She pursed her lips together, but the smile still lingered at the corners of her mouth. “Dearest,” she said. “When a man becomes…” She paused, touching the tip of her forefinger to her chin, searching for an appropriate word. “Amorous,” she settled on at last, “it can be quite noticeable.”
“Noticeable?” Jilly felt a frown settle over her face as she searched her memory. He had pulled her into the hard line of his body, and through the fabric of her gown she had felt something quite hard pressed against her bottom through his breeches. Her brows lifted. “You mean…” She flicked her fingers toward her hips in what she hoped was a casual gesture.
Nora gave a short nod, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement.
Jilly coughed into her hand, shocked. “And if he entered the ballroom?”
“It would be visible. Everyone would know.” Nora gave her a cheeky grin. “I imagine it is his intention to save your reputation—and himself the embarrassment of his, er…condition.” She canted her head to the side, eyeing Jilly speculatively. “Do we need to have a talk about what to expect regarding physical intimacy?”
There was not enough champagne in the world to make such a conversation comfortable. “I won’t marry him,” she said. “I don’t expect I shall ever need to know what transpires in the marriage bed.”
Nora gently removed the champagne flute from her clenched fingers, setting it aside on a low table situated just by the door. “I don’t believe I mentioned the marriage bed,” she said. “Besides, I think you would be surprised as just how many couples advance their vows.”
“Are—are you encouraging me to—to behave inappropriately? With a duke?”
“Jilly, I am encouraging you to take happiness wherever you find it.” Nora embraced her, pressing their cheeks together. “You’ve been half-alive for too long. Even if you choose not to marry, there’s no reason you must be alone. And if the duke has shaken you out of your shell, then I shall be grateful to him.” With quick, efficient fingers, she smoothed at Jilly’s hair, tucking a wind-tossed curl back into its cluster. “You look presentable enough,” she said. “You need not worry tonight; Robert has tossed out Lord Kirkland.” She collected Jilly’s hand in hers and squeezed in reassurance. “But we will have that talk, and soon.”

∞∞∞