“My head aches,” Isabella muttered under her breath, her hand clutching her chest tightly under the fabric of her nightdress instead of her head.
The morning dawned grey and thin, and pale light slipped weakly through the curtains of her chamber. It was the sort of morning that held more chill than warmth, the kind that whispered of winter long before it fully arrived.
Isabella had woken before the light, rising with the ache that overwhelmed her after the night she had endured. Sleep had come in restless fragments for her, scattered pieces of dreams and memories, all of which inevitably circled back to the same thought.
Or rather, the same man. And the samekiss.
In a desperate attempt to steady her mind, she had called for her maid. She was now seated in front of her mirror, readying herself for an outing with her family.
“You’re up early, My Lady,” Collette said soothingly as her fingers worked through Isabella’s tangled hair.
Isabella didn’t respond, so lost in thought, she didn’t hear the question.
Taking the initiative, the young maid continued the rest of her work in silence, occasionally passing worried glances at Isabella even as she began dressing her up.
The familiar motions of lacing and fastening calmed Isabella’s nerves, but it wasn’t nearly enough. She needed open space to let out her pent-up frustration. She was glad for the day that had been planned in the park. It would provide her with fresh air and an opportunity to settle her thoughts. There was no space to think in her chambers, not when images of the duke’s heated kisses had plagued her dreams.
His tongue, moving over her neck in heated pursuit, along with his hands moving up her sides, made heat rise in her cheeks.
“Are you feeling ill, My Lady?” Colette asked, her voice heavy with concern as she stopped to examine Isabella’s flushed cheeks in her reflection.
Suddenly realizing that she had allowed her thoughts to wander, Isabella sucked in a sharp breath. “I am well, thank you, Colette. I was just thinking of everything that I still need to do regarding the club. You may finish lacing my dress.” She forced a smile and placed her hands on her hips, focusing on her breathing as her maid continued.
I cannot allow myself to get distracted like this. No matter how that kiss made me feel…
Once ready, Isabella headed down to the dining room where she found her father having breakfast alone.
“Good morning,” she greeted him upon her arrival at the table.
“Good morning, my dear. Are you headed to Everthorne this early?” he inquired, a thick brow raised.
“No. I merely hope to get some fresh air at the park. Beatrice sent a note yesterday when I was out, saying that she would meet me there,” came her reply.
Her father paused, a worried look taking over his features. “It is settled then,” he said at last. “We shall all go for a walk in Hyde Park. You’re right; one needs to bask in nature to keep a sound and healthy mind.”
Isabella blinked back, confused. She’d meant to go alone to sit with her thoughts and possibly make some sense of her situation before Beatrice and her family arrived, but she could not for thelife of her refuse her father or the distraction he promised, so she nodded.
The rest of the family joined them for breakfast, and the outing was all but decided by the time they were done. It was not the day she had planned, but it was at least a distraction.
The air bit at her cheeks the moment they stepped outside. Isabella wrapped her cloak more tightly around her, grateful for the warmth of the thick wool that had been lined with fur along the collar. Her gloves were a deep navy blue, matching the pair that Christine had on. They walked side by side with Henry and little Ellie on either side of them.
“It’s been a while since we’ve all come to this park, dearest,” Christine turned to her husband, narrowing her eyes slightly at him as she adjusted her grip on little Ellie’s arm, her voice carrying just a hint of suspicion.
“Think of it as family bonding time, an exercise to keep us all together,” her father replied before clearing his throat.
Isabella giggled, catching Christine’s attention.
“Did you put your father up to this, Isabella?” her stepmother asked.
“You speak as though you do not know you are the only one capable of making Papa do anything,” Isabella answered, raising a brow.
A rush of color climbed her stepmother’s cheeks that had little to do with the cold nipping at their skin.
The walk continued in light teasing between them until the familiar sound carried through the brisk air, making Isabella lift her head sharply.
“Bella!”
The next moment, Isabella saw Beatrice beaming as she approached with Leo by her side, their little one bundled warmly in his father’s arms.
