“Who is here?” Rebecca asked.
Phoebe wet her lips before replying, “My betrothed.”
Twelve
Graham sauntered past the butler, who stood stiffly by the parlor entrance ready to make his announcement. He did not bother to acknowledge him. After all, Phoebe was his intended and he had every right to see her without formalities, and he damn well would.
As he approached her, their eyes locked, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks. The sound of his Hessians echoed on the thin carpet as he crossed the room toward Phoebe.
“Graham, what a surprise,” Rebecca said as she came to her feet.
“I thought I might take Lady Phoebe on a picnic.”
“A lovely idea, to be sure.” Rebecca returned his smile, then looked at her sister. “If you will excuse me.”
Phoebe nodded, her loose chignon bouncing with the movement.
Rebecca moved closer and dropped a kiss on her sister’s cheek, pausing for a moment before drawing away.
Graham would wager she’d whispered something to Phoebe, though he couldn’t imagine what. Regardless, Phoebe gave a slight grin and nodded once more.
Rebecca pivoted toward the door, her gaze meeting Graham’s long enough to shoot him a warning before she sauntered away.
He strode further into the bright drawing room, coming to stand in front of Phoebe. “It seems you and I are to be wed.” A silly thing to say, he supposed, but how else was he to gauge her feelings on the matter?
Phoebe’s hazel eyes softened, and a slight grin pulled at her bow-shaped lips. “Indeed, Your Grace.”
Graham’s stomach tightened at her reaction. He had hoped they could work together to undo the mess they had made. Judging by her response, it was safe to wager that he was on his own in his desire to end their engagement.
“I had a picnic prepared. Do join me.” Graham proffered his arm. “We must keep up appearances.”
Meow…
He glanced down at the furry beast rubbing against Phoebe’s skirt. The creature had terrible timing. Phoebe squatted to pet the cat rather than taking his arm.
“Hello, Lilli. Where did you come from, darling?” Phoebe cooed.
The beast purred, its vibrating sound of pleasure filling the air between them.
The kitten circled Phoebe’s legs, then pressed against Graham’s boot. He could not help from reaching down to stroke its soft coat.
When the kitten flopped against his foot, laying its head square on his toes, he looked at Phoebe and chuckled. “It seems your pet does not wish for us to leave.”
“Lilli is an attention hog. There is little she likes more than a good petting.” Phoebe scratched between its grey ears. “I am sorry, darling, but you must move.” She picked it up.
When Phoebe started toward the bay window with the kitten pressed against her chest, Graham said, “Why don’t you bring her with us?”
Phoebe turned back to him, her eyes bright. “Truly, you would not mind?”
“Not at all,” Graham said as he once again offered his arm.
She seemed to glide toward him, so light on her feet. The same was true for her touch, for when she wrapped her fingers around his elbow, there was no pressure at all, merely warmth. The same heat that had passed between them in that abandoned cabin. Passion flared to life at the memory, and Graham had the sudden urge to pull her close.
The last thing he needed to do was take advantage of her again. Doing so would further compound the mess he’d already created. The thought doused his stirring desire, and he led her from the parlor.
A short time later, Graham lounged on a blanket near the creek that ran beside Almerry Castle. Phoebe sat beside him, her kitten curled up in her lap as she feathered her hand down its back. A plate of cut fruit and cheese rested between them.
Graham studied her as she nibbled on a berry. Her tongue darting out in between bites to capture the juices that stained her lips. The mere sight sent a surge of desire through him and brought his mind back to the kisses they’d shared.
