Arianna had spent more of her life in the country than in London. The faces of her neighbors here were as familiar to her as the flowers in the gardens. Some might see her little corner of the country as insulated from the rest of the world, but to Arianna it was a miniature society within itself, worthy of appreciation and adoration.
She knew everyone, wasknownto everyone, and had an interest in the lives of all those who lived here. She hoped that they were interested in her life too. It was a rather difficult feeling to explain, but there was an undeniable pleasantness in being around the villagers and local residents, knowing them and loving them in their own ways. It was like stumbling through a wooded glen and suddenly recognizing the shady lane that would lead you home. Normally, she could be quite entertained taking the measure of her neighbors as they arrived, but she was far too distracted today, thanks to Derrick and his wicked suggestion about orchid research.
The book on the language of flowers,Floriography, was to blame. Two days ago, she had visited a florist in London, a shop run by a young woman only a few years her senior who was spoken highly of by Daphne. The woman had entrusted her with the name of the book and had whispered the address of an old shop where Arianna could acquire a copy without attracting attention. There, a decidedly grumpy old man had taken one look at the slip of paper she’d handed him and pointed a bony finger at a distant aisle.
Arianna had sorted through a cramped bookshelf until she found a single copy of the book she desired. After paying, she’d rushed home with every intention of reading it, yet she’d not had a chance until now. Her mother had kept her busy with Christmas preparations, and every time she’d tried to sneak away to read, she’d been drawn into some other task her mother had set for her.
“The orchid,” she read softly as she focused on the page, “represents love, beauty, refinement, thoughtfulness, mature charm, and”—a blush flamed her face—“many children...” Her eyes widened as she went on to the next paragraph. “Scandal is often associated with this exotic flower because of its distinctive shape and frequent pink coloring. In ancient times, it was believed that orchids sprang up wherever animals had been mating. The similar physical appearance between an orchid and a hidden part of a woman’s body often led to the belief that orchids created sinful ideas for women if they were near them.” Her heart gave an excited thump as she reread the last sentence.
“A hidden part of a woman’s body?” Her legs clenched together at the thought. When her mind flashed back to Derrick cradling the flower and stroking the petals with his fingertips, she bit her lip to stifle a gasp. Wet heat grew between her legs and she stood up, nearly dropping the book just as the library door opened.
Derrick came inside, framed in the sunlight that still flooded in from the window behind her. His hazel eyes were full of irresistible mischief. Did the man have a sixth sense to show up just now, when she was most desperate to see him?
“Your mother said I might find you here. I’ve only just arrived, but I couldn’t resist seeing you before I helped my valet settle my things in my room.”
“Oh?” She did everything she could to look calm and collected, but as he drew near, he noticed the book clutched against her chest.
“The language of flowers?” He chuckled. “I see you visited a florist.” A grin split his face, and she had the sudden urge to both slap him and kiss him. She nodded at the book.
“Did you truly want me to know about this?”
Derrick’s features softened into a fierce tenderness that made her tremble. He gently took the book from her and scanned the passage on orchids.
“I thought you would enjoy the discovery. Attracting a man is about embracing passion, not denying it.” He closed the book and set it aside, then placed his hands on her waist. The feel of him holding her seemed to ground her in that moment and also made her feel like she might fly away.
“I...”Hadshe enjoyed it? A rush of excitement made her clench her thighs together as she imagined him touching her the way he had the orchid petals. She leaned into him, unable to stop that maddening desire to be close to him. “Perhaps I did. But it’s all so new and a little frightening...” It was the truth. She was certain now that she was well and truly in over her head with this plan of seduction.
“And that’s why your lessons are an excellent idea. We’re friends, aren’t we? It seems wise that friends should teach each other the ways of attraction.” Derrick made it sound so easy, so natural.
“And seduction?” she added.
His voice softened into a husky echo that made her want to melt into him. “And seduction.”
“Will you explain more about the orchids and...?” She couldn’t finish her sentence.
“And what they represent?” He moved one hand from her waist to smooth over her bottom before he gently clenched it in his hand. Something exciting shot straight through her, and she jerked instinctively closer to him.
She clutched at his chest as he leaned in to whisper, “Lesson two: a man enjoys a good handful of a woman’s curves. Here”—he squeezed her bottom again—“and other places. Never try to hide your figure. Show it with confidence, and you’ll turn every male head in the room.”
Lord, the man had the most dangerous way of making her dizzy with a simple touch and words.
“I will be sure to remember.” She forced herself to lean away from him. “We ought to be careful, however. Mama’s guests are arriving.”
“So I’ve noticed. Any handsome men coming who should make me jealous?” Derrick asked in mock solemnity.
She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Oh, certainly. The Poncenbys will be here—you know how utterly irresistible Freddie is in his pink-and-white striped pantaloons. It’s enough to make a woman faint dead away when he sets his quizzing glass to his eye and exclaims in protest at whatever he sees the other men wearing. I am sure you will be jealous. He’s one of my dearest friends and I may spend all of my time this holiday with him.” She smoothed a hand over her rich jonquil gown. She wasn’t making light of Freddie, indeed, he was a dear friend to her and she knew to Derrick as well. But she was curious whether Derrick would be jealous of the other man if she spent all her time with him as she’d teased she might.
“Perhaps I shall challenge him to a duel for your time. Grass swords, of course. We cannot afford to bloody Freddie’s waistcoat. His poor tailor would weep.”
“No, indeed,” Arianna agreed with a giggle. She still felt wonderfully dizzy in his presence, but she was enjoying this playful flirtation they were indulging in even more. It felt like success. Derrick was said to be a heartbreaker, but she had never seen him flirt with any real determination; it was simply that women just fell at his feet because of his relaxed charm. She wanted so desperately to be special to him, to prove to him that he could love her. It was strange to think that a mere handful of days ago, she had been resolved to settle for any man but Derrick.
“Let’s go into the hall. I need to greet your parents properly. I would much rather be in here with you while they are busy, but that wouldn’t be right.” Derrick gave her waist a squeeze and tapped the tip of her nose. “Then we can see what other mischief we can get into.”
Arianna and Derrick left the library after she carefully hid her book on the language of flowers, and they greeted her parents at the entrance just as the Poncenbys arrived. Pepper, a young woman Arianna’s age, stepped out into the wintry sunlight. Her red hair burned almost a burnished gold, and the light smattering of freckles over her nose made her unusually adorable in her appearance. Most men sought tiny fae-like creatures with perfect complexions for their wives, but Arianna thought Pepper was exquisite.
“Pepper, how are you?” Arianna embraced her friend at the door before Pepper had even removed her cloak.
“I am well, Arianna, and you?” Pepper’s eyes strayed to Derrick’s gallant figure behind her. “Oh, my apologies, Lord Seabright. I did not immediately see you.”
