Despite that, he couldn't stop himself from glancing at her several times in the dark to assess her reaction, and he relaxed when he saw the bemused smile touching her lips.
He was not completely certain he'd made all the right turns until they rounded the last corner and he found the secret exit that led around to the side of the house. Knowing in advance that they were going to be in plain view of the revelers for a few paces – albeit at a reasonably safe distance – Nicki carefully stationed himself on her left, between the house and her. "Why are we walking faster?" she asked.
"Because we happen to be in view of the gardens from here," he cautioned.
She peered around him to see for herself. "Let them eat cake too!" she announced cheerfully with another wave of her arm. Raising her voice, she called out, "All of you have my permission to eat cake!"
Nicki felt his shoulders shake with silent, horrified, helpless laughter, but he said nothing to encourage another outburst.
Eight
In his bedchamber, Julianna sat upon a small sofa upholstered in rich gold brocade, feeling as if she were in a dream, as she watched him slowly strip off his coat and loosen his snowy-white neckcloth. A thousand warning bells were clanging madly in her head, making her feel extremely dizzy. Or perhaps it was the memory of his mouth crushed to hers that made her head swim.
She lowered her gaze, because that seemed like the right thing to do, and then became preoccupied with what she saw.