Page 114

CHAPTER TWELVE

Desdemona couldn’t stop gushing over the production.

When Ambrose brought her backstage to meet the company, she was over the moon.

He and Montverre waited impatiently while she questioned the wardrobe master over fabric choices, colors, binding techniques, everything she could think to ask.

Montverre finally took pity on the man and led her away.

Ambrose promised to invite them to tea so she could ask all her questions when the cast wasn’t exhausted from the performance.

The carriage ride home was more of the same, with Desdemona asking Ambrose everything she wanted to from before.

Montverre tapped on the carriage and got out at his club.

“If I have to listen to her going on and on, I’ll throw myself from the window.

” Catching Ambrose’s gaze. “I’m trusting you, as a gentleman. Please see my sister home directly.”

“You have my word,” Ambrose replied quietly.

Montverre looked at his sister and cocked an eyebrow. “Behave.” Kissing her cheek, he hopped down from the carriage and went into his club.

As they pulled away, Desdemona said, “My brother must think quite highly of you to leave me in your care.”

“I would hope so,” Ambrose mused. “Did you truly enjoy the show?”

Her expression went soft. “I adored it. The story was so magical, and the actors were amazing.”

“I’m happy you feel that way, because I will be sponsoring another production in a few months and would love your opinions on it.”

“My lord Ambrose…” she started.

“If you would not mind,” he added.

“It would be my pleasure,” she said dreamily.

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the her home. Ambrose waved off the footman and handed Desdemona down, escorting her to her front door.

“Thank you for such a fantastic evening,” she said, curtseying prettily as he bowed over her hand. Raising her up slowly, he lifted her fingers and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. She bit her lip as he met her gaze once more.

“Thank you for your most charming company.” He started to step closer before catching himself. “I shall call on you tomorrow.” Executing a very proper bow, he turned to head down the steps.

“Lord Ambrose,” she called softly, moving to the steps.

He stopped on the third step down, and turned back.

She took a deep breath and quickly brushed her lips across his before stepping back, cheeks coloring.

Her first kiss, he realized and she’d gifted it to him.

He grinned at her and caught her hand in his, pressing a warm kiss to her palm.

Then he bowed again and strode back to his carriage.

“Tomorrow then, Ambrose?” she asked.

“I’ll be counting the moments, Des.”