Page 46 of The Heir and Spare
“What would you say in the morning?”
“You mean, besides good morning?”
She laughed. “Yes, or is that all you would say?”
“Oh no. That is not all. But it might not be the same thing every day. Some mornings it could be something as simple as good morning, sunshine.”
She nodded against his chest, too happy for words at the delightful turn of such a fantasy. For the reality of his thoughts was too good for words.
“But other mornings I might say something like, “You. Are. Beautiful.”
“Mm.”
“Yes, and then other mornings I might say other things.”
“You are done revealing your secrets?”
“Some are to be a surprise, and some might just have to be spontaneous, in the moment kinds of things.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Are you a spontaneous type of person, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Call me Lizzie.”
He hesitated a moment and then repeated, “Lizzie.”
A delicious thrill rushed through her. What a beautiful sound to hear his voice speak her most intimate name. She breathed in and out two full times, savoring it. “I am spontaneous.”
He smiled. She could feel the movement of his jaw.
“But other times I’m a planner.”
“I can see that.”
“Yes, well, if a person thinks a thing through for but a moment, everything might flow all the better for it.”
“I completely agree. And yet some things are moments for immediate action, and so one must not be held up by the planning.”
“Certainly not. But it doesn’t take very long to plan. I think you can be both.”
“I agree with you. I think everyone should be a little bit of both.”
“I’m afraid I’m a lot spontaneous and only a small portion planner.”
“So, if we were walking along, and it was a hot day, would you jump into the pond?”
She considered him a moment. Dare she admit?
“I would, and I have.”
“You have? Which pond is this?”
“There is one not too far from my house.” She considered her next words but then giggled. “And I had to undress a bit to do it.”
He made a mock gasping sound. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you did not.”
“I did, and I’m proud of it.” She pressed her lips together. “Although I never imagined telling anyone else, and I’m not sure how I feel about that part.”
