“Perhaps we should take advantage of this wonderful weather we’re having and try riding again in Hyde Park.”
“We can do that, and I believe there are two balls coming up next week,” he said squeezing her hand as they continued walking.
“You’re right about the balls. I’m looking forward to them. Especially on your arm,” she said.
He grunted. “We’re almost to the exit. I would like to kiss you thoroughly one last time before we rejoin your maid.”
She stopped and stared at him. “You’re a cheat, Lucien! You’ve known exactly where to go since we entered this maze. You’re a scoundrel!”
Lucien threw his head back and laughed deeply. It was a sound Harriet loved to hear and knew she’d never tire of. “You have found me out! In all fairness though, it’s the only way we’ve been able to be alone.”
She gifted him a smile. “I’ll give you that much.”
They came to the exit to the maze. Lucien pulled her back and kissed her passionately. “How about a cuppa tea? I’m parched.” He gave her a devilish grin and winked at her before turning to walk out with her.
She tried to pull herself together. Lucien had the unique talent of being able to send her spinning. She hoped it never ended. It was one of his more redeeming qualities. She was never quite sure what he was going to throw her way.
Once out of the maze, looking around, she found her lady’s maid. On top of that she noted there were a lot more people out taking walks than when they entered the maze.
Lucien and Harriet began to walk to the perimeter of the park where there were a variety of shops and cafes. They were looking for a place they could get tea and perhaps a slice of cake.
They passed several until they came upon a tea shop that always reminded her of the sidewalk cafés in Paris. There were tables outside, and you could either go inside and place your order or one might sit at a table and wait to be served.
“Would you like to sit outside?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes, and let them come and take our order.”
“Very well.”
Lucien sat next to her at the small, black iron table as a young man approached them and took their order. After he walked away Lucien and Harriet began to watch the people passing by.
“This is nice. I’m glad you thought of it,” she said.
“Me too.”
Among some of the crowd walking past the shop was Winnie and two other young ladies. She recognized them but couldn’t place their names. Winifred glanced in her direction with a smirk on her face. What had she ever done to cause such contempt in her?
“What has got you so deep in thought?” Lucien asked.
She turned to face him. “I was watching the people passing by and wondering about them. Where they were going in such a rush, did they have a family. Aren’t you ever curious as to who these people are and where they’re going? I find it fascinating.”
“I’ve never particularly thought about it, but it is an interesting idea.”
Two slices of marmalade cake and a pot of tea were placed on the table. The young man left them to fix their own tea, which Harriet began to do. Passing a filled cup to Lucien, they both began to try the cake.
“This is very good, isn’t it?” Harriet said.
“It is. The marmalade is quite flavorful and moist.”
Taking a second bite Harriet nodded. He was right. “You’re quite right. We’ll have to remember this place.” What was she doing talking as though they were already betrothed? That was craziness.
“Would you care to see the rail car I’ve built for the Prince of Wales one afternoon?”
“Yes. Is there a reason you haven’t delivered it?”
“He now wants two more cars for family added. I’ll deliver it once the other two are underway.”
“He’s a difficult customer.” She snorted in a very unladylike manner.
