By the time she had removed both shoes and stockings, several of the other young people were doing so as well. A few were already frolicking at the water’s edge. A shrill cry from one of the young ladies was followed by a collection of laughter.
The ocean was relatively calm, and the sun shone warmly down from a cloudless sky. How could they not wade into the water on such a perfect day?
* * *
Sebastian could not helpbut appreciate the sight of the most proper Lady Asherton hitching her skirt up in order to venture into the foam of cresting waves. And then, as though lured by the sea itself, she moved farther into the surf where smaller waves crashed harmlessly before rolling to shore. A few more daring steps and the bottom half of her gown was soaked.
She didn’t seem to mind.
Raising one hand to keep her hair from covering her face as the wind whipped it out of her coiffure, she turned her back to the sea and gazed up at the cliffs. Sebastian’s breath caught. He couldn’t help but wish he had his sketchpad so that he could capture her image and perhaps some of her essence in that moment.
She grinned when she caught him watching her and at the same time, a larger set of waves came rolling into shore. Sebastian moved to call out but not in time. One rogue wave, much larger than those that had crashed before it, rose up behind her and crashed into her shoulders. An instant later, a second wave submerged her completely.
He rushed into the water toward her in case she required assistance but then breathed in relief when her face emerged. She sputtered in shock but then burst into a fit of laughter.
She reminded him of springtime—of a flower daring to bloom.
He was glad that Uncle George had not made the climb down the cliffs. She would not, Sebastian knew, have relinquished her inhibitions to swim if his uncle was present.
Others were wading into the water now, emboldened by Lady Asherton’s decision to swim, and sounds of laughter and a few coquettish screams competed with the wind and the crashing waves. He had no interest in anyone else in that moment, however. She had captivated him.
Standing beside her in water that nearly reached her shoulders, Sebastian reached out to steady her.
“It’s been too long since I last did this.” She grinned and would have been submerged again if he hadn’t placed his other hand on her waist and lifted her.
But she did not need him, really. Before he realized her intent, she had thrown her head back, closed her eyes, and floated, her hair and dress billowing in the water.
Sebastian ducked under the surface, stealthily swam a few feet and then rose up and toppled her. Her response was to send a splash in his direction and dive into the coming wave.
“Minx!” He dove after her.
She broke the surface on the other side appearing almost like a mermaid.
Until she slapped more water in his direction. “Beast!”
Nothing could tire a person out the way that a good swim could. Together they jumped with the incoming waves and gave themselves up to each surge. A few times the water drew them toward one another, even causing their bodies to collide. He’d allow his hands to remain on her person longer than necessary, and he did not think he was mistaken to think that she did the same.
Although he knew she would never admit to it.
He teased her and flirted with her. And she laughed. He wondered how long it had been since she’d last allowed herself such freedoms. When had she lastplayed?
Only after Mrs. Spencer had announced no less than three times that they ought to return to the top of the cliffs did everyone emerge from the sea, water dripping from gowns and shirts and breeches.
Shining strands of hair plastered themselves along Lady Asherton’s face and neck and with nothing to distract the eye, her natural beauty became even more evident.
Stunning.
Sebastian tamped down the inappropriate thoughts racing through his mind when he noticed drops of water glistening from her cheeks and onto her décolletage. He swallowed hard when her full lips stretched into a wide and infectious smile.
If they were alone, he would have kissed her. But they were surrounded by other people and she wasGeorge’s betrothed, blast and damn!
Sebastian brushed sand off his breeches and squeezed some of the water from what had been a fine linen shirt earlier that morning. He frowned. It was dismaying to realize one was jealous of his uncle.
This woman was an entirely different one than the demure widow who’d walked beside George earlier that morning. She’d turned what might have only been a pleasant hike into a memorable adventure for the entire group.
She had been the first to swim but not the only one and when all of them emerged from the path at the top of the cliff, she was not the only lady with her hair undone wearing a damp and wrinkled gown.
Sebastian halted at the cliff’s edge and watched as his uncle rushed to Lady Asherton’s side, frowning in concern. Or was it disapproval? Knowing his uncle, Sebastian wouldn’t be surprised if it was both.
