Like that, he was off, pedaling away from her. Rhiannon had ridden a bicycle before, but it had been quite a few monthsago. She followed in his wake, a bit shaky at first before her confidence swiftly grew.
“Wait for me, you scoundrel,” she called after him.
Her poor legs were no match for his much longer, stronger limbs. Fortunately, he slowed his pace and allowed her to catch up with him. They rode in a companionable silence, following the path into the wooded area on the edge of the park.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked at last, curious.
“You’ll see. We have almost arrived.” His voice was amused.
“Why do you not simply tell me now?”
“Because I want it to be a surprise, minx.”
Something wet landed on her nose.
Rain, she realized, glancing up at the sky, which had darkened to a dull gray.
“The skies are opening up,” she pointed out. “I do hope we shall arrive at our destination soon.”
“Patience. We are nearly there.”
The drops began coming down with greater insistence. Rhiannon bit her lip as rain spattered her cheeks but pedaled on without comment. Despite the uncooperative weather, she was ridiculously pleased to be with Aubrey. This excursion had been his idea as well, which delighted her even more. He was so often aloof and cool, detached beneath his rakish façade. But since this morning, a sea change had occurred.
One she wouldn’t take for granted, lest it reverse its course.
Which it inevitably would. She knew him too well by now.
From the overgrowth of the forest, a building suddenly emerged amidst the foliage. Not a moment too soon, as the clouds truly began releasing their fury overhead.
“Here we are,” he announced cheerfully, as if they weren’t being pelted with cold, fat raindrops. “We’ll leave the bicycles in the stables.”
The meandering path had led them to a charming brick cottage with a small building alongside it. She followed him into the stables and allowed him to assist her off the bicycle.
“What is this place?” she asked as she watched him tuck their bicycles out of the weather.
“An old gamekeeper’s cottage. It hasn’t been in use for the last decade or so, but we recently refurbished it so that it can be used for house party guests who require additional privacy.”
“A place for assignations, you mean.”
He shrugged. “A place for whatever one wishes. Dinner, luncheon, perhaps an orgy.”
Her eyes widened. “You didn’t bring me here for an orgy, did you?”
Aubrey had informed her of the meaning of that word earlier, and it was quite unforgettable.
He extended his hand. “Come and see for yourself.”
She placed her gloved palm in his. “But I’m not wearing my mask.”
He closed his fingers around hers. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes.” Her response was instant, without hesitation.
She trusted him with her body, with her secrets, with her heart.
“Good. Then come.”
He tugged her back out into the rain, which was by now a full downpour. They rushed through the deluge and into the cottage, both of them soaked by the time they were inside, giggling like children. Aubrey pulled her into his arms and gave her a thorough kiss, the brims of their hats knocking together.
