Page 75 of House of Roots and Ruin
He wasn’t Alex.
Judging by his clothes, he was a worker Dauphine had undoubtedly brought in as extra help. His dark hair and build bore a striking resemblance to Alex’s, but nothing more.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, stepping out of his way. He carried a tray of tea candles. “I thought…I thought for a moment you were someone else.”
He offered a small smile and stepped around me, leaving me alone in the corner of the garden.
Overhead, the sky had rounded into a deep blue with traces of clouds at the horizon. Alex was surely waiting for me at the lake by now. I ran my hands over the gown, making sure everything was just so before finding the proper path, going toward my future with a steadfast and ready heart.
Alex was already seated in a rowboat as I approached the dock.
It was a special boat, I noted. His feet had been slipped into covered holsters to help keep him in place as he manned the oars and a wooden back was built into the planked seat. Frederick had undoubtedly assisted him into it but was now nowhere to be seen.
Alex didn’t notice my approach at first, his gaze fixed on the water. He too was already dressed in formal wear. A set of tails dangled down from the rustic seat and his cravat was folded into the most complicated series of knots I’d ever seen.
My slippers crunched over the gravel and he turned.
For a moment, he didn’t say anything, didn’t even move. He just stared. Quietly. Reverently.
Then, the most beautiful smile broke over his face.
“Oh, Verity. You’re even lovelier than I could have ever imagined.”
“You like it?” I asked, giving a playful twirl so he could see the whole effect.
“I love it. I…” He pressed his lips together and his eyes roved over me hungrily, as if etching the moment into his memory forever. “I am dazzled. Truly.”
Heat crept into my face, pleased he was so taken aback. “What…what are you doing down there?” I asked, nodding toward the rowboat.
“Join me,” he said, his grin widening.
I glanced at the dock. The wood was weathered gray and boasted several long, jagged splinters.
I hesitated. “I don’t think all this skirt will fit.”
“It’ll be fine. There’s a ladder right here. I’ll help you,” he said, offering out one hand. He held on to a post with the other to keep the boat from swaying.
I turned back toward Chauntilalie, praying Dauphine wasn’t watching, then gathered up the layers of tulle and silk, bunching them about my knees as if they were nothing more than gabardine, before descending the ladder.
“Thank you,” I said, and lowered myself to the second bench. I was no stranger to getting in and out of boats, but the giant, delicate gown hindered my usual movements, making me feel as ungainly as a gosling, legs too long, feet too wide. I fluffed out the skirts, keeping them far from the edges of the water. “No damage done, I think.”
For a moment, we simply stared, appreciating all the efforts we’d put in for each other. Alex had taken great care with his dark locks, pomading them into lustrous waves, and his face was freshly shaven and dewy.
“You look very handsome,” I confided shyly, my voice pitched lower and hushed.
“I’m glad you think so,” he said, pleased. “And you…Wordsfail me.” He took my hand, pressing a kiss across the knuckles. “Even Arina herself has never looked as becoming.”
“Where are we going?”
His dimples winked. “You’ll see.”
With a strong push, he shoved us from the dock and took the oars, rowing us into deeper waters.
Little breezes skittered over the lake, bringing with them the scent of algae and water lilies. A fish jumped from a nearby wave, a quick splash of silver, before disappearing again.
“The manor looks so lovely from here,” I murmured, squinting across the lake to marvel at the picturesque views of Chauntilalie.
“I told you to bring a sketchbook,” he teased.
