True to his word, he had remained with her family, and Dorie Exeter had not attempted to introduce him to ladies in need of partners. Although she had been ruthless with the other single gentlemen. Was that it? Did she somehow know Montagu was no longer on the marriage mart?

Eleanor’s partner escorted her back to her circle and left to find his next dance partner. She took out her fan and opened it. “It is warm in here.”

Montagu placed her free hand on his arm. “Would you like a bit of fresh air before the next set?”

She glanced up at him and tried to open her eyes innocently wide, but seeing how he reacted was too much fun. She hoped he would play along. “I do not have a partner for this dance.”

He started at her, seemingly in shock. “Indeed?”

“Indeed. Shall we?” Eleanor tightened her fingers on his arm as flames shot through her. If that kept up, her legs would crumble. She could not have planned this better if she had tried.

Montagu led her toward the French windows at the other end of the ballroom. “I hope the terrace is cooler than in here.”

“As do I.” All the windows were open, but it really was warm. They stepped onto the flagstone, and she was happy to find it was cooler outside.

Small lanterns hung from the trees and torches lined the paths. It was almost as crowded out here as it was in the ballroom.

“We aren’t the only ones to seek relief from the heat.” His breath caressed her cheek, and suddenly her breasts felt fuller. She was glad Charlotte had spoken to her about what happened between a man and a woman. If only she had given Eleanor hints on encouraging a gentleman. She glanced at Montagu and her gaze landed on his lips. How would they feel? They looked firm. Would she like to be kissed as much as her older sisters did? Some of it had sounded a bit odd. They turned down a path at the edge of the garden that, while still lighted, did not have anyone else on it.

They approached a rose arbor, and Montagu stopped and turned her to him. “Eleanor, I want to kiss you.” He took both her hands in his. “I have wanted to kiss you for weeks. A lifetime.”

She peeked at his eyes, but his lips drew her gaze back to them. “I want to kiss you as well.”

Her words were a mere whisper on the breeze, but John had heard them. He bent his head and brushed his lips softly across hers. She raised her head and leaned into him. He had to remember this was her first time kissing. Yet the urge to gather her into his arms and carry her off to his bed was getting harder to resist. He pressed his lips to her puckered ones.

Definitely her first kiss.