Gretchen tilted her head as though it were the easiest, most natural thing in the world to accept a kiss from this young man and perhaps it was? Perhaps that was another part of the world that was kept from the young so they couldn’t enjoy themselves too much? Certainly she was beginning to understand why the girls who were spoken about in hushed whispers as being ruined in some way did what they did.
Hadn’t his brother just ruined a young lady? Perhaps it ran in the family? But the new Mrs Prewett didn’t have it too bad did she? Still part of society, still with her comforts and now with a handsome husband that she must enjoy kissing as much as Gretchen did with Freddie because why else would she bother?
Gretchen’s head swam with questions, but most of them were forgotten the moment they popped into her mind as instead she focussed on the feel of him and oh, it was better than she remembered. Gentle but firm lips against hers, his hand just the right size to hold her waist and she rested one hand against his side, sliding it up innocuously, mostly oblivious to the pleasure she might be causing.
Certainly she could feel it in herself – she was beginning to recognise it now – and she had the distinct feeling that if they were alone it would be better. It had been before, after all. She broke the kiss, glancing around her nervously, though the thrill was still there.
“Someone could catch us.”
Bee is tremendous, isn't she?