His eyes scanned her face. Her décolletage? “You’re a diamond, without question.”
She barely had time to contemplate that loaded statement when he asked, “No hiccups tonight?”
She smiled and shook her head. “Nary a one.”
“A pity.” His grin was downright roguish.
By God, was heflirtingwith her? She’d never beenflirted with by a handsome, young gentleman. By any gentleman, for that matter. She needed to think of something equally flirtatious with which to reply. “I can fake a bout of hiccups if you’d like.” Oh dear Lord, had she actually said that? Aloud? She was a complete hoyden.
“No need,” Hart replied, the roguish grin still on his face. “There are other reasons to go out into the gardens. Like, say, a walk.”
Butterflies winged through her belly. This was the type of moment she’d dreamed about for years.Years.Her journal brimmed with such dream-worthy exchanges. “Are you offering, kind sir?”
He straightened to his full height, and the side of his mouth ticked up into a half smile. “I am indeed.”
“What about Sir Winford?” she ventured.
“Sir Winford is not invited.”
The music came to a stop and Hart let go of her hands and lifted his arm in an offer of escort.
Meg’s fingers shook as she settled them on his warm sleeve. “By all means, lead the way.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Five minutes later, Hart was strolling down the footpaths in the Cranberrys’ garden, with Meg next to him. She had sneaked past Lucy and Sir Winford, who were obviously looking for her. Hart and Meg had decided to break apart and exit the house from different sides. Meg made her way out of the French doors on the right of the patio and Hart met her outside. He’d gone into Lord Cranberry’s study and left through a similar set of doors there.
Hart glanced down at Meg, still marveling at the beauty he’d only noticed recently. By God, he needed to pay more attention to things. To people. While he watched out of the corner of his eye, the cool night air lifted the ringlets at her temples. She’d had her hair straightened, but the tiny curls remained. He was tempted to reach out and touch them. Instead he kept his hands innocently folded behind his back as they strolled down the graveled path. Tiny twinkling candles lit their way,and the scent of jasmine floated in the air. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think the scene was entirely… romantic.Notthat he noticed such things. Ever.
“How is Goliath?” Meg began, breaking the silence between them.
Hart stopped and stared at her. He furrowed his brow. “You know the name of my horse?”
Meg didn’t look at him. She cleared her throat and continued slowly walking. “I’m certain Sarah mentioned it a time or two.”
Hart resumed walking next to her. The gravel crunched beneath his feet. “Goliath has just recovered from a slight injury. Found a pebble in his shoe.”
“He’s a gorgeous animal,” Meg said softly.
Hart’s brow remained steadfastly furrowed. “You’ve seen him?”
The hint of a smile touched Meg’s pink lips. “Of course I’ve seen him. Don’t you remember the race outside of town last autumn? I was there when you were injured.”
“Yes, of course. It was a miracle Goliath escaped without injury. Wish I could say the same for my phaeton.” Hart scratched the back of his neck. It was also a miracle he hadn’t bloody well broken his own neck. Drinking and racing did not mix.
“But you purchased a new one already, didn’t you?” Meg’s reticule bounced along the back of her gown as she stepped along the gravel.
Hart blinked. “Yes, I have.” Apparently, Meg knew more about him than he realized.
“Any plans to purchase more horses? I know how much you adore them.”
“Do you?” He stopped again to stare at her. How didshe know that about him? How had he been so blind to her all these years?
“Ye… yes.” Her voice shook slightly.
“What is it thatyouadore, Meg?” He had no idea why he’d asked that question. It had been as much a surprise to him when it came out of his mouth as it obviously was to her. She blushed beautifully and glanced away from him. She fingered a rose on the bush next to the path. “Oh, that doesn’t matter.”
“Yes it does,” he prodded. “I’d truly like to know.” Meg knew how much his horses and racing meant to him, but he had no idea what she liked. “Tell me.”
