Page 53 of A Naughty Proposal for His Winter Countess
Unwilling to argue with him, Harriet wrapped the lapels tighter around her, inhaling with pleasure the subtle woodsy scent of his cologne. With a hand on her back, Daniel guided them back the way they had come. She found herself blushing when passing a few groves, and heard the sounds of pleasure coming from them.
“I suppose we're not the first to think of having some private time,” she murmured.
“And we will not be the last,” Daniel replied.
Arriving at the rotunda, they found that the ball was still in full swing and the merriment was high. Just as Harriet began to believe that they weren’t missed, Dawson’s voice dismissed her assumption.
“Lord Barkley and Miss Bradford,” Dawson said suavely. “I’m afraid you missed the fireworks.”
“No, we caught them,” Daniel replied stiffly. “We took a walk around. This is Miss Bradford’s first time at Vauxhall, you see.”
“Oh, my, first time? You have not lived, Miss Bradford. Surely you will come again,” Dawson said.
Holding unto Daniel’s rigid arm, she said, “I’m sure we will.”
Her words had a satisfied smile curving Daniel’s lips as he dipped his head, “Thank you for the invitation; it was a delightful evening but alas, we must depart.”
“So soon?” Dawson’s eyes flicked to Daniel then to Harriet, “We haven't even started on the games; won’t you at least stay for supper?”
“Games? What games?” Daniel asked.
“The first one is that all of us will be given a symbol and whoever matches that symbol will be your partner for the rest of the evening,” Dawson said slyly. “No one will be allowed to speak with the person they came with until after midnight.”
So, you can try again to seduce Harriet? I think not.
“I’m afraid not,” Harriet replied kindly just before Daniel did. “But thank you for your hospitality.”
Dawson gave an ostentatious bow, though his lips curled with displeasure, “Have a good night.”
After collecting their coats, they left for the boatyard. Daniel hired a wherry to sail them over the river. Alone on the river, Harriet clung tightly on Daniel’s arm.
“So many buildings at the gardens,” she mentioned. “Are all of them in use?”
Daniel explained about the many buildings that he had been in before and their uses, describing the grand walk, the rotunda, the octagon rooms and lover’s walk. “However, the principal attraction is the Cascade, a manmade waterfall and a wonder of physics. Clever lighting accompanied by the sound of roaring water makes it a delight for all who see it,” he added as they neared the far shore. “I’ll take you there another time.”
After handing over the coin to the wherryman, Daniel walked her to the lines of a waiting coaches. His driver sat up sharply as they arrived and greeted them.
“To Canterbury please,” Daniel ordered as he helped Harriet inside, then joined her.
The coach moved off as soon as the door was closed behind them. Daniel shucked his jacket and pulled Harriet into his side. Kissing the side of her head, he said, “I know it was not what you had expected, but I promise we’ll go back another time.”
She laughed, “I’ll hold you to that, but I enjoyed it, especially when you got naughty,” tilting her head, she gave him a sassy smile. “Would you come to the Manor tomorrow? I’d love to go riding with you.”
Cocking his head, Daniel asked, “Do you ride sidesaddle or astride?”
“Give me the pleasure of surprising you,” Harriet said mysteriously.
Chapter Seventeen
Later that afternoon, as a maid slotted the last pin in Harriet’s hair, a second came to tell them Lord Barkley had arrived; she also held a wrapped package that contained Harriet's costume for that evening. Harriet wanted to open it, but she was more anxious about seeing Daniel than how she was dressed.
“Is it to your liking, Miss?” the maid asked, as she stepped away from the dressing table.
Twisting her head, Harriet felt satisfied, “Yes, thank you,” Harriet said, before she dismissed both of them.
Lily, who was sitting quietly in the room, stood before Harriet and reached for her spencer jacket and blue kidskin gloves. As she got on her feet, Harriet took them from her friend.
“Do you think he’ll be averse to seeing me in men’s clothes?” she asked Lily.
