“Then allow me to indulge you in your first. There are many flavors to choose from. Do you have a favorite?”
“I daresay I love anything with strawberries.”
“Strawberry it is then. And your maid?”
Katie looked up, startled. “That’s not necessary, my lord.”
“Nonsense. One doesn’t go to Gunter’s and not indulge in one of their delicious ices.”
“Thank you, my lord. You’re very kind. I do love lemons.”
After they greeted a few more lords and ladies, the driver exited Hyde Park. It wasn’t long before he pulled over to the side of the road and a waiter from Gunter’s came rushing over to take their order. Within minutes, he was back with a strawberry and two lemon ices, for which Alesbury handed over the coins.
He watched as Violet brought the spoon to her mouth and licked the strawberry ice. What he wouldn’t give to be that spoon and feel her smooth tongue on his skin. “Is it to your satisfaction?”
“Oh, yes. It’s quite delicious.”
“May I?” He reached over and, with the pad of his thumb, wiped a bit of strawberry off her lips. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her full, generous mouth—the kind of mouth that drove a man mad. If they hadn’t been in public he would have loved to pull her into his arms and thoroughly kiss that delectable mouth.
Their eyes locked, and he could see the rapid beating of her heart in the sweet hollow of her neck. He brought his thumb to his mouth, licking off the strawberry ice, and she inhaled sharply. “Miss Bainbridge, I would very much like to—”
“Would you care for anything else?” the waiter asked, popping out of nowhere.
Their intimate moment broken, Violet looked away, taking another bite of her ice.
“That will be all. Thank you,” Alesbury said.
By the time he walked Violet and her maid to the door, he’d managed to shake off his irritation at the waiter’s interruption and felt pleased with the afternoon’s outing. Violet seemed to enjoy his attentions if her rapid heartbeat was any indication. He hoped that was true because she was becoming very dear to him. “Miss Bainbridge, thank you for a lovely afternoon.”
Violet nodded. “Yes, it was quite enjoyable, especially the strawberry ice. Thank you again.”
“You’re most welcome. May I ask, are you attending the Huntington ball?”
“We are indeed.”
“I would very much like to request the supper dance?”
“I would be most delighted to save the dance for you.”
Akers opened the door just then, and Alesbury had no choice but to bid her goodbye. “Until then,” he said and kissed her hand. As he headed down the stairs and into the carriage, he vowed to give Violet everything she desired. The more time he spent with her, the more he knew she was the one he wanted as his viscountess. Even after their months apart, his ardor for the young lady hadn’t waned. She was perfect for him, and he hoped she felt the same.
Chapter 7
VIOLET DIVESTED HERSELF OF HERbonnet and gloves and handed them to Akers before walking into the parlor. She was pleased to see Courtney playing the pianoforte and took a seat on the sofa, letting the music wash over her. She wondered if Lord Alesbury was going to kiss her at Gunter’s before the waiter interrupted him? Had he seen how fast her heart was beating at the thought of her dream from the other night playing out in such a public place? It would have been magical, but all she was left with was the disappointment of not feeling his lips pressed against hers. Alesbury was a gentleman and would never ruin her with a kiss in public no matter how much she would have loved to kiss him. She was well aware of the strict rules of Society concerning a young woman’s actions and she would never knowingly flaunt them and bring scandal down on the family.
“That was beautiful,” Violet said, clapping, when Courtney stopped playing.
Courtney joined her on the sofa. “Thank you. Did you enjoy your ride with Lord Alesbury?”
Violet nodded. “Yes. It was indeed lovely, and I met the Duke of Richmond in the park.”
“You did? I’ve not had the pleasure yet.”
She didn’t get a chance to talk with Courtney any more before her mother and sisters joined them for tea.
Julia was her usual exuberant self. “Tell me, sister, was it wonderful riding in Hyde Park?”
“It was indeed. The wide-open spaces reminded me of being in the country.”
