A gentle summer breeze shimmered through the lush foliage and relaxed him as they walked along the lightly wooded path toward the beach.
However, Rob could tell Fiona was tense. “Are you all set for Cherish and Gawain’s house party? Are there any chores I can help you with? I know you and Cherish often help each other out whether it is your party or hers.”
She smiled as their path emerged onto a grassy expanse that led to the beach steps. “She’ll let me know if there is anything more I can do for her. I’ve already helped with the invitations and the general planning, so I think she’ll be prepared. Organization is one of my strengths. I also came ahead to make certain her house was fully stocked and that daily deliveries of perishable goods have been arranged, and I helped her write a schedule of daily activities and alternative plans in the event of rain.”
He laughed. “Is this her house party or yours?”
She shrugged. “I love this sort of thing. She knows I am here to help if something comes up that she needs me to do.”
“You are a good and loyal friend to her. A good friend to me, as well.”
He’d meant to compliment her, but saw pain in her fragile smile. “Always, Rob. I shall always hold you dearest in my heart.”
“Same here,” he replied, his voice tight. “You know that, don’t you?”
She smiled at him and nodded.
They walked on in silence, but then both came to a sudden stop as they reached the beach steps. From here, one had a magnificent view of Shoreham Manor’s sheltered cove and the sunlight glistening upon the gentle waves.
Rob took a deep breath, for there was something quite bracing about the salty sea air. “Would you mind if I took a swim later?”
Fiona shrugged. “Not at all. I might dip my toes in the water while you have your swim.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You could join me.”
She blushed. “I don’t think so. I am not as strong a swimmer as you. Besides, I did not think to put on my bathing costume.”
He left it at that as they walked down the stairs onto the sand and spread the blanket within the shade of the steps. Fiona opened the picnic basket and set out what was packed inside—cold ham, cheese, and bread.
“Looks delicious,” he remarked.
She nodded. “I have a good staff. They take excellent care of me.”
When they were done with their repast, they removed their boots and walked barefoot along the sand. Rob purposely did not touch Fiona, not even to take her hand. He could see that she was still fragile, for his presence alone was forcing her to face her feelings, and this was difficult for her.
But it was better that they dealt with this turmoil now.
If Fiona had helped Cherish send out her invitations, then most of the young ladies who were invited had no doubt been chosen for him by Fiona.
How would she handle seeing him in the company of these potential wives? He did not think she was capable of remaining indifferent.
What a mess this was going to be.
As they ambled back toward the blanket and the beach steps, he stopped to roll up the legs of his trousers.
Fiona watched him. “What are you doing?”
“Dipping a toe in the water. Care to join me for that? It is innocent enough.”
Nodding, she hiked her gown up to her knees and ventured into the water alongside him. He liked watching her dance amid the waves, darting forward and then back as they gently broke around her. What a beautiful portrait she made with her big eyes shining under that big, floppy hat, its pink ribbon fluttering in the wind.
Her legs were nicely shaped, too. He’d never seen more than her ankles in almost twenty years. But in their earlier days, whenthey were children, he’d seen her legs lots of times, for they often climbed trees or hopped fences, her long, spindly limbs flailing as she struggled to lift herself up.
Fiona had never had much upper body strength. She made it up a tree or over a fence by sheer determination.
“I’m going in for a swim,” he said, tugging his shirt out of his waistband. “Turn around, Fiona. I’m taking everything off.”
A hot blush stained her cheeks, but she did not turn away. Instead, she tipped her chin into the air. “What difference does it make? I’m going to see youthatway eventually, aren’t I?”
