Charlottes’s eyes widened as she looked at him, her breathing becoming quicker as it was evident that her heart was racing. “I wasn’t expecting such an outspoken confession,” she breathed heavily before gently tightening her grip on his hand.
“I hope that means you will accept?” He waited with bated breath for her response, feeling the gentle rocking of the boat in the shallows as water slapped against the sides.
“I would have to speak to my Uncle Reginald first, but I am almost certain there would be no objection.” She finally smiled and let out her breath.
Feeling his lips curl into a smile, Jameson examined the sparkle in her eyes. The atmosphere suddenly grew hotter as he leaned in closer, cupping her chin in his hand and drawing her face closer to his. Their lips met in a tender kiss, feeling the anticipation reciprocated from both sides.
Sighing softly as she tilted her head to the side, Jameson took his cue and deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his tongue and searching the warm depths of her mouth. His hand gently caressed her cheek before gently stroking a path over her neck and chest with the back of his fingers.
The soft flesh of her neckline felt like velvet beneath his fingertips. Her breathing allowed her breasts to move at a faster pace just as he brushed the top of the mounds with his knuckles.
Sudden laughter made them stop and draw apart, ending the heated moment that had sealed the agreement of their courtship. Charlotte’s cheeks were flushed and her lips puffy from the intensity of the kiss. The passion he saw reflected in her eyes let him know that she had enjoyed the kiss as much as he had.
“Goodness, where are we?” The maid sat up straight, startled from her sleep by the raucous laughter. It was clear from the confusion in her expression that she hadn’t heard or seen anything that had happened.
“We better get back before they send a search party.” Jameson picked up the oars and angled the boat towards the entrance of the alcove.
“I will consider your proposal and discuss it with my uncle.” Charlotte regained her composure and answered quietly as her maid sat up straight.
“Thank you.” He mouthed the words and winked at her, causing the light blush on her cheeks to deepen.
***
Charlotte’s heart was racing by the time they reached the shore. She couldn’t believe that Lord Jameson Sinclair had stated his intentions of courting her so boldly. Her stomach fluttered as she thought of the way he had looked at her and how his kiss had set her heart on fire.
He’d awoken things within her that weren’t entirely appropriate for a young woman to think of. Her skin still tingled over her bosoms on the sections where his knuckles brushed over the flesh.
“What on earth happened to the two of you?” Lady Isabella came bounding forward just as they made their way onto dry land, with Lord Jameson helping her from the boat.
“I’m afraid that our boat got caught up in a current, and we drifted into a tree,” Lord Jameson replied when Charlotte couldn’t think of an answer fast enough.
“That’s a shame, Lord Ashburton and I had the best time reaching the other side of the lake! We nearly toppled over twice!” Lady Isabella could barely contain her excitement as she clung to the man’s arm, beaming from ear to ear with a loving look in her eyes. It was clear to Charlotte that her friend was more than taken with the gentleman.
It was Lady Thornton who came forward first, her hems lifted above the ankles to keep her white dress from soiling on the damp grass of the bank. “I was wondering what took you so long, but I can see that you have all had a marvellous time.” She turned to Charlotte with a slight look of concern.
Feeling self-conscious, Charlotte began to panic, wondering if Lady Thornton had guessed what had happened.
What if they saw us?
Her heart raced with fear as she guiltily avoided her gaze.
“There is a gentleman here that has been asking for you, Charlotte; he said that your uncle had told him that you would be here today.” She seemed almost nervous as she glanced over her shoulder at the duchess, who was speaking to someone new.
Feeling her hopes sink, Charlotte spotted the tall figure of Lord Dunham beneath the tree. Jameson stepped closer to her side, subtly brushing his arms against hers so that she would be aware of his presence.
“The gentleman asked if he could have the honour of a walk with you; given the fact that he is an acquaintance of your uncle’s, I couldn’t say no. We best get back.” Lady Thornton seemed apologetic as she glanced from one to the other.
Taking a deep breath, Charlotte felt herself being held back by Lord Sinclair as he whispered in her ear.
“You won’t have to do it much longer; you can discuss my proposal with your uncle tonight.” His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, sending a wave of bumps down her neck.
Chapter 13
Charlotte’s mind lingered on the kiss as she strolled beside Lord Dunham, confused by his sudden appearance at the picnic. The only plausible reason she could possibly think of was that he had showed up at the house hoping to see her, and her uncle had told her where she had gone. The man’s constant presence in her life was beginning to wear thin on her nerves.
“I’ve always liked the park this time of year; the weather is very agreeable. Would you not agree, Lady Charlotte?” Lord Dunham remarked on the beauty of the park as he strolled with his hands clasped behind his back.
“I do prefer being indoors, but the weather is lovely this time of year,” Charlotte remarked politely, glancing over her shoulder and wishing the time would pass faster. The group beneath the tree seemed to be having a lovely time, laughing and chatting.
