“Of course not, dearest,” Esther replied, willing the heat in her cheeks to fade. “Come, join us. Did you sleep well?”
Elizabeth poured herself a cup of tea before settling into a chair beside her mother. “I did, though I woke to find you already gone. Where have you been so early?”
Esther hesitated for half a moment before answering. “Mr. Wang and I took a balloon ride at sunrise. It was…exhilarating.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened with delight. “A balloon ride? Mama, how daring of you! And without me?” She feigned a pout.
Esther chuckled, relieved at her daughter’s lighthearted response. “You wouldn’t have enjoyed waking up before sunrise. We left not long after you arrived from the ball.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “True. I was exhausted last night.” Then the girl reached out and squeezed her mother’s hand, her expression turning gentle. “But I’m glad you are going out. If these adventures bring those roses to your cheeks, that is all I want. As long as you are happy, I’m happy, Mama.”
Esther felt her throat tighten. “I am, my love,” she whispered, giving Elizabeth’s hand a squeeze in return.
Elizabeth smiled, then turned her gaze playfully to Wang. “And you, sir, are you leading my mother into mischief?”
Wang inclined his head, his expression entirely solemn. “On the contrary, Lady Elizabeth. She is leading me.”
“That I can believe. Don’t let her ladylike demeanor fool you. My mother is a hoyden at heart.”
Laughter bubbled between them, Esther looked at her daughter and Wang, their easy camaraderie warming her as the morning sun. The three of them, here at the breakfast table, talking and teasing as a family. The portrait of a life she had once dreamed of.
CHAPTER 12
Wanghadbeenright.As usual. They had taken the first train out of London that morning and arrived in Bath just a few hours ago.
After securing lodgings near the famous baths that gave the city its name, they had gone into the thermal spas in search of a place where she could have her therapies. So far, they had visited several establishments, The King’s and Queen’s Baths and the Royal Bath Hospital. The facilities were adequate, but they wouldn’t allow Wang to be with her while she used the pools. In the case of the King’s and Queen’s baths, they had strict rules regarding male and female bathers not mixing. In the hospital’s case, the use of the baths had to be under one of their physicians. And they would not recognize Wang as a medical doctor.
As night fell, they returned to the hotel and ordered the meal to be brought to her room. She was tired, deflated, and not up to attending the hotel’s drawing room.
“We could keep trying tomorrow,” Wang suggested. “There’s the Cross Bath. I learned it’s smaller. Maybe they will allow private bathing and would not oppose—”
“No. You were right. It’s futile. Even if we secure a bath for private use, there will be gossip if we go into the bath together. And we can be sure it will reach society. Bath is the aristocracy’s premier spa town. The rumors will be all over London the next day. I can’t risk causing a scandal during my daughter’s first season. Bad enough that I had to leave her.”
“There’s always America,” he reminded her.
“But how will I manage? Where would I live?” The notion was so daunting. She desperately needed to resume her therapies. She could feel her muscles tightening and cramping. The water exercises did wonders to alleviate that.
“My home in New York is near the hospital, so it’s convenient for the therapies. It’s not as grand as your house, but it’s adequate. You may stay there for as long as you need or want.”
Oh, his offer was so tempting. “How will I explain this to Elizabeth? When I spoke to her this morning, I told her I was coming to Bath for a few days to take the waters. Leaving for America for months is a different matter altogether. I will miss her entire first season.”
“You are missing it now, anyway, Esther. You don’t accompany them to any events.”
“But at least I’m there if she needs me.”
Wang’s warm hand settled on top of hers, the warmth infusing calm. “Write to her. Ask her opinion. Your daughter is a kind and intelligent young woman.”
“I’m not sure my maid would be able to travel with us.” It was a weak excuse. Her maid had been with her for over twenty years. The woman was steadfast and loyal. “I can’t manage without my maid. I need her help to get dressed and undressed, getting in and out of a bed, a bath—”
A corner of his mouth hitched up in a provocative grin. “I’ll do the honors if your maid can’t accompany us.”
“Oh?” Warmth suffused her face at the memory of what had transpired the last time he had lowered her into a bath. She offered a seductive smile. “Are you as adept at removing my clothing as you are at getting me into a bath?”
“Only one way to find out. It seems I will have to prove my prowess.” Wang shrugged out of his coat and unbuttoned his waistcoat as he advanced on her. With deft fingers, he untied the knot of his tie and let the material slither to the floor. There was no doubting the dexterity of his fingers. Those long, well-shaped fingers that had caressed her with such masterful skill.
“Will you remove all your clothes before removing mine?” Her voice was a little breathless.
He smirked, confident of the effect he was having on her.
