Lavinia looked up at him, and he gazed back at her. There was something so tender, so unexpectedly intimate about what was passing between them that it took his breath away.
“Thank you,” she said again, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded.
The sound of the river, now a soft murmur in the background, filled the silence, and Peter found himself wondering how much longer they could stay here, away from prying eyes and expectations. It felt like they had stolen time for themselves, a brief escape from reality, but he knew it could not last.
Eventually, Lavinia stirred, turning to look at him with a soft smile. “We should probably head back,” she said quietly, though there was a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Peter nodded, also loath to leave this secluded corner of the world they had found for themselves. “Yes, we probably should,” he agreed.
Neither of them made any move to stand just yet. They lingered for a moment longer, as if savoring the last remnants of the peace they had found here. Then, with a sigh, they both rose to their feet, brushing the grass from their clothes.
Lavinia handed Peter his jacket, her fingers lingering on the fabric for a moment before she let go.
“Thank you,” she said again, her voice carrying a depth of emotion that belied the simplicity of the words.
Peter took the jacket from her, his fingers brushing against hers. “Anytime.”
As the foursome returned to Crawford Hall, the sounds of the house party drifted towards them—laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The world that they had momentarily left behind was still there, waiting to pull them back into its embrace.
Lavinia felt a pang of regret as they walked through the halls, the twinkling lights of the party reminding her of the reality they were about to return to. She glanced at Peter, wondering if he felt the same reluctance.
“It seems we’ve managed to slip away and return without anyone noticing,” he remarked, a touch of amusement in his voice as they neared the great hall, where the party was still in full swing.
Lavinia smiled. “I suppose that’s a good thing,” she replied. “We would not want our mamas to scold us for staying out after dark.”
Peter’s lips parted, and Lavinia was sure he meant to say something, but their conversation was interrupted when Madeline turned toward them.
She linked her arm with Lavinia’s, pulling her towards the great hall. “Come on, let’s see what trouble we can get into before the night is over.”
Lavinia looked from Peter to his sister, then back again. Feeling inspired, she lifted her free hand to cover her mouth and let out a yawn. “I must take my leave now,” she said. “I find… that I am suddenly quite exhausted.”
Madeline pouted. “You mean, you do not wish to rejoin the party?”
Peter, apparently picking up on Lavinia’s theatrics, stretched his arms high above his head and let out a yawn of his own. “I am worn out, too, Madeline.” He yawned a second time. “Perhaps I should escort Miss Fitzroy to her room, then retire for the evening.”
Charles gave them both a skeptical look. “Are you sure you wish to go to bed at this hour, Lavinia? It might be a tad late to roam the streets of Arlington, but the guests will have just begun carousing for the night.”
“Go join them,” Lavinia insisted, waving them away.
“But—” Charles started to protest.
Peter spoke over him. “You forget that while you and my sister lounged near the waterfall, Miss Fitzroy and I continued walking.” He looked down at his boots. “My feet are aching, Mr. Fitzroy. Do put me out of my misery and let me take the night off from dancing with the others.”
Lavinia nearly laughed when both Charles and Madeline frowned.
But Peter’s words had evidently swayed them, because Charles said, “Go to bed, the two of you. I shall make your excuses.” He paused, then whispered, “Lavinia, when I see Lord Windham, what would you like me to tell him about our excursion today?”
Lavinia pursed her lips, thinking over the best possible response. “Tell him whatever you think is best, Brother.” She patted his shoulder. “After all, you are the one who left him behind.”
Charles gave her a sheepish smile, then he offered to escort Madeline into the great hall.
Once they were gone, Peter reached for Lavinia’s hand. When he laced his fingers through hers, she had to inhale deeply to calm her nerves.
“It seems the night is finally coming to an end,” she said softly, her voice tinged with wistfulness.
She and Peter walked slowly toward his bedchambers.
