Page 43 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
“Well, that is a fact very easily rectified, my dear Eliza, for this afternoon, you shall have the chance to find out whatever it is you wish to know about him.”
Eliza’s smile revealed that she quite liked the idea. Her blush gradually faded. “Oh, but I… I wouldn’t know what to ask him.”
Anna could understand that state of nervousness, for she felt it herself. “Let the moment guide you, Eliza. You may not know what to ask him now, but when you’re in his company, you’ll know.”
Eliza didn’t say anything to that. Instead, she cleared her throat and changed the topic. “Shouldn’t we start getting ready, then?”
“We have three hours,” Anna reminded her. “That is more than enough time.”
“Yes, but… you must change, my lady,” Eliza said, with a playful tone of voice. “And we must fix your hair. Perhaps some ribbons that would match your bonnet?”
“All right,” Anna chuckled again, “you win. I’ll stop talking about Mr. Higgins.”
“Indeed.” Eliza headed for the door, pretending to be an indignant old dowager. “There are far more important things to focus on right now.” She turned around and they shared an amused laugh, proceeding to Anna’s chamber, where they started to get ready for the picnic.
Chapter 23
Alexander’s carriage rolled through the bustling streets of London as he sat comfortably next to Tom, eagerly anticipating the picnic. The drawn curtains shielded the occupants from prying eyes, lending an air of intimacy to the journey ahead. Neither spoke much. They didn’t feel the need to. Occasionally, they would exchange glances, smile at each other, then get lost once again in their own reverie.
When the carriage came to a halt, Alexander’s body tightened. He got out, followed by Tom, and saw Anna and Eliza were already there, waiting for them.
“Lady Ravenscroft,” Alexander greeted her politely, bowing before her. “Miss Littleton.”
The two ladies smiled in greeting, curtsying cordially. After Tom extended his own greeting, the four of them stepped into the carriage, all their faces illuminated by the same light of excitement.
“I trust everyone is prepared for an afternoon of leisure and enjoyment?” he asked playfully, not taking his eyes off of Anna, just as Tom was unable to take his off of Eliza.
Anna’s own eyes sparkled as she adjusted in her seat opposite Alexander. “Indeed,” she replied with that melodious voice that he could not live without. “It was such a lovely idea.”
“I am happy you approve, Lady Anna,” he responded as the carriage set off on its journey, leaving the bustling streets of London behind only to substitute them with the serene countryside that surrounded it.
A smile of satisfaction tugged at Alexander’s lips as his suspicions were confirmed. The reason behind Tom’s eagerness to deliver his letter to Anna was now sitting opposite him. It was Eliza, Anna’s lady’s maid, and the prospect of spending time with her, obviously the object of his affection.
“So, what have you planned for us?” Anna inquired with that smile he could not resist, and once again, his focus was on her.
“And ruin the surprise?” Alexander replied in mock shock. “Never!” Everyone chuckled at his words as the carriage traversed open fields and winding country lanes. Alexander knew they were close. They just needed to get away from the city, away from all the prying eyes that might ruin what they wanted to create.
“I love surprises,” Anna gushed, and just as she said that, the carriage came to a gentle halt.
The small group exited the carriage only to be met with a secluded clearing nestled amid the rolling hills and verdant meadows. Alexander inhaled deeply as the scent of wildflowers mingled with the earthy aroma of surrounding foliage.
“What a lovely spot!” Eliza was the first to exclaim, and everyone nodded in agreement.
What lay before them was a picturesque tableau, a patchwork of emerald grass sprinkled with colorful blossoms. In the distance, ancient oak trees loomed, whispering secrets to the gentle breeze. Nearby, a babbling brook meandered languidly, its crystal-clear waters glistening in the dappled sunlight.
“It truly is breathtaking,” Anna had to agree, much to Alexander’s delight.
“I am pleased that the ladies approve,” Alexander replied, his gaze lingering fondly on Anna’s smile. “Now, how about we set up the picnic first?”
Sharing in the excitement of the moment, the group set about preparing for their picnic. Tom helped Alexander unfurl a luxurious blanket upon the grass, its soft fabric an invite to recline in comfort amid the lush greenery that surrounded them.
Once they were done, Anna and Eliza arranged an array of promised delicacies upon it, their chuckling mingling with the rustling of the leaves. There were savory pies, dainty sandwiches, and vibrant salads all meticulously prepared as not only a feast for the palate, but also a feast for the eyes. There was a bottle of wine to be shared as well, ready to quench their thirst.
Initially, all four settled onto the blanket, surrounded by beautiful nature and the warmth of each other’s company. However, eventually the couples separated, with Anna and Alexander choosing to take a nice stroll, while Eliza seemed interested in joining Tom’s fishing.
As they strolled, Alexander wanted to offer her his arm, but he quickly changed his mind. When he was with her, he felt as if he were always on slippery ground, and one mistake might cost him everything. It was better to simply wait and follow her lead, something he was not used to doing with anyone other than her.
“How did you come to know of this place?” she wondered. It was still mere ordinary discourse, and he was enjoying himself. He did not see it as a waste of time or words, but rather, he was overwhelmed by desire to know more about her, to listen to everything she wanted to tell him.
