“And I’ve ruined it for you.” He yanked off his spectacles and shoved them into his pocket, the book going into another.
“No, not really,” she hastened to assure him. “With Prudence here, I won’t be permitted to enjoy the garden, regardless.” She glanced over her shoulder. To her relief, the backs of three heads still appeared above the couch. She should go in soon, though. They’d already lingered over tea longer than was customary.
“You are kind, but I can’t help but imagine I’ve spoiled your sanctuary with my silly attempt at playing a rogue,” he said.
Tilly felt a renewed twinge of suspicion. “Everyone says youarea rogue.”
“Yes, I’ve heard.” He frowned. “It’s because women keep claiming I’ve compromised them. Sometimes, ones I’ve never even met.”
“Not a very high recommendation for my sex.” Tilly frowned.
“I didn’t mean to offend.”
“You haven’t.” She glanced toward the house again, keenly aware her time was running out. “You can’t be seen here, you realize.”
He looked startled. Releasing the ropes of the swing, he stood. “You’re correct, of course, but before I go, let me make up for spoiling the garden. Permit me to call tomorrow and take you for a ride in the park. It’s not the countryside, but it’s pleasant enough.”
She shook her head. “You are new to London, so you don’t know, but if you take me for a ride in the park, the gossips will have us engaged by evening. I know it wouldn’t be true, but sometimes rumors come to life and create facts.”
“So,” he said slowly, drawing the word out. “You’re worried to be seen in the park with me out of fear we’ll eventually wed?” A line appeared on his brow.
When he put it that way, her words sounded like an insult. Besides, she didn’t fear the idea they might wed. Gazing up at him in all his perfection, wedding Lord James seemed a rather pleasant thought.
“I didn’t mean…that is…” she stammered.
A light sparked deep in his gaze. “What about that kiss I intended to claim when I climbed over the wall?”
Tilly gasped. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’ve heard that a kiss is the best way to test if you wish to marry.” He shrugged. His mien was casual, but his eyes bore into hers, that compelling spark brightening. “If we kiss, we’ll know if we dare be seen in the park together.”
Tilly’s mouth fell open in surprise. The man was bold, she’d give him that. Perhaps he enjoyed being slapped? She’d heard some men did. Seeing his eyes on them, she snapped her lips closed. Then his words fully registered.
“You’ve onlyheardabout being kissed?”
He colored slightly.
“You’ve never kissed anyone?” she pressed. Tilly was more shocked that the exceedingly handsome Lord James, reputed rogue, had never shared a kiss than she had been by his suggestion.
“Have you?” he asked, defensive.
“Well, no, but—” But he was a man and a duke. Tilly wasn’t so naive as to be unaware what men got up to, especially wealthy, titled ones.
He tugged at his cravat, looking thoroughly embarrassed. “You’re right, a kiss was a foolish suggestion, a terrible thing for me to say, I don’t kno—”
One step brought her close. She pulled his face down to hers and kissed him. She didn’t mean to. It simply happened. As soon as their lips met, she forgot she oughtn’t.
His kiss was everything she’d dreamed a kiss would be. His lips, velvety soft, pressed gently but firmly against hers. It was how kisses were described in the scandalous books she’d found under Prudence’s bed, but so much better. Warm, hesitant, his lips sent pure happiness spiraling through her.
Tilly released him with a languid sigh and lowered her heels to the ground. He looked down at her in wonder. Under the shade of the oak, the world spun slowly about them. She wanted to cling to him, to kiss him again. He blinked several times and looked as dazed as she felt.
“Will you take a ride in the park with me tomorrow afternoon, Miss Philmont?” he asked, his voice rough.
She nodded. “I should love to, my lord.” Her words came out in a whisper, but he must have heard, because he smiled.
He stepped back and offered a low bow. “Until tomorrow.”
She watched him stroll away; took in the easy grace with which he climbed the stone wall. He looked back once, from the top, before dropping down the other side.
Tilly collapsed into the swing, her eyes closed. James. He was marvelous. He was perfect. How amazing she should have someone so wonderful appear in her life. Her lips still tingled with the memory of his kiss. For once, Prudence’s attempts to cause trouble had failed. Instead, Tilly now had something marvelous.
Her eyes flew open. There were no heads above the couch in the parlor now.
