“You can,” Marie urged.
“I’m not sure.”
“Then test him. I think he will do anything you ask him.”
“I think you’re wrong,” she said, thinking of the wagers he refused to collect on.
“If you love him, isn’t it worth taking a risk? At least then you will know for sure.”
Could she take a risk on Bellamy? Could she put her heart in his hands and hope he didn’t crush it into dust?
*
When the luncheonwas over Lisbeth waved off Oliver’s aunt and her companion. Oliver returned to her and kissed her hand and said, “I’ll hire a hack to Vauxhall. Do you think you can bear it? Dalmere will be waiting, and we do not want to miss the balloon ascension, do we?”
“A hack will be fine. It is only a short trip. I must confess I am looking forward to tonight. Afterwards, you must come home with me, for I have something important to discuss.”
He frowned. “What is it?”
“I don’t want to get into it now. It will be more appropriate to show you later, when we can be alone.”
“Alone? I too am anxious to have you alone. Naked and alone,” he whispered in her ear, the soft sound sending sparks of desire through her whole body.
She wanted nothing more than to be naked and alone with Oliver. Pretending the outside world and all its problems didn’t exist was so easy when they were together. She would show him the ledger and maybe together they could decide what was the best way to handle this new situation. She had already organized for her solicitors to meet with her tomorrow. She wanted theledger to be dealt with in a legal manner and all monies returned as soon as was possible to those who had invested.
She touched his cheek briefly as a footman hailed a passing hackney. The trip to the gardens was pleasant and they laughed and kissed the whole way there. They were to meet Dalmere at the front gates where there was already a crowd of people milling about. She felt so at ease in Bellamy’s company. She longed to be with him always. It was strange. She thought she would never feel this way with a man. Nathaniel had tried to beat any sense of contentment out of her. She was happy to see that maybe, just maybe, he hadn’t succeeded after all.
They alighted, paid their entrance fee, and waited for Dalmere. It was no chore as there was much to see and take in.
“Lord Bellamy! Is there a Lord Bellamy here?”
“Over here!” Oliver shouted. A young lad came scurrying up with his cap in his hand.
“Ever so sorry m’lord. I’ve a message for ye. I was told you were coming here. It’s Lady Mortimer, she’s taken ill and the doctor wants you right quick.”
Just then Dalmere arrived. “Something amiss, Bellamy?”
Oliver paid the lad who ran off into the crowd. “I have to go. My aunt has taken ill.” He looked pale and worried.
Lisbeth touched Oliver’s sleeve in comfort. “I hope she didn’t overdo things today,” Lisbeth said, her tone matching his expression.
“I hope so, too.” He took off his hat, ran a hand through his hair, and put his hat back on.
“I’m happy to be Lady Blackhurst’s escort until you return,” Dalmere offered. “You wouldn’t want her to miss out on the balloon ascension, would you? There will not be another one until next season.”
Lisbeth smiled. “I really don’t mind, Lord Dalmere. I’m happy to return home. Bellamy, please give your aunt my well wishes and let me know how she is when you can.”
“Ah, but I insist,” said Dalmere. “It’s a mild night. We should make the most of the weather.”
Bellamy patted her hand that was still on his arm. “I’m sure my aunt is fine. She probably had one too many sandwiches. That’s all. I’ll return as soon as I can.”
“Are you sure?” Lisbeth asked. Oliver nodded and she released his arm and turned towards the other man. “Then I would be pleased to have you escort me, Lord Dalmere.” For what other course did she have without offending him?
“The pleasure will be all mine, I assure you, Lady Blackhurst.” Dalmere bowed in front of her and offered her his arm.
Bellamy turned to leave but looked back. “I hate to leave you.”
“I’ll be fine. Go,” she replied, giving him a smile of reassurance even though she did not feel it. How would he be if his aunt died? She did not want to think about it. She watched as he strode off towards the entrance and was gone.
