Page 59 of The Scholar's Key
“Apologies,” Ashford said from the head of the table. “The cook came highly recommended, but perhaps there was something wrong with a bit of the meat. I shall make a complaint.”
“No, please do not on my account,” Noah said, waving a hand in the air, and Percy took pity on him and pulled her hand away. “It was just an error on my part. All is fine.”
An error? Was he calling her a mistake?
The rest of the dinner passed without any additional mishap, and soon enough the ladies rose to retire. Percy would have rather that they all stay together, but the gentlemen promised they would join them soon.
The ladies were heading into the drawing room when Percy saw Noah leave the room behind them, heading down the corridor to what appeared to be garden doors. She took one step into the drawing room, made her excuses for a brief respite, and then followed him out. When she pushed through the doors into the refreshingly cool night air, it took her a moment to find Noah.
“Where are you?” she murmured until she found him on the bench overlooking the small back mews.
“Noah?” she whispered into the night, and he started before turning around to look at her.
“Percy, what are you doing?” he asked, his voice laced with tension.
“I came to see if all was well.”
“It is not. Thanks to you,” he said gruffly, and she couldn’t help but laugh, even though guilt tugged at her for being the cause of his current situation.
“My apologies,” she said, sinking down next to him on the bench. “It appears that I had too much fun with the situation.”
“So it seems.”
“I truly am sorry,” she said, leaning into him and looking up at him from beneath her lashes. “Can I make it up to you?”
“How do you suggest doing that?”
“I can think of ways,” she said, her fingers crawling along his waistband, but he playfully swatted her hand away.
“That is how we got to this place.”
“Yes, but this time I could finish it.”
He turned his head from one side to the other. “We are in the middle of a garden.”
“Yes.”
“In a public place.”
“Yes.”
“Anyone could come back here.”
“I still have not heard any objection.”
He sat up, taking her hands in his.
“You would be ruined if we were discovered in such a position. As you would even if we were merely found back here alone, if we are being honest.”
“Then why do we not do something to make it worthwhile?”
He closed his eyes and his lips moved as though he was saying a prayer.
“Noah,” she whispered, leaning toward him. “I want you. All of you.”
“You are an innocent young woman,” he said, but his lips were nearly pressed together.
“Who wishes to be innocent no more,” she continued playfully, her hands pressing against his thighs. “Please?”
