Evie went to the parlor and looked out the window to watch her sister drive away in the cart. Or perhaps she just didn’t want to stand in the bedchamber any longer.

Why was she nervous? It wasn’t as if she hadn’t done this thousands of times. Thinking that made her cringe. What would Gregory say if he knew that about her?

She wouldn’t ever know because she wasn’t going to tell him. Some might think that cold of her, but she didn’t owe him any explanation about her past. Nor did she expect anything from him. Why, then, had she asked why he’d remained a virgin?

Because curiosity had got the best of her. A celibate man was a rare discovery and one she hadn’t made before. It made sense, she supposed, since he’d at least considered entering the church. And his family had made a deep impression on him, both good and bad. Between his parents’ encouragement and his brother’s behavior, it seemed he was bound to remain a virgin until he wed.

Movement outside jolted her from her reverie. He was coming up the path to the door. A wave of heat and anxiety swept over her. She tried to take another deep breath and failed. She had to regain her wits. What would he think if she acted as if this were her first time too?

In some ways, it was. This would be the first time she gave herself to a man because she wanted to. For herself and nothing else.

And for him. She had to admit she was quite eager to take him to bed, to show him pleasure.

Evie hurried to the door and pulled it open. “Come in before you freeze.”

He stepped inside, and she closed the door firmly. Rubbing his gloved hands, he blew out a breath. “I wasn’t in danger of freezing, but it was cold. I kept up a brisk pace to get here.” He gave her a brilliant smile that nearly made her sigh. She was really becoming quite silly about this. Glancing toward the dark hearth, he frowned slightly. “No fire? I saw smoke from the chimney.”

“In the bedchamber. I didn’t see a point in lighting one here. Come.” She almost took his hand, but she still felt too apprehensive. So, she led him to the bedchamber, which was much cozier. “This should be better,” she said with a smile.

He moved into the room and went to the fire. “Much better.”

Evie closed the door to warm the space even more. “Can I take your cloak?”