Mistletoe & Michaelmas Read Free

hoped, she gave a light laugh at his jest.
    “Well then, I suppose I shall have to return the favor.”
    He studied her face, pausing for an extra second on her bright red lips. “I’ll be looking forward to it.” He proffered his arm. “And in the meantime, can I look forward to having you as my dinner companion?”
    “Do you always find a young lady to attach yourself to?”
    “No.” He poked out his bottom lip and gave his head a slight shake. “I only become a barnacle to the ones I think I might like.”
    ***
    All of the air left Daphne’s lungs in one swift whoosh and she prayed she didn’t do anything stupid like gasp. Judging by the expression on Mr. Lentz’s face, either she hadn’t done anything to embarrass herself or he was too stunned, likely by his own bold statement, to have noticed—the latter option rather flattered her.
    Jane delicately cleared her throat from where she sat beside Daphne, reminding Daphne that she was still in a room full of people and needed to take Mr. Lentz’s arm.
    “I’d be honored to be your dinner companion,” she murmured. “Won’t seats be assigned?” she asked after they'd made it across the threshold of the drawing room.
    “Perhaps.” His nonchalant response almost made Daphne laugh. Almost. He reached his free hand across his chest and covered her hand with his. “If they do—and for some unknown reason we’re not seated together—at least I shall have the pleasure of your company on my walk to the dining room.”
    “Soak it up, Mr. Lentz, we have what—” Daphne craned her neck to see how far away from the dining room entrance they were— “about ten more feet.”
    “Oh, I will,” he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze that sent a tingling sensation from the spot his hand covered all the way up her arm.
    Daphne bit her lip. Did she want there to be arranged seats that would separate her from Mr. Lentz and his unnerving touches or if luck would be in her favor— She squelched that thought immediately. Luck in her favor? Gracious she hardly knew the man and she certainly shouldn’t be enjoying his simple, and quite frankly, forward touches. Her second eldest sister, Charlotte, had once mentioned that rules are more relaxed at house parties, but surely that didn’t mean gentlemen took it upon themselves to be so forward with ladies they’d just met. Just as the time when she was young and her younger sister Olive accidentally spilled her lemon ice on Daphne’s skirts, a chill ran through Daphne from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Was this man— a vicar no less —so depraved or did she give off an aura that shouted wanton?
    “Are you all right?” Mr. Lentz’s sudden question startled her.
    “I—I...” She looked all around the room as if she’d find the perfect response written on the wall. “I’m fine,” she said at last.
    He chuckled. “That was not very convincing, Miss Cavanaugh.” Mr. Lentz steered Daphne toward the end of the table and pulled a chair out for her. “But if you feel the need to claim you’re feeling well so you spend more time with me, I’ll gladly accept that as a compliment of the highest regard.”
    “I’m sure you would.” She took her seat, noting the suddenly unsure expression on Mr. Lentz’s face. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly.
    He took his seat next to her then looked at her; his brows knitting further. “First you compliment me, then you're sarcastic to me about my acknowledging your compliment and now you want to apologize.” He shook his head ruefully. “As long as I live, I might never understand your sex.”
    “They aren't made to be understood, Mr. Lentz,” Danby said as he passed behind them. “They're made to love.”
    Daphne wasn't sure what to say to that and was spared when her great grandfather, who she'd only met for the first time a few hours earlier, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, then leaned close and whispered. “There, I've set him straight,