Page 32 of Duke of Emeralds
“Did you trail me?” she asked, feigning indignation though a smile tugged at her lips.
“Trail ye? Nay, I merely sought yer company,” he replied, a teasing glimmer in his eye. “Mrs. Smith mentioned ye fancied a walk, and I thought it only polite to join ye.”
“How presumptuous of you, Your Grace,” she quipped, unable to suppress a grin.
He chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. “Aye, but I’ve learned that a bit of presumption can lead to pleasant surprises. How did yer errands fare?”
“We procured some lovely linens for the orphanage,” she shared, her heart swelling with pride. “I look forward to embroidering them for the children.”
His expression softened, revealing a tenderness that wrapped around her like a comforting shawl. “That sounds delightful. I am certain they will cherish whatever ye create.”
Hester felt the warmth of Thomas’ gaze wrap around her like a soft shawl, and in that moment, her earlier fears began to dissipate. She couldn’t help but realize how foolish it was to avoid him.
“Perhaps I ought to return to the castle now,” she suggested, attempting to mask her unease with a hasty excuse. But before she could take a step away, his hand shot out, fingers wrapping around her wrist with a firm yet gentle grip.
“Are ye avoiding me, Hester?” he asked.
“Why on earth would I be avoiding you?” she replied with a forced giggle, her tone a touch too quick, betraying her flustered state.
He chuckled softly. “Why do ye laugh, then?”
“Am I not entitled to a little mirth, Your Grace?” she retorted, arching an eyebrow though a smile threatened to break through her facade.
“Indeed, ye are. I suppose ye prefer solitude?”
“At this moment, yes.”
“So do I,” he murmured, turning and striding ahead toward the water.
Hester watched him for a moment, unsure of how to read him. Shrugging, she dared to follow. By the time she reached him, he had shed his boots and rolled up his breeches, wading into the shallow edge of the water, the sunlight glinting off his tawny hair.
“What became of your desire for solitude? The water is full of fish,” she said.
“It was overtaken by the wish to soak my feet,” he replied, glancing back at her with a grin. Hester laughed, quickly discarding her boots and gathering her skirts to follow suit.
As she stepped into the cool water, the sensation against her bare skin was invigorating, contrasting delightfully with the warm afternoon air. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, memories of freer days flooding her mind. When she opened them again, she caught Thomas watching her with an expression that made her heart flutter.
“There’s a lake on my family estate,” she began, seeking to distract herself from the intensity of his gaze. “Leonard and I would often play there, splashing about like children.”
“Did he ever do this, then?” Thomas suddenly splashed water in her direction, catching her completely off guard. Hester squealed, laughter bubbling forth as she attempted to retaliate, but he dodged with ease, his movements fluid and graceful.
“How are you so skilled at this? It hardly seems fair!” she protested, mock indignation coloring her tone.
“Perhaps ye should inquire with Elspet how I became such a master of splashin’,” he called over his shoulder, expertly avoiding another wave of water aimed his way.
Hester knew little of his sister, only that she resided in Scotland, yet she could imagine the mischief they must have shared. “Any boy with a sister and access to water is bound to excel at?—”
“Being unfair,” he finished for her, laughter dancing in his eyes as they both recalled their childhoods filled with similar games.
“Clearly Elspet hasn’t drenched you enough to teach you not to pick on a woman at sea,” she quipped, her spirit buoyed as she chased after him, splashing wildly.
“Goodness, am I dealing with a siren now?” he exclaimed, feigning shock as he splashed her again.
“You never told me much about your sister,” she said.
His eyes widened a fraction. “I must have forgotten.”
Hester smiled. “Where in Scotland is she?”
