Page 27 of A Lady's Curves
The secret keeping has to stop. I can see that now. “I’m afraid, Bellston and several of the staff he hired in London made free to take what they liked. I didn’t know about the hams or the celebration, Hodgins. The fault is with me, as I should have taken more care.”
Ann clears her throat. “Mr. Hodgins, would you know if the annual seed allotment was delivered to the farmers in the spring?”
Shifting uncomfortably, Hodgins shakes his head. “It was quite an uproar at the time. I am sorry, my lord.”
“Thank you, Hodgins. Will you have my horse brought around? It seems I have some overdue apologies to make.” I don’t know how I’m going to fix this, but I will.
With a nod, the butler exits and I swear I saw a hop in his step that I’d not seen before.
Ann touches my hand. “It’s not really as bad for you as it might have been. I think he only took the money from those items. Perhaps you might compensate the farmers by reducing payment by what they had to put out for seed.”
It’s a good start. “I can’t make up for a ruined Christmas dinner.”
“No.” She sighs. “But perhaps we could throw a nice party for the community. The weather has been very fine. We could make it a picnic with food and pony rides for the children.” Her cheeks pinken and her eyes light up.
“That’s a fine idea, Ann. Would you help me plan it?” Unable to resist, I run my fingers along her jaw and press my lips to hers.
She opens for me and when her tongue meets mine, I pull her into my arms and deepen the kiss.
Voices in the hallway are like a bucket of cold water, and I pull back. “Much more of that and it will be difficult to ride a horse.”
Her giggle is infectious. “I will be happy to help you, Oscar.”
I know she’s talking about a picnic, but my heart and body consider what else she might mean.
Chapter Eleven
Ann
The sun is low on the horizon but the weather is so beautiful and I’ve been cooped up in the library all day. Luckily, it is a very fine library. I walk past the tall shrubs that form a wall around the estate garden. There’s a dirt path and I follow it as I deserve a little exploration after a hard day’s work.
I follow the sound of ducks and birds to a wooded area that surrounds a pond. It’s lovely.
A splash draws my attention to the right.
Oscar’s head comes up from the water.
I gasp.
His gaze meets mine.
I back up a step. Lord, he’s not wearing a shirt. I’ll not be able to resist him. I don’t even want to. “Forgive me. I don’t want to intrude on your solitude.” I turn to flee.
“Don’t go.” The plea stops me.
Unable to resist, I look over my shoulder. “We could bediscovered here. You are not properly dressed.” I scan the edge of the pond and find his clothes neatly folded on a rock, trousers included. My cheeks and neck are on fire.
He swims toward me. “No one comes here except me.” His smile is wicked. “And it would seem you.”
“I heard ducks.” It is a ridiculous thing to say. Please let a rogue lightning bolt strike me.
“Would you like to swim with me?” He points toward his clothes. “You can leave your dress there. The water is delightful.”
I walk around the pond, never taking my attention from him, and he turns to watch me the entire time. I’ve most certainly lost my mind, but I long to be in his arms and once this assignment is over, I’ll never be asked such a thing by Oscar or any man again.
Tugging free the laces of my dress, I step out and lay it on top of his clothes. I roll down my stockings and remove them with my shoes, then pull the chemise over my head.
Naked, I stare at him and step one foot in the cool water. “I’ve never done such a reckless thing in my life.”
