Page 37 of In Scandal with the Duke
They continued exploring, and soon, the sound of cascading water drew Elizabeth to the Cascade. The faux waterfall tumbled down a cleverly constructed rocky outcrop and was illuminated by nearby lamps that made the water sparkle as it fell.
Almost five hours after entering, Elizabeth was awed and a bit tired. The pleasure gardens were a captivating oasis with its multi-colored lamps and lanterns shaped like constellations, stars, and suns turning the gardens into a fairyland of blue, yellow, and purple lights. The grounds were rather lush and expansive with a canal running through with two elegant cast-iron bridges. A faux castle was also prominent and planted with several pieces of cannon, bowling greens, swings, and thatched umbrellas as a shelter from sudden rains and storms.
“Just in time,” James murmured, glancing toward the sky.
The fireworks began, painting the sky with bursts of color, and Elizabeth watched in awe. After the show, they made their way to an area where acrobats and equestrians were performing, each act drawing cheers and applause from the gathered crowds. She was captivated by the array of performances, astonished to see daring ladies who stood gracefully atop galloping horses and men who deftly traversed tightropes strung high above the ground. Each heart-stopping moment of the acrobats’ precarious acts had Elizabeth instinctively gripping James’s arm with her breath held in suspense. He bore her reactions with impressive grace.
Though she yawned behind her gloved hand, she said, “I must see the hot air balloons soar in the air tonight. I declare I cannot wait to see such a spectacle another day, James.”
He obliged whatever she wanted, and they strolled toward where dozens of people were setting up for the balloon ascent. Her belly rumbled, and she sheepishly grinned.
“I missed supper, and I am famished.”
“The Gardens is famous for its arrack punch; I will treat you to it with a cold supper.”
“Arrack punch?”
“A drink made by mixing arrack, which is a liquor derived from areca nut, rum and sugar.”
“Rum?”
“Hmm.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I am already anticipating the taste.”
“Then we shall continue onward, eat, drink, and make merry.”
She found herself laughing more freely than she had in a long time. Another hour slipped by, filled with laughter and lively conversation, drinking punch, and eating. They talked about several topics, from gossip to political debates. Elizabeth was increasingly captivated not just by the duke’s charm and looks but by his droll wit and intelligence. More so that James willingly talked about topics her mother often warned her were unsuitable for discourse with men of theton. Her throat went tight, and an unfamiliar sensation lodged inside her chest.
He faltered and glanced at her when he noted she had stopped. His expression grew serious at whatever he saw on her face. “What is it, Elizabeth?”
She swallowed against the ache of emotions that rushed inside her. Elizabeth was trying to calm the wild pounding of her heart and the foolish ache for more with this man that had stirred to life.
“James … thank you. This night has been incredible and far more fun than I expected. It is wonderfully liberating, being someone else for a night.”
He cupped her cheek with a hand, uncaring that a few people glanced at them in astonishment. “There are no thanks needed between friends,” he murmured, his gaze enigmatic.
She breathed in the scent of the man, all warmth and masculinity. Longing rose inside her like a great swell, and her breathing fractured. Elizabeth smiled, knowing this night would be etched in her memory forever, a bright spot in her life, regardless of what the future held.
You are incredible, James, and I hope that during our time together, you also find me a bit wonderful.
CHAPTER12
James felt a bemused sense of wonder, an odd pleasure lingering in his chest because of Elizabeth’s enjoyment and happiness with her night out. Each time she laughed, his mouth hitched into a smile. He also desperately wanted to kiss her, just to see if she tasted as warm and sweet as he recalled. Never after he had experienced a woman did James feel the same intense need for her a second time. The desire had always lessened since he knew what he would receive. Befuddlingly, the opposite was true for Elizabeth Armstrong. He let out a slow, deep breath. James knew the taste and feel of her mouth and pussy, but instead of his satisfaction declining, his hunger had increased … exponentially.
Her lovely eyes, which were set under delicately arched brows, gleamed with rich delight. “The night has been amazing.” Elizabeth twirled, lifting her hands to the sky as if she wanted to touch the air balloon that floated away in the distance. “I want to come every night for the next week.”
“I am certain your mother will be suspicious if you plead a headache every night.”
She wagged a slim finger. “You forget that I am anincredibleactress.”
He lifted a brow, dubious about her assertion. “Show me this supposed act. I will be the judge if it can stand up for more than one night.”
She looked away briefly, white teeth sinking into a plump bottom lip. Elizabeth squared her shoulders and stared at him. “Very well. An actress cannot feel any sort of stage fright.”
James watched, astonished, as Elizabeth cleared her throat, placed the back of her hand across her forehead and groaned.
“If you made such a sound tonight, I am surprised your aunt and mother even left you alone. That was a death rattle.”
