Page 28 of My Lord, My Rogue
A grin stretched across his face. “Yes.” He nodded toward a small, covered basket on the floor in front of them. “We should be at the park shortly. I have fruit, breads, and cheeses—mainly things we can eat without too much preparation. I was not sure what you might want.”
A few minutes later, the driver slowed the carriage and pulled to the side of the road, overlooking a small lake. Benjamin helped her from the carriage, and they walked toward the lake with a small loaf of bread. Three of the swans moved toward them, barely rippling the water in their wake.
“They are lovely,” she exclaimed, tossing a small tear of bread in their direction. “I did not know this small lake was here.”
“Let us try to feed the little fellow off to the side,” he suggested.
As he moved next to her, she could smell the clean smell of sandalwood as a soft breeze stirred the air.
“Sandalwood. You have always worn that. I rather like it,” she offered, tossing a larger piece of bread underhanded to the swan he had pointed out. The small swan snagged the bread and held it for a second before tossing his head back and swallowing it. He tossed his head back again, appearing to ask for more.
“I had rather hoped the swans would be on this corner of the water when we got here. There is a level of majesty with these birds. Once they find their mates, they bond forever,” he said.
“Truly? I did not know. Perhaps ’tis love,” she said with a lilt in her voice. “They probably are not bonding based on their position in Society. Mayhap they court before they decide.”
“Ha! That gives me a new way to look at them floating together, especially when they are in twos. Although, I am sure continuing the line has something to do with it,” he said in animated tones. “My mother would point that out.”
She laughed, relieved to see that he appreciated her comment. It felt refreshing that she could speak thus, and he would not find it vulgar. Distracted by her thoughts, she stepped forward and slipped on a muddy spot and he caught her around her waist. She felt his lips against her hair.
“Honora, I have you,” he murmured. “The swans have much to admire, but I prefer to do it from the shore.”
Grateful for his quick rescue, she tensed in his arms.
“Relax, I have you,” he coaxed, lightly lifting her from the muddied area and placing her on the grass.
His gentle nature helped ease the tension from her shoulders and, for a moment or two, she relaxed in his arms.
“Thank you,” she said breathily.
“We are alone, I notice,” he crooned.
Silently, her eyes lifted to meet his.Kiss me. Honora’s mind screamed her wish so loudly, when he pulled her close, she feared he had heard it too.Had he?She stopped caring when he lowered his lips to hers. Closing her eyes, she welcomed his kiss, delighting in the warm sensation of his lips feathering against hers. The warm tip of his tongue played with her lips, coaxing them open and to allow him access. She reached her arms around his neck and gently tugged him closer.
Immediately, she lost herself in the kiss, absorbed in the texture and taste of his tongue as it danced with her own. Their breath mingled, and the sensations of his kiss consumed her.
The sound of horses coming abruptly forced them apart. Both stood with their chests heaving as each scrambled for a look of nonchalance and normalcy. Mentally shaking herself, she pulled the hood of her pelisse over her head and turned away from the view of the wagon, more from habit than anything, even with the assurance of His Grace’s post.
“I have wanted that kiss for days,” he whispered, leaning toward her face. “Perhaps we should return to the carriage and allow the driver to circle the lake once before we return. ’Tis a small lake—about two miles in diameter,” he said as he stared into her eyes. “I have probably said this already, but am compelled by the loveliness before me. You have beautiful eyes, dearest Honora.”
Uncomfortable with flattery, she cast her eyes down, attempting to purchase composure before she looked him in the eye. “Thank you,” she said, color flowing into her face. “This kiss was pleasant. Will there be more?” Her eyes widened in shock at her words and heat stung her cheeks. His nearness wrecked her good sense.
He rocked back on his heels, laughter crinkling his eyes. “That would be a most delightful way to spend the rest of our ride back. With the hood up, the carriage offers privacy, and no one would be the wiser.” Picking up the remaining bread and the mostly untouched basket of food, they returned to the black landau.
Her heart cheered at his reaction to her cheekiness.I could be happy with this man for the rest of my life.She so wanted happiness.
“Take us around the lake and through the surrounding areas. Take your time,” he ordered the driver. True to his word, when the vehicle jerked into motion, Benjamin pulled her close. Unable to escape her own need to have as much of him as possible, she reached up and cradled his head, tugging him closer as she became bolder in her own efforts, taking her tongue and initiating what he had done on the last kiss. Minutes passed as their breaths became one and their bodies heaved against each other in the seat.Benjamin is all I would want in a man, if only he would love me. She gently pushed back to take a breath.When had I become so wanton? Never have I felt such passion. Am I in one of my dreams with him?
It ended too soon. The crunch of oyster shells signaled they had reached her home. “We have turned off the road,” she breathed. “I am afraid we are almost to Brook Hall.”
He peered out the window and gave an affirmative nod. “I would have wished another hour tasting your lips, Honora. The ball is but two days from now. I hope you will save at least two dances for me.”
“Two?” she repeated.
“Yes, dear Honora. You have escaped my life twice because I failed to communicate my desires. I have promised myself to be better than the old Benjamin,” he proclaimed.
“I should be honored to dance with you, my lord. While I cannot compare the new Benjamin to the old one, I acknowledge I am very much enjoying this version of you.”Could a dance beneath the moonlight be possible?
“Goodness! I almost forgot. I have something for you.” He withdrew the small brown package from his pocket. “I believe they are a favorite.”
