Page 2 of The Christmas Ball
“That’s better,” she said. “My feet can be cool, even if the rest of me is sweltering.”
“We could wade,” Mena suggested, taking off her own footwear.
“Promise not to push me in?” Viola grinned.
“I reserve such actions for haughty dukes,” Mena replied archly. “Luckily, you don’t qualify.”
Viola looked at the rippled surface of the pond and lifted her face to the breeze coming off the water. The pond wasn’t terribly deep, at least not around the edges.
“A little splash would feel good.” She rose and gathered up her skirts.
“A pity we didn’t bring our bathing costumes,” Mena said with a longing glance at the water.
Viola tilted her head, considering. They were on the Dovington grounds, and there was no one around for miles. Too early for hunting season, and she knew they weren’t expecting visitors. It was too hot for anyone to come calling, at any rate.
The cool water beckoned. The air smelled of moist, green things. It was time to be daring.
“Dorothy,” she called to the maid, who was resting under a tree. “Kindly come over and unbutton me.”
“Vi, whatever are you doing?” Mena asked, as Dorothy began loosening the back of Viola’s dress.
“We can go in our chemises. Oh, don’t look so shocked. Nobody will see.”
“But what if someone comes upon us?”
“Who possibly would? The pond’s off the road, and we’re hidden by the trees. Come,” she wheedled. “You know the water will feel so good.”
“Well…” Mena pressed her lips together.
“I know you’re a duchess now, but you don’talwayshave to be sensible. And we needn’t take long. Just a quick dip, in, then out again, let our chemises dry, get dressed, and none the wiser.”
Her sister-in-law blew out a breath, and Viola knew she’d won.
With the maid’s help, they were soon out of their heavy skirts and binding corsets. Once the heavy layers were gone, the breeze ruffled Viola’s calf-length linen shift and caressed the bare skin of her arms. She let out a sigh of relief.
“You must admit, that’s lovely,” she said, stepping to the edge of the water. “I feel like I’ve been too hot for simply ages.”
Mena nodded and followed her into the shallows.
“Not all your ideas are bad ones,” she said, and Viola laughed.
The water began to cool as they waded up to their knees, though the upper inches of the pond remained noticeably warmer than the quiet currents eddying about their ankles. Viola’s toes dug into the muck, and a few waterweeds brushed against her calves.
“There,” she said, halting and putting her hands on her hips, uncaring that the hem of her chemise dragged in the water. “That’s so much better.”
“Hm.” Mena bent and dabbled her hands. “Do you know what would be even better?”
“What?” Viola turned to her, just in time to receive a spray of water to the face from Mena’s sweeping splash.
Her sister-in-law giggled, then ducked.
“Wretch!” Viola cried. She sent a huge splash forward, drenching Mena’s side.
“Scoundrel!” Mena responded, beating at the water with both hands.
A pair of ducks took off, startled by the commotion, their wings whirring overhead. Viola and Mena continued their splashing battle, both shrieking with laughter. The water churned about them, and soon their chemises were wet through, their hair hanging soddenly about their shoulders.
“Truce,” Mena finally gasped, grinning.
