“I know.”
“What else do you know?” He pulled her close again.
“That I should go back to the house, and that this is a temporary madness.”
“It is not madness. Nothing that feels this good can be that, Ivy.”
“I think you should call me Miss Birdwhistle.”
He liked the way she spoke, each word careful. Many could take a lesson from his Miss Birdwhistle.
His Miss Birdwhistle?
“I just kissed you; I think we can be on a first-name basis. You can call me Bram, and then we’re even.”
“I hadn’t realized we weren’t.”
He laughed and then pulled her close to kiss her once more. After he’d released her, he once again held out his hand, and she slipped her fingers inside his.
“Will you tell me about more of your travels?” She looked up at him, eyes masking what was going on inside that pretty head of hers.
He did as they walked back to the trail. He talked about Cairo first, and his trip to the pyramids.
“Are they vast?”
“You stand at the base and wonder how men could have built them. Mungo and I just looked at them in awe. They make you feel very small and vulnerable.”
“I imagine they do,” she said. “Who is Mungo, and what a wonderful name.”
“He is my friend. Arrogant, Scottish, and the best of men. He insisted on being my valet when we returned to England and has no idea how to tie a neckcloth or anything that would actually make him useful to me.”
She laughed then. It was small, more a snuffle, but he had still achieved it. They walked again, and she asked yet more questions. Hers was an inquiring and sharp mind. He wanted to stay here with her. Keep her beside him, away from those at the house party who may not be polite to her.
“I have often read of far-off places and longed to go. My parents were that way, as I understand it. Loved to read, I mean.”
“How old were you when you lost them?”
“I was ten.”
So young.
“I saw them differently from what I would today. But the small memories I have are warm ones.”
“I’m glad you have those warm memories, Ivy.”
“So am I. Now I must go. I fear I could walk with you and ask questions for hours. But I must return.”
“Ivy—”
She rose to her toes and kissed him. “Please do not say anything more. I… This has been the most wonderful interlude. There is no need for you to say or do anything further.”
“Which means what?”
She flicked her fingers. “This is my last season. Having my reputation damaged would not bother me, however, it would also damage Thea.”
“You plan to retire from society?”
“My aunt and uncle have agreed to discuss the matter.”
