It made no sense why a man hadn’t snatched Ellie up by now. Could she have really been so devastated over her soldier’s death that she never wanted to marry? It was hard for Vincent to believe that. He had known Adam for years. The man hadn’t led an exemplary life. There wasn’t anything that special about Vincent’s friend. And Candace had confessed that Adam only wanted to marry Ellie because of her dowry.
“Precious,” Vincent said, bringing her attention onto him. “Would you like to stroll around the park for a bit? I think it will be refreshing to stretch our legs.”
“Yes. I believe that would be nice.”
He found a spot to park his buggy, then jumped down and tied the horse to a tree before helping Ellie. The petite woman was so delicate, and he carefully set her on her feet, but not before her body bumped against his. His heart flipped, and he convinced his body that getting excited right now was not an option.
He turned and assisted the maid down before offering his elbow to Ellie. As they began their walk, he glanced her way. She had such a lovely smile. It was the perfect day for a stroll, and the sunlight brightened her face as she greeted people. It was hard not to feel like the luckiest man in England at this precise moment.
They reached a spot in the park that wasn’t so congested. Their steps slowed considerably. The maid walked several steps behind.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Ellie staring up at him.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.
“Indeed I am. But the question is…areyouhaving a pleasant outing?”
He chuckled. “I am, actually.”
“You sound surprised.” Her brows lifted. “I wonder why.”
“It’s nice to be out in the sun, strolling through the park with a lovely lady.”
“Oh, Vincent.” She tapped his arm playfully. “You don’t have to lie and make me believe you’ve never done this before. I’m quite certain I’m not the first woman you’ve brought to the park.”
“No, you aren’t the first, but I can assure you, you are one of the loveliest.” He stroked his fingers along her hand. “And for some reason, I feel more comfortable with you.”
She laughed. “You do? Why is that?”
“I don’t know.”
Her eyes narrowed as she studied his face. He rather enjoyed the way her gaze skimmed slowly over his eyes, nose, and mouth, as though she took pleasure in looking at him.
“Perhaps it’s because you know you can be yourself around me?” she inquired.
He shrugged. “I believe you are correct.”
“Good. Because I want you to always feel that way. I want you to be able to express your thoughts any time you’d like.”
“I thank you, Ellie. I shall do that.”
After a few more steps in silence, she chuckled. “Vincent, if you haven’t realized by now, that was an open invitation to talk to me.”
“Now?” He looked at her with wide eyes. “Out here, where everyone could overhear?”
She glanced around before locking her gaze on him. “I don’t see many people, Vincent. Mrs. Jackson can’t even hear our conversation.”
“True.”
The scent of roses lifted with the slight breeze, pulling his attention to the right. He recalled her telling him how much she loved roses. Without asking, he steered them off the path and toward the several rosebushes up the slight knoll.
“Vincent, do you mind if I ask you something personal?”
“I suppose that would be fine. How else are we to get to know each other better before we are wed?”
With her free hand, she lifted her dress to her ankles as they slowly climbed the hill. She didn’t act as though she was put out by having to walk a little farther on their stroll. He smiled. Ellie was certainly different from the other women he’d seduced. Of course, he’d known that a week ago when she presented him with the most improper—and intriguing—offer.
“What is your question?” he asked.
