“Mrs. Freyer would be thrilled to share it with you,” Julian said.
“Perhaps I’ll add it to the list of baked goods on offer at the tearoom,” Serafina said. “With full acknowledgement of Mrs. Freyer’s talent.”
Julian laughed. “I’m certain she’ll be delighted by that.”
Serafina took a bite of one of the sandwiches and was pleasantly surprised. “This is very tasty,” she remarked. “I’ve never tried a radish sandwich. It’s quite a unique flavor. I think it might also be worth adding to the tearoom menu.”
“Ah, and what blend of tea do you think would complement the radish?” Julian asked as he popped a grape into his mouth.
Serafina took another bite of the sandwich and closed her eyes. “Hmm… With the radish’s crisp, peppery taste…I think perhaps a gunpowder green tea would pair nicely with it. Or perhaps—mint and lemon might be worth trying,” she said, embracing the spark of excitement whenever she crafted a new recipe. She loved everything about tea…the different flavors, aromas… She especially loved combining different spices and herbs.
“I can see how much you enjoy your work.” Julian smiled, taking a sip of his wine. “I’m certain your tearoom will be a resounding success.”
“Thank you,” she said, feeling a blush heat her cheeks at the compliment. “It’s creative in many ways… That is, I don’t mean in the same way as what you do. But I do enjoy it very much.”
“I think it is creative. The way you pair flavors is similar to how I would pair colors on a palette. You have a passion for it.”
“Am I that transparent?” she asked, quite mesmerized by the blue of his eyes.
“What you are is the loveliest, most fascinating creature I’ve ever met,” he said in a deep voice, his brogue becoming more pronounced.
She caught her breath as he leaned in closer, his hand tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“My maid will see—” she began.
“Your maid has gone for a walk with my driver.”
Serafina glanced over her shoulder. “They’ve walked quite a distance. They aren’t paying us any attention.”
“Precisely.”
“What do you mean?” Serafina asked.
He smiled. “I mean…that might have been the point, my sweet,” Julian said, arching a brow. “We seem to be quite alone. And I’ve been wanting to do this since I met you, Serafina…” His voice was husky as he leaned in and covered her lips with his.
Juian tasted of wine and cucumber sandwiches—and smelled of sandalwood, leather, and fresh air. Wonderful waves of pleasure rippled through her as his lips coaxed hers apart and his tongue tasted hers. Her very first kiss. And she never wanted it to stop. Her heart was doing back flips by now. And a delightful shiver coursed through her as his hand caressed her cheek and then traveled down her neck to her shoulder.
Nothing mattered but this moment. Julian was holding and kissing her. And when he touched her like this…well…she wanted more. So much more…
Across the fields,a man dressed head to toe in black crouched behind a tangle of hedge, adjusting his spyglass with a gloved thumb. “I knew it,” he hissed.
Baron Cornelius Grimsby snapped the spyglass shut and jammed it into his pocket. Rising, he brushed the dirt from his breeches and coat, his gaze lingering for one last, venomous moment on the blasted Scottish artist kissing her. The woman he could not stop thinking about.
With a snarl, he turned toward his waiting carriage. A cruel smile twisted his lips as he anticipated his plan. Revenge would be sweet indeed.
CHAPTER 8
Mid-morning, the next day
“What time does your young man arrive, my dear?” Aunt Bianca asked, admiring her new gown in the mirror of the drawing room. The duchesses had all decided to dress early to make certain they all looked resplendent.
“He should be arriving within the hour. And, Aunt Bianca, he is not my young man,” Serafina replied, trying to act nonchalant. Every time Aunt Bianca spoke about Julian, she started with, ‘your young man.’” Serafina hoped she didn’t call him that in front of him. She would blush from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. “The green silk looks lovely on you, Aunt Bianca, especially with that diamond hairband. It makes you look positively radiant.”
“Thank you, darling. The girls and I made sure that none of our gowns would clash for our sitting.”
Aunt Dora entered the room wearing a pale rose gown and took her seat on the small sofa that sat opposite the large window.
“Aunt Dora, you should wear that shade more often. Your beautiful eyes are sparkling—you look lovely in it, and the silk just shimmers.”
