Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 219
In a way, this was exactly what they had intended. It was a premeditated act, after all.
Still, Nigelâs willingness to engage in such close contact with her was surprising. From what she remembered, he had never initiated any kind of contact unless he was grabbing her by the collar or trying to intimidate her.
âOf course, he despises me.â
Touching her must feel no different than handling a dirty rag. And yet, here he was, pressing his cheek against hers, bodies close, without a hint of discomfort.
âDonât act so awkwardly.â
He pulled Ceciliaâs head close, positioning it against his shoulder.
It was Cecilia who first showed resistance. She tried to wriggle free, but Nigel only tightened his hold, pressing her head firmly against him.
To an outsider, it might appear a passionate embrace, but up close, it was more of a tussleâa fight where neither was willing to give an inch.
At last, realizing her physical disadvantage, Cecilia stopped pushing against his chest and raised her head. In that moment, her stubborn chin brushed softly against his lips.
Nigelâs hands briefly slackened their grip, though his gaze remained fixed downward on her.
Her face was just below his, partially obscured by her mask. A sudden impulse stirred within himâthe desire to remove it and see her face uncovered. But both his hands were occupied, holding her close.
He glanced lower, tracing from the sharp line of her nose down to her slightly parted, red lips.
âŠHer lips.
The part of his mind urging restraint blurred and faltered.
He leaned in without realizing it, an action free of calculation or thought.
âWhatâŠ?â
Ceciliaâs lips moved, opening slightly. Her damp inner lips peeked in and out as she spoke.
His mouth grew dry, a hunger simmering.
Instead of answering, he barely parted his own lips. The hand that had been holding the back of her head slid down, softly entangling in her hair as his face drew nearer.
Just as their lips were about to meet, a voice interrupted them.
âSir Nigel?â
The newcomer recognized him immediately. His expression hardened, and after pointing an accusing finger, he spun around and dashed back toward the mansion.
If this had been any ordinary affair, such a reaction wouldnât have followed. But today was no ordinary dayâthis was Casey Heensâs birthday party. For her fiancĂ© to be caught cavorting with another woman on such an occasionâŠ
Even the indulgent aristocratic circles had their unspoken rules. No matter what one did in private, publicly dishonoring oneâs official partner was forbidden.
Nobles, who valued reputation and honor above all else, would not overlook such a transgression.
Cecilia glanced at the man scurrying off to fetch Count Heens and then calmly pulled away from Nigel.
âEverything went according to plan, it seems. Thank you for cooperating so fully, Sir Nigel.â
Nigel remained silent, his brow furrowed, seemingly lost in thought.
Finally, he murmured.
âPlanâŠ?â
A hollow, bitter laugh escaped him.
âYes, a plan⊠thatâs all it ever was.â
* * *
âWhat are you doing in my home!â
Count Heens looked as if he might collapse upon seeing Nigel and Cecilia together.
Yet, despite his horror, he had sent away the man who first stumbled upon them and ordered the rest of the guests to remain in the hall. For now, the party was still under control.
âBut by tomorrow, itâll be chaos.â
The first man to see them was notorious for his loose lips. By now, he would surely be spreading word of what heâd witnessed far and wide.
When the news spread, not only would his daughterâs reputation be tarnished, but the engagement itself would likely be difficult to sustain.
âI thought dismissing that tutor would be the end of it⊠but now the groom is causing problems.â
Count Heens didnât see Nigelâs indiscretion as particularly grave. Romantic affairs before marriage were often quietly tolerated.
The problem was the timing and the location.
âHow could you do this in my own home⊠on my daughterâs birthday, of all daysâŠ!â
His face was red with fury, yet he didnât dare grab Nigel by the collar or openly express his anger. Breaking the engagement would cost the Heens family dearly.
His face flushed even redder, veins pulsing with restrained rage. Countess Heens, too, watched the pair with a distressed expression, but she, too, held her tongue.
Count Heensâs simmering anger soon found an easier target.
