“Really?” Excitement built within her. She’d never been to the pleasure gardens, and certainly not so late. “Will we see the fireworks?”
He smiled and nodded. “I have a whole evening planned.”
When the carriage stopped, he helped her down and she looked eagerly around. Several people were making their way to the banks of the Thames, to the steps leading down to where the boats were launched. He urged her forward and they too hurried to the steps. “We could take the bridge, but I thought you might like a boat ride.”
“I like the boats,” she said taking in the people gliding across the river toward the entrance to the gardens.
After Gray paid the fee, they were ushered into a waiting boat. The twinkling lights of London looked brighter from the water. Merry laughter and the buzz of voices became louder as they neared the dock on the other side of the river. Brightly burning lanterns illuminated their disembarkment, as Gray helped Jenna from the boat.
A short distance away the entrance to the gardens could be seen, and they walked briskly to it. Jenna clutched his arm as they entered the Grand Walk. Though she had never seen the inside, her brothers had regaled her with tales, and she felt as if she knew each and every landmark.
The lilting melody of an orchestra playing grew louder from the right, and she turned in that direction automatically. Couples, many masked as she was, milled about, coming and going from the many amusements.
“It’s beautiful,” she exclaimed as they neared the elegant outdoor balcony the orchestra played from.
“We can see the Umbrella as well, if you like,” he said with a smile.
“Oh, I want to see it all!”
They stood and listened to the music through several selections before Gray nudged her forward again. “We’ll cut over to the South Walk and on to the supper boxes. I have one reserved for us.”
“Good, I’m quite famished.” She grinned up at him, and took his arm once again.
When they were settled into their box, a plate of ham was served first, followed by roasted chicken. Jenna eyed the ham with amusement as she tried to pick up the paper-thin slices.
“The food is passable,” Gray said. “But the wine is exceptional.”
She took a sip of the drink in front of her and nodded her agreement. It was delicious. She sat back, breathing deeply of the night air and watching in fascination as people passed in front of their box. “There seem an inordinate amount of people heading in that direction,” she said pointing behind them.
He gave her a wicked grin. “Lover’s Walk is just beyond us.”
“You’re not serious!”
He laughed. “Indeed, I am. Have you not noticed that most all the couples passing by are well disguised? I wager more than most are indulging in a lover’s tryst.”
Her cheeks flamed, but excitement tumbled through her. “Do we have plans to take such a walk?”
“Most certainly,” he said in a husky voice. “But we must have a care. Lover’s Walk is a popular place for footpads. You see, most couples aren’t paying too much attention to their surroundings.” His eyes twinkled with devilish amusement.
“I promise not to get too swept away by your attentions,” she said, swatting him on the arm.
They finished their meal and exited the box, falling in with the steady stream of couples heading down Lover’s Walk. Giddiness gripped her, and she felt, well, rather silly. Like a schoolgirl with her first infatuation.
She slid her hand down his arm and entwined her fingers in his. He squeezed her hand in return, leaving their fingers locked together. It grew darker as they moved farther away from the supper boxes. Faint giggles and murmuring sounded just off the paths in darkened places where couples had stopped to enjoy a bit of privacy.
Would he pull her off into the shadows for a tryst? Part of her wanted him to, but the other part gulped at the notion. He must have read her thoughts because he looked down at her and shook his head. “Not here. I’d never treat you like a common doxy. But later...” He trailed off suggestively.
Chill bumps raced down her spine at his whispered promise. Moments later he directed them to the left. “We’ll take the Cross Walk back to the Grand Walk. It’s almost time for the fireworks.”
They hurried along the path until they reached the larger Grand Walk, lined with elms on either side. They began a slow procession, observing the supper boxes on this side of the gardens. They were nearly back to where the orchestra was playing in the center when Jenna caught sight of a group of men heading in their direction.
“Kiss me,” she hissed.
“What?”
She jerked him around so that his back was to the approaching men. “Kiss me!”
She pulled him down to her lips, her heart racing madly in her chest. He readily complied, flicking his tongue out to tease the corners of her mouth and delving within.
