Over dinner, Rupert discovered three things. Firstly, her name was Lady Elizabeth, which he learned when she was greeted by another female already known to her. Secondly, her mouth was always open with words flowing out of it like water from a spring, and thirdly, she continued speaking even whileshe shoveled in food. Fortunately, she was beside him, and he could look down or away from her ever-active maw.
However, from the corner of his eye, he was treated to her spraying her plate and the tablecloth around her as she happily prattled on about he knew not what, for he had stopped listening entirely.
To escape the horror at his side — as soup, mussels, cod, chicken, roasted vegetables, and beef were all treated to the same unfortunate spewing — Rupert began to think of his favorite horse. If the distance hadn’t been so great, he would have ridden him instead of coming to Bath in his coach.
At that moment, if not for losing the wager, he would be in London enjoying an evening ride before going to Boodle’s.
Damn that tiny adder!
Glancing straight ahead, he caught the “daisy” lady directly across from him also staring ahead, ignoring her dining companion. Once more, he had the notion he knew her from somewhere.
Moreover, Rupert couldn’t help raising an eyebrow, wondering what the man beside Lady Delia was saying to cause her to appear as if she were far away in her thoughts.
Suddenly, her rich-brown eyes focused on his. Her cheeks turned pink at being caught wool-gathering.
When he smiled, hoping to ease her embarrassment, she parted her lips in surprise.
That small motion sent a wave of desire coursing through him, shocking him with its ferocity. She was petite and a little wild with her dark curls springing free. Normally, he preferred the tall, fair-haired ladies like ... He glanced at his dining partner and sighed. Lady Elizabeth was still talking, and there was nothing about her mouth he found the least appealing.
When he looked up once more, Lady Delia had a bemused smile upon her face, which he thought a rather pretty one after all.
At the meal’s end, Rupert wondered when he could take Lady Osbourne aside and tell her he would not tolerate being paired again with Lady Elizabeth.
“It is warm enough for a promenade around the gardens,” their hostess said. “You’ll find lanterns lit if you stay close to the house. Anyone who wishes to remain indoors shall find ample entertainment in the drawing room, cards, chess, backgammon, and more. My library is at your disposal, too, of course. Since many of you journeyed some distance, we shall be loose in structure tonight if not in morals,” she added with a laugh in which some joined.
“After the light supper, or evenbeforeit if you wish, you may retire.”
To Rupert’s astonishment, Lady Delia dashed from the room as if her skirts were on fire. Curiously, he followed.
By the time, he crossed the room and went into the hallway, he caught sight of her trotting through the next salon toward the back of the house, and then she disappeared.Alone!
The other woman with whom he’d seen Lady Delia in the carriage must have been a chaperone, but clearly her charge was heading out into the gardens unaccompanied.
What a dimwitted and dangerous thing to do!Sighing, thinking of his own sister and her safety, he followed.
Chapter Three
Delia was humming to herself. Having escaped the stuffy manor and the even stuffier people, she wondered what plants she could identify in the light of the few lamps dotted around.
There were the most recognizable trees and shrubs, including weeping willows, walnut trees, and laurel bushes. But the fragrance of flowers called to her like a siren’s song.
Wandering farther afield past hedgerows and a tinkling fountain, she entered Lady Osbourne’s rose garden.
Wishing lanterns had been set up that far from the manor, Delia bent low and breathed in their heady aroma. She didn’t dare pluck a flower but could hardly wait to return in the daylight when she would be able to see their colors. After a few minutes maybe five or ten, breathing in the refreshing rose-scented air, she realized she was not alone.
“I enjoyed dinner, didn’t you?”
Her dining partner, Lord Crenshaw, had been overly forward. Hisdouble-entendresover the breast of chicken and the beef loin had been unwelcome, as was his present intrusion.
“Themealwas excellent,” Delia said truthfully, hoping he realized she couldn’t say the same about his company.
“I adore plump breasts,” he said, making her roll her eyes so hard they hurt.
Perhaps Lord Crenshaw had forgotten he’d already expressed such witticism when the chicken platter had been presented.
“As youalreadysaid,” Delia remarked, deciding the only way to show her disapproval was to leave him talking about breasts by himself.
With that goal, she went around a large sundial to the other side of the circular path, but he whipped around counterclockwise and met her as she tried to escape.
