“I must confess, I’ve always found the subject horribly dull, with the exception of a few stories Henry once told me.”
“I’m sure I can think of some interesting facts to boggle your mind, like how Napoleon Bonaparte was once attacked by bunnies.”
Lady Lilliana laughed. “You’re joking.”
“Not in the least. Apparently a rabbit hunt went awry and the three thousand bunnies released for the occasion charged Napoleon and his men instead of running away.”
“When was this?”
“1807. I’ll never forget reading about it in the paper or seeing the caricature that went along with the article.”
“So you keep abreast of current affairs as well?”
“I’ve been doing so since I was ten,” he said without thinking. Noting her startled expression and fearing she might inquire about the extent of his education next, he quickly changed the subject. “Now ask me what my most terrifying experience has been.”
When she did, he took a step closer to her while admiring the way the sun caught in her hair and made her skin glow. The pull was too great, a current he couldn’t keep fighting.
So he leaned in slowly, allowing her all the time in the world to retreat as he answered her question with a whispered, “This.”
Good grief!
Mr. Henley was kissing her out in the open and it felt wonderful – like a cool drink of water to quench her thirst on a hot summer’s day or being warmed by a fire on a cold winter’s eve. Electrifying and delicious came to mind too as she wound her arms around his neck and drew him closer.
A raspy groan vibrated through her from his mouth to hers as he pulled her tight against him and deepened the kiss. It was unlike anything Lilli had ever experienced – a communication of heart and soul on the most basic level.
As much as she’d tried to deny what was happening, this kiss confirmed every hope and every fear.
Mr. Henley was without a doubt the man for her. The joy he instilled in every fiber of her being was indisputable. With one simple glance he made her feel as though she were his every desire and with his kiss…
Sweet heaven, it was as though she were floating in a bubble of pure, undeniable bliss. The warmth of the sun against the nape of her neck was cooled by a late summer breeze. Birdsong sifted through the air, the light trill a perfect accompaniment to her heart.
Mr. Henley's hold on her tightened, encouraging her to sigh with pleasure as he kissed her with increased fervor. And then he withdrew, so suddenly he left her gasping.
“Forgive me. I could not resist.” He stepped back, adding distance. A tortured expression tightened his features. “But I should have. To recklessly risk your reputation like that is completely inexcusable.”
It was then that Lilli recalled their location. They were out in the open, visible to anyone else who happened along. Sucking in a breath, she glanced around, relief swamping her when she saw they were still alone, save for Grandmama whose eyes remained blessedly closed.
Heart thrumming and unsure what to do with her undeniable craving for more delicious kisses, Lilli swallowed and did her utmost to pull herself together. She’d always been the adventurous sort, ready to clamber into a tree, balance along a precarious ledge, or even hunt for game. But to throw herself into the arms of a servant without considering how such actions would affect not only her but her family was really too much.
Shaken by the experience and by what she knew she must do, she stiffened her spine and forced herself to meet Mr. Henley’s gaze. She owed him at least that much. “You are not the only one at fault. I daresay I participated in equal measure, though I do believe it would be best if we pretended it never happened. It certainly cannot happen again.”
Jaw tight, he gave a curt nod, then offered his arm without another word.
She took it and was once again overcome by an urgent need for added closeness. The instinct to press up against him more firmly, to inhale his scent and savor the heat of his touch was so fierce it took every strength she possessed to resist it. And somehow, despite the hot little shivers that darted up her arm with each move he made or the fact that her stomach had long since transformed into a giant butterfly, she managed to walk back to where Grandmama rested without instigating more kisses. As she was tempted to do.
“Shall we return to the picnic?” Grandmama asked once they’d parted ways with Mr. Henley a few moments later. He’d swiftly released her when they’d reached the bench, as though it pained him to touch her. After excusing himself, he’d stridden away at an angry pace.
Lilli couldn’t blame him. She was rather vexed too and not the least bit pleased by the hollowness she experienced now in response to his absence. A lack of gratification accompanied the feeling, suggesting to her that there should be much more between them – that the kiss they’d shared was just the beginning.
Except it couldn’t be.
“Lilli?”
Lilli blinked. What was it her grandmother had asked? Ah yes, the picnic. Exhaustion landed upon her shoulders at the prospect of having to entertain guests now. “I don’t suppose we can avoid it, can we?”
Grandmama studied her carefully, until Lilli feared her face would catch fire. “Not when hosting it was your idea.” She tilted her head. “What happened between you and Mr. Henley?”
“Nothing important.”
