She arched an eyebrow. “You and your brother don’t like each other?”
Collin’s chest shook with silent laughter. “We don’t agree on anything. I think he is wayward, and he thinks I’m a know-it-all.”
Cassandra laughed. “That sounds like my brothers.”
“But while I have been away, my father has moved my belongings to the new manor, and expects me and Adrian to live together in harmony.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to live with my brother, but I don’t know how to tell Father to let me live my own life.”
Her heart clenched. She understood him completely. “You are most fortunate that you are a man and not a woman. At least you can leave whenever you wish, whereas I cannot because I’m unwed.”
He squeezed her hand lightly. “We are a similar pair, are we not? We both feel trapped and don’t know what to do about it.”
“That is exactly how I feel.”
Silence stretched between them for the next few minutes. It was her turn to stare at the pond, but her mind wouldn’t leave the incredibly handsome man sitting beside her, still caressing her hand. Now that he knew about her family, she was surprised he wasn’t making up some excuse to get away from her. Most men would have done that. Perhaps Collin needed time to think about his escape first.
“Cassandra? Would you think it bold of me to ask you to take a stroll with me? The last time I asked you, we didn’t get far before we were interrupted.”
Her heartbeat skipped excitedly as she studied his shadowed face. He couldn’t be serious, but his expression showed he was. It surprised her that he wasn’t leaving her because of her father’s mistakes. “I…um, no.”
His eyebrows creased together. “No?”
“No, I would not think you were bold for asking.”
The wrinkles in his forehead disappeared, and he chuckled. “Splendid.” He stood and offered his elbow to her. She rose to her feet and hooked her hand around his elbow.
He led them away from the manor and further into Aunt Frances’s gardens. Soon, they would be totally alone, but she wasn’t afraid any longer. She enjoyed his company, and from what she could tell so far, he enjoyed hers as well.
It pleased her that he noticed how alike they were. Perhaps that would be the opening she needed to charm him—or the other way around. As long as someone got seduced tonight or caused a scandal, that would be reason enough for them to marry. Her father would make certain of it.
“Collin?” she asked, breaking the silence. “How long will you and Lord Kentwood be in Bath?”
“That is not determined yet. I actually came with him, and I’m not certain about his plans. Thankfully, I’m delaying myreturn home to my new place of residence, so I might stay a little while longer.” He glanced at her. “Why do you ask?”
“I just wanted to know for how long I might get to see you before you leave.”
“Will you be in Bath anytime soon?”
She shrugged. “I could be. I go to the marketplace once a week.”
He chuckled. “Then I suppose I could arrange to meet you somewhere.”
“I do enjoy talking to you,” she said meekly.
“And you are a delight.” He winked. “I enjoy our talks as well.”
Excitement shot through her. Things were falling into place so perfectly. She just prayed he didn’t know what was really on her mind. “I suppose I could borrow my father’s horse and ride out to meet you.”
He slowed his footsteps as he looked over his shoulder toward the manor. She followed his gaze. They were far enough away from the house that nobody could see them. Would that be reason enough for Collin to try to kiss her this time?
Suddenly, he made a sharp turn and headed into the thicket of trees, pulling her along. They didn’t get very far before he stopped and took her in his arms. Her heart soared with happiness, but once she slid her hands up his chest and gazed into his shadowed face, the mood between them changed. The air around her sizzled with anticipation. Touching him this way made it difficult to breathe.
“Forgive me if I’m wrong,” he said in a deep voice, “but I cannot help but wonder if this is what you want, too.”
She licked her dry lips. “I must confess that ever since you gave me that rose, I have wondered what it would feel like to be held by such a strong man.”
One of his large hands cupped the side of her face. “That is all? You only wondered what it would feel like to beheld?”
Closing her eyes, she snuggled her cheek against his palm. “Actually, I have dared to wonder about more, but I knew it couldn’t be possible.”
