A bold thought, yet she’d seen how his gaze had landed on her lips the night before. Pure desire had shone from his eyes, and she’d felt an answering sensation of yearning. Nothing would have seemed more natural and perfect than ending up swiving, despite knowing ladies didn’t do such a thing outside of marriage.
More’s the pity!In her heart, she knew he would have made her first time something spectacular.
“Were you out for a stroll?” he asked, such an innocent question when she was having such bawdy imaginings.
“I was, but mostly, I was waiting for you and for the picnic.”
He looked surprised. “I had no idea anyone would be so eager to eat food on a blanket spread on prickly grass in the hot sun with all manner of creepy crawlies and flying things.
That dampened her spirits a little until she realized he was teasing.
“Your expression!” Hargrove said with a laugh, before taking her arm and escorting her back toward the Steyne and the Pavilion grounds. “Prinny may have blankets spread out, but he’s just as likely to have tables and comfortable chairs on the grass on the western side, near where I caught Cumberry trying to kiss you.”
He paused and she wished he hadn’t caught her with three men who were unsuitable. It reflected as badly on her powers of sound discernment as it did on the quality of men hanging on to the royal coattails.
“In fact, I can’t imagine him getting down onto a blanket. One of his legs looked a bit swollen last night. In any case, he’ll have servants with giant fans to cool his guests and keep the flies away.”
She laughed, but Hargrove added, “No, I don’t speak in jest. He will. As for the crawlies, I’m not sure even the Prince Regent can do anything about ants.”
“They shall have to fight me for the sausage rolls,” she said.
“Don’t tell me you skipped another meal.”
“Of course not. I ate at the same table as you.”
“I’ve had plum cake and a bracing cup of chocolate already and then a cup of tea with a brioche slathered in butter and jam.”
Glynnis’s mouth was watering again. “You knew how close I was. It would have been gentlemanly of you to invite me over,” she said, feeling quite let down.
“That would have been the opposite of gentlemanly, and you know it. Besides, I was in a rented drawing room with salt-encrusted furniture, and I’m sure the sea air is purposefully blowing the aroma of dried seaweed through my window. You have that delightful hotel café at your disposal. I’m sure they have brioche there.”
“Yes, of course,” she said, glad when the Pavilion came into view. “But do you think we will eat presently, or will there be some sort of entertainment first?”
“Are you truly hungry?”
“It’s no matter. My own fault. I got out of bed late and then had to go find something to soothe my scrapes instead of something to quell my appetite.”
“Ah yes. I intend to have a word with that idiot Cumberry if he shows his face today.”
A warm feeling flooded her. Hargrove was going to take the other man to task on her behalf. A champion at last!
“Thank you,” she said, “yet I believe it will do you as much good as shouting into the wind. After all, what will he do? Offer to escort me another time? I believe I no longer wish to be on his arm.”
“You should never be alone with that man again. Regardless, I will give him a tongue-lashing. It would do him some good to think about his actions, especially where women are concerned.”
She couldn’t disagree, so she said nothing. And soon, they’d traversed the property and found the Prince Regent standing under a tree with a gaggle of courtiers around him. She was relieved to see tables already set up, and a steady stream of servants carrying baskets and trays out from the kitchen’s back door.
Almost running, she went to the nearest table, reached over, and picked up a bread roll.
“No, no, Miss Talbot!” It was Prince George’s voice, and she dropped the crusty bun as if it were made of hot coal.
Her stomach panged, having been so close to getting a tasty morsel. And all she could think of was the blasted plum cake Hargrove had mentioned. Regardless, she sank into a deep curtsy until the Prince Regent nodded for her to rise.
“A picnic is a casual affair, but we still have to wait until all the guests are here. Besides, you’re at the wrong table,” Prince George informed her. “I want you at my table with my friends. Mine is the one in the shade. I’m sure someone with your fair complexion you’ll appreciate not having to hold your parasol through the entire meal.”
“How long do you think we’ll spend dining?” Hargrove asked, and Glynnis could hear the worry in his voice that another three hours of his life were about to be stolen from him.
“Don’t sound so anxious,” the prince said. “We shall get to the ocean’s edge today, long before the sun goes down with plenty of time to bathe and maybe take a donkey ride. And we shall stay on the beach for the sunset because it is glorious.”
