She’d been playing in the water with the exuberance of a child. It reminded him of the enthusiasm she’d had while making love. When Sophia discarded her prim and proper manners, she did so with uninhibited gusto.
Her sleek, wet hair had worked itself free of her coiffure, her chemise was sliding off one shoulder, and an exuberant smile stretched across her lips. Struggling against the water, she lifted her feet high and ran toward the shore. Harold had caught sight of him as well and, standing in chest high water held up one hand in greeting.
But Dev had eyes only for Sophia.
Her pale skin had taken on a sweet honey tone, and her eyes burned brighter than the sea.
Coming to a sudden stop where the white foam of the waves still rolled over her bare feet, Sophia stood not five feet from him. He knew she wanted to throw herself into his arms, but she checked herself suddenly.
Perhaps they were being watched. Yes, it was likely that some family member or another could come upon them at any moment.
But for now, they were alone.
“You look more beautiful than ever,” he said hungrily.
She looked down at her toes and then back up again. She bit her lip, nervously. “I’ve been working with Harold on his bathing technique.”
It was not what he’d expected her to say, but since when had she done what he’d expected? Dev felt himself grinning for the first time since she’d left London.
“How’s that working out?”
She laughed. “Well… he’s doing much better now. I hadn’t realized that a person could completely forget how to swim. But apparently, that’s what Harold had done. Rather, he said his mind had not forgotten, but his body had.”
Dev eyed her curves from head to toe. Her chemise, in that moment, did little to hide her charms. He was glad no one but him could see her — in close proximity, anyhow — and witness her state of dishabille. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, clasping her elbows at her sides.
“So, you have not been pining for me?” He laughed at her sudden shyness, but his voice was tender as he removed his jacket. Stepping into the surf, he dropped it on her shoulders and led her toward the dry sand. She leaned against him as he did so.
It was the most they would get away with.
“I am so glad you are here.” Her words were muffled as she spoke into the jacket. Although no one else but Harold was in sight, and the wind and surf would drown out any words they spoke, she was cautious.
But it was obvious she’d known that he would come. She’d not doubted him.
“You cannot imagine my disappointment when I came downstairs for breakfast and discovered you had left.” He’d not kissed her goodbye. He wanted to kiss her now, but that was out of the question.
“So, you know what the duchess believes?”
He nodded his head. “The world has gone insane with glee over it — rather, the Prescott world, anyhow.”
She sat on the blanket and looked up at him. “It is a Prescott world in which I now live.” She sounded a little forlorn. “It’s as though the servants’ sole duty is to spy on us. Harold and I are followed almost everywhere.” Her eyelashes dropped, but then she boldly gazed back up at him. “I’ve missed you.”
How had this happened? “God, Sophia.” The physical urge to take her into his arms, to make love to her right here on the sand, was nearly excruciating. “What am I going to do with you?”
Harold had reached the water’s edge and approached them slowly.
“Harold!” Dev shouted over the sounds of the waves. “You are looking well! Married life appears to suit you.”
At which his cousin rolled his eyes, and Sophia laughed ironically. Dev felt something warm inside his heart. They had become friends, Sophia and Harold. Two people he realized he cared for deeply.
Harold took a seat on the sand, a few feet from Sophia. She handed him a second blanket, glancing around surreptitiously. Dev dropped onto the sand as well, putting some distance between himself and the newlyweds.
Sophia then opened a nearby basket and pulled out a few bottles of wine. As she handed Dev his own bottle and an apple, Harold proceeded to tell him what they’d been doing since they left London.
Watching his cousin and Sophia interact now, he was happy to see that they’d made peace with each other. Harold’s awkwardness with her was gone. Of course, her sweet charm, her compassion and understanding, had most likely gone to work on the way Harold saw himself. For she knew his secret and had not treated him with any ill will.
Sophia glanced over and caught Dev’s eye.
He’d thought he would be able to leave her alone until after Harold and Stewart left the country. But in that moment, as she smiled at him warmly, he couldn’t remember why.
