If possible, his brows lifted even higher. “Are you quite…sure you wish to part with so many?”

Mena blew a stray hair out of her eyes. “I can see that you are concerned for my wellbeing, but don’t be. I feel rather…invigorated.” She gave a decisive nod. “And yes, I’m sure.”

“As you wish.” The butler bowed and left the room, likely to get help in order to haul away two-thirds of the library that was strewn about the room.

In turn, Mena had never felt more free. If this change in her character continued, she might even redecorate the entire house. She’d always thought the earthy tones of brown, tan, and green were a bit maudlin. Perhaps some violet, or even orange…

The butler suddenly reappeared. “My lady, there is a gentleman here to see you.”

Mena instinctively reached up to pat her hair. “Who is it?”

“He says his name is Mr. Solomon, although he didn’t have a calling card to offer.”

Mena’s pulse sped up, but she had to smile. No doubt the Colonies didn’t adhere to the proprieties like England did. “Show him into the front parlor, if you will, and bring some refreshments. I’ll freshen up and join him in a few minutes.”

She nearly ran to her room and began rummaging through her dresses. She bit her lip, for nothing seemed good enough to wear, but in the end, she chose a cheery yellow dress. It complimented her dark hair well, but it suited her mood most of all.

After her hair was pulled back into a simple chignon, she made her way back downstairs.

Julian was standing by the window overlooking the street when she entered the parlor. Although there was a teacart present with cucumber sandwiches and scones, he hadn’t taken advantage. “Lady Lipscomb.” He bowed politely. “I thought to wait for you to join me.”

Mena felt a blush steal across her cheeks. Dear Heavens! It had to have been decades since she’d felt the flush of youth. “How kind of you, Mr. Solomon.”

He winked. “I have my moments.”

The heat in her face rose by degrees. “Would you like me to pour?”

He waved his hand.

Mena picked up the teapot and did her best not to spill the contents. She was shaking like a leaf for some reason. “Cream or sugar?”

“Neither for me.”

His smile made her toes curl in her slippers. How was it that he could affect her so? She was a grown woman with a married daughter, for God’s sake. Surely, the time for youthful excitement had long passed her by. She was a sensible woman, who had no time for flights of fancy…

Mena handed Julian his cup, and their fingers brushed. It was like lightning danced across her skin.

With a gasp, she jerked her hand back, causing his tea to spill down the front of his jacket. “Oh! I do apologize! I swear I am so clumsy of late!” She knew she was rambling, but as she grabbed a towel and began to wipe down his damp lapels, she realized that he wasn’t saying anything.

He was likely mortified at her behavior.

But when she dared to glance up at his face, his eyes were anything but condemning. Those green depths smoldered with a dark intensity that instantly stilled her hand, and her lips parted in a silent invitation.

But as the seconds passed and he didn’t make a move toward her, her cheeks started to burn for an entirely different reason. Humiliation. She cast her eyes downward. “I’m sure you didn’t expect to get scalded when you arrived here today—”

“Don’t worry about the tea.” Julian stood. “I didn’t really come here for that.”

She held her breath, still keeping her gaze firmly fixed on the carpet at her feet. “Then why are you here?”

He didn’t reply at first, although she felt the slight brush of his hand at her temple before he grasped her chin and gently turned her face to his. He lowered his head and kissed her on the lips. It was so light and brief that she could have imagined it, if it wasn’t for the blood singing through her veins. “I’m not sure you’re ready to find out,” he whispered, before he dropped his hand and stepped back. “I’ve only dropped by today with an invitation from my sister to join us for a dinner tomorrow night.”

“Are you—” Mena had to swallow before she could continue. “Staying with her?”

“For now.” The conversation stalled, and Julian withdrew a paper from his pocket. “This is the address. Say eight o’clock?”

Mena nodded.

“Until tomorrow, Lady Lipscomb.”

It wasn’t until he was gone that Mena sank down onto a chair, her legs suddenly too unsteady to stand any longer.

Had she truly kissed Julian Solomon?

As promised, Mari and Robbie arrived that evening to take her to Vauxhall. As they prepared to depart, Mari glanced about the foyer at all the books that had yet to find new homes. “Do I want to know?” she asked.

“A bit of spring cleaning, is all.”

Marigold’s eyebrows lifted. “It’s December.”

Mena shrugged. “I like to get an early start.”

Her daughter merely shook her head, but said no more as they walked down the steps and entered the Daniels’ coach. Mena sat beside Marigold while Robbie sat across from them.

Though Mena tried to keep her voice low, her anticipation was bursting at the seams. “What did the doctor say?”

Mari’s lips twitched before she gave up the fight and smiled fully. “You were right.”

Mena couldn’t keep a laugh from bursting forth as she hugged her daughter.

“I take it she just told you the news,” Robbie noted dryly, although he wore a contented smile of his own.

“It’s wonderful news, to be sure!” Mena exclaimed. She couldn’t have been happier, but even so, a bit of moisture found its way to her eyes. “My baby is having a baby of her own.”

Marigold squeezed her hand. “And you’re going to be an amazing grandmother.”

After a short ride, they were deposited at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens with its private dinner boxes and infamous Lover’s Walk, where more than one couple might venture off into the dark to have a midnight rendezvous away from prying eyes. Mena had never been down one of those paths, as she’d always walked the straight line of propriety, but it wasn’t as if she’d never been tempted.

However, such a dark lure was more popular in the spring months when the Season was at its height of activity. As it was, the area was populated, but not as much when it was warmer. However, the overall ambience was just as impressive during the holiday season when it was opened up to the public for a brief time to showcase various talent acts and celebrate the magic of the season. The entire park seemed lit up from within to rival that of the bustling city around them. It never failed to amaze Mena, even though she had passed through the entrance many times.

As Robbie led the way to their private box for a good view of the evening entertainment, Mari pulled Mena back. “Did anything arrive yesterday after I left?”

Mena debated on whether or not to tell her daughter the rather sensual bath she had enjoyed, surrounded by candlelight, but since she was alone, she decided it wouldn’t hurt to tell her. Once she did, Mari’s eyes widened. “This may turn out to be more than just a secret admirer. I think this man truly cares for you. Are you sure you don’t know who it could be?”

Again, Mena thought of Julian, but discounted him immediately. “No, but I think I’m going to try to put together a list—”