The footman standing behind him rolled his eyes. Charlotte suppressed a smile. Alex had taken her hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and while he talked to Mr. Glister about the technical problems of setting up large fireworks without a platform, Charlotte simply relaxed and thought about her hand in his. His hand was so large. Her fingers were trembling and she was afraid he might notice, so she rubbed her thumb against the base of his wrist. He responded in a most gratifying way, instantly tightening his grip even though his voice never faltered speaking to Mr. Glister. Charlotte, on the other hand, was unable to think of anything but his fingers, which had started a slow, sensual massage of her hand. She tried to look pleasantly interested in the fireworks, although in fact she didn’t hear a word Mr. Glister said.

Finally Mr. Glister said, “Aye, sir, aye, it’ll be just a wee bit of time now. Why don’t you tell all them up at the house to look out of their windows. And the wee sick bairn as well.”

Alex tucked Charlotte’s arm into his and smilingly turned her back toward the house. This was no better, Charlotte thought frantically. He was holding her so tightly that she could feel the warmth of his long body walking next to hers. She felt as if her body were on fire. How was she going to disguise this? If he guessed, he would think she was a wanton tart. Ladies don’t feel like this, she knew that for certain. Her mother was not talking about the kind of raging desire Charlotte felt when she mentioned marital pleasure.

Suddenly Alex paused. They were sheltered from sight, standing in a line of apple and plum trees leading to the front gardens. He dropped her arm and simply stood next to her.

“Do you know,” he said conversationally, “I don’t think I can go back out there in the light for a few minutes?”

Charlotte looked up at him, her eyes confused.

“Why ever not?” Instinctively she swayed a little closer to him. He swiftly grabbed her wrists and pushed her back, giving a bark of laughter. Charlotte felt consumed by embarrassment. He thought she was a trollop. She swallowed hard.

Alex looked at her downcast head and cursed silently. Then he reached out and pulled her into his arms. Why not? It’s what he had wanted to do ever since he saw Charlotte that evening. Her soft body melted into his. He could feel every curve, from the luscious weight of her breasts pressing against his chest to the slim flatness of her waist. God. This was doing nothing for his ability to rejoin the party.