she possibly say no without insulting Lyonsdale? But if she spent any more time with him in a room full of barely clad statues she might tug him behind one and kiss him till he had trouble breathing as well.
‘It is very kind of you to offer, however, we would not want to keep you longer than necessary with our pace,’ she said, feeling Sarah’s eyes on her.
‘I assure you it would be of no inconvenience. Although I can understand you wanting to take your time with the exhibition,’ Lyonsdale said, glancing at his friend.
‘Well...thank you again for your offer,’ she said, linking her arm through Sarah’s. Hopefully the air was cooler in the adjoining gallery. ‘Perhaps we will see each other again.’
* * *
When Miss Vandenberg and her friend were a good distance away, Julian rounded on Hart. ‘What in the world possessed you to do that?’
‘Well, pardon me for trying to extend the encounter.’
‘Next time do not lend me your assistance.’
‘Next time I won’t. You are on your own, Romeo.’
‘Do not call me that.’
Hart shook his head. ‘You must be aware that the two of you produce an interesting display when you’re together. It’s like nothing I’ve witnessed with you before.’
‘What display?’
‘When the two of you stare at one other, one might expect you each to drag the other behind some grand statue in this room.’ Hart glanced around. ‘Possibly that one over there.’
Julian’s eyes narrowed. ‘She declined your offer to have me show her the Marbles. What in the world could possibly make you think she wants me?’
She had also refused his kiss, however, he was not about to state that fact. Her eagerness to leave just now told him how insulted she must be by his improper advance. He had allowed his passion to overtake him. Guilt churned in his gut.
‘Oh, we are not playing the two young simpering misses, are we? If there is one thing I know, it’s the look of a woman who wants to be taken. Now, don’t expect me to give you an exact recounting of the number of times she glanced at you and the way her breathing increased when you drew close to her.’
None of this could be true. ‘How do you know her breathing increased?’
‘Her lovely little breasts rose most rapidly.’
Julian’s right hand curled into a fist. ‘What were you doing staring at her breasts?’ he said through his teeth.
‘Pardon me—have we met?’ Hart crooked his lip. ‘I’m curious. Have you called out her name yet when you’re with Helena? If you have, please tell me she noticed.’
Julian tugged at the cuff of his sleeve. ‘You’ll be pleased to know I have ended my association with Helena.’
A broad smile broke out on Hart’s face. ‘You have been keeping secrets from me. Not at all sporting of you. Did she turn some tables?’
‘She threw a candlestick at me, but I managed to save my head. She was offended that the pearls I gave her weren’t diamonds. Apparently a duke should give diamonds when he ends a liaison. Did you know that? I didn’t. Glad I never did give her any, though.’
‘So now you are free to pursue the lovely Miss V?’
‘She is an unmarried woman. I’ll not ruin her.’
Hart eyed him closely. ‘Perhaps you should marry her, then.’
‘What? You are talking about marriage? You who repeatedly defile the sanctity of such a union all over Town?’
‘Well, I am