Page 24 of To Win a Viscount's Heart
“You have a true gift, Anna,” he said. Gerald made a mental note to compensate her for her fine work. The gown could rival any London modiste.
“Thank you, milord. Enjoy your picnic.” Anna grinned, dipping a curtsey before withdrawing.
Gerald turned back to Selena. He could not help admiring how the blue floral print gown enhanced the color of her eyes. “You are a vision.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Selena blushed again.
How he loved making her blush.
She smoothed the skirt of her gown. “I think I owe it all to this gown, it’s as lovely as anything I’ve ever owned.”
“Anything you ever owned?” he repeated.
Selena looked stunned. “I…I don’t know what made me say that. Do you think perhaps my memory is returning?”
“I pray it is so,” he said, taking his hand in hers. “You don’t know what stirred you to say that?”
“I think I must favor blue. Perhaps that could be it,” she said, worrying her lower lip.
He tucked her arm through his. “Your memory will return. I am sure of it.” And when it did, he would find out what Percival Bowles had done to her. And make him pay.
Gerald helped her up the low steps into the gazebo.
“Oh, how lovely,” Selena said as she turned in a slow circle, taking in the interior. “Tis even more magical inside.” Her gaze met his. “You did all of this for our picnic?”
Gerald nodded. “Come let us enjoy our feast.”
They walked to the food table and Selena gasped at the array of dishes.
“Oh, my!” she said, “The food looks scrumptious. How could you have known lemon cake is my favorite?” She shot a surprised look at him. A soft gasp escaped. “Wait…How did I know that? What if Iamgetting my memory back?”
A smile curved his mouth. “I am sure of it,” Gerald said. A wave of guilt washed over him. If her memory returned, she would recall how callously he’d behaved toward her the night of her debut.
He needed to tell her the truth about that night. He hoped she would still look at him the way she was now.
Gerald handed Selena a plate and assisted with her selections. He was pleased that she wanted a little of everything. It was no surprise, considering she’d only had broth for days. Her appetite was an indication she was on the mend. She was no shy-miss about eating what appealed to her and he loved that about her.
He carried their plates to their table and held her chair for her.
She took a sip of wine and glanced back at the buffet.
“Is everything all right?” he asked.
She leaned in and whispered, “That lemon cake really does look tempting. Would you think badly of me if I ate that first?” she asked. “I want to be certain I have room for it.”
He answered with a soft laugh. “No, I don’t mind at all. It happens to be my favorite as well. Honestly, I love the idea.” He got up and retrieved two slices of cake.
“I’ll pass on the other sweets for now,” she said before tucking into the lemony dessert.
Her tongue flicked over her lips, and he found himself mesmerized. Realizing he was staring, he forced his attention to his plate.
Get ahold of yourself man, you’re not some schoolboy nursing a first crush.“Perhaps this would be a good time to apologize to her,” he thought. His behavior in a different gazebo six years ago hung like a cloud over his head and he would like nothing better than to move past it. Just as he was about to apologize, a sudden shower, caught them both by surprise, considering it was still sunny.
He stood and helped her to the door, instinctively knowing she would appreciate the sight of the sun shower. He unlatched the door and opened the top half.
Selena took a deep breath of the rain-filled air. “How beautiful…Everything is glowing.” Rain showers make everything smell so fresh.” He watched her face as she gazed out at the view outside the gazebo. “Look how the sun is pushing through the rain, almost as if they are trying to outdo each other.”
Had the sudden sun shower been some sort of sign that he should wait to apologize? “There had been no signs of rain,” Gerald said. Its timing created almost a divine diversion. While he was usually happy for any diversion, the sun shower seemed a good sign that he should tell her.
