“Lady Emily saved me,” Peter added, his voice filled with so much awe that it was impossible for Emily to keep from smiling. She was pleased to know the boy thought well of her.
“I saw,” Stratton said. “It was incredibly brave of her.”
Her smile wobbled in response to the strong emotion that suddenly gripped her. The way he said it, as though he’d never been more impressed by anyone in his life, completely undid her. After all the clashes they’d had, having his praise was immensely rewarding.
She gave Heidi’s head a final pat before rising.
“You got me out of harm’s way for once,” she told Stratton as soon as he’d straightened to stand beside her. “I’m grateful.”
He caught her gaze and the warmth she saw there heated her insides. “As am I.”
“Can we buy some more sweetmeats?’ asked Peter. “Most of mine fell to the ground.”
Emily chuckled while glancing about. The ground was littered with colorful bits of confection. She caught Stratton’s gaze and shrugged one shoulder. “What do you think?”
“I say we need a refill.” He grinned and so did she. They returned to the vendor together.
“Will you let me pay this time?”
“Absolutely not.” When she arched her brow and prepared to protest, he told her softly, “Perhaps when we have our next outing?”
He wanted to see her again? The knowledge delighted her beyond measure. So much, in fact, she immediately grinned.
How curious it was that she should be so thrilled to spend additional time with a man she’d dreaded running into a few days before. Getting to know him was proving to be not only enlightening but also highly enjoyable. Now that he’d saved her, she even felt safe around him, which was something she would have believed impossible until now.
“Would you like to rest for a while?” Stratton asked when they were heading back toward the park entrance later. “We can sit over there in the sun for a bit, on the edge of the lake.”
The spot he pointed toward looked very tempting. Plus, if she were being honest with herself, she had to admit that she was reluctant for them to part ways. “All right.”
They called for Peter to join them, then they stepped off the path while Georgina claimed a spot on a vacant bench. The area where they elected to sit was near the water. Worried she might get grass stains on her skirt, Emily took off her shawl and prepared to spread it across the ground.
“Allow me,” said Stratton.
“It’s all right. I can—” She blinked in response to the garment he’d laid out before her, then glanced at him. To her shock and dismay, he’d removed his jacket. She scanned her surroundings, hoping no one had taken notice. “You should put that back on, Your Grace. It’s really not decent for you to be out and about in a state of undress.”
“Do you see any more skin than usual?” She gaped at him. It was all she could do since his question had prompted all sorts of inappropriate musings. Most pressingly, would sheliketo see more?
Very much so. I’d like you to take off your shirt.
She averted her gaze on account of the heat she could feel in her cheeks. Whatever was the matter with her? This was Stratton for heaven’s sake, the very same man she’d always made sure to avoid at all cost. He’d been a bothersome nuisance for years and while she’d always found him handsome and rather attractive, she’d had the good sense not to let it affect her.
Yet here she was, getting all flushed and weak-kneed, wondering what he would look like naked. It was beyond the pale. It was…It was…
“My lady?”
“Yes?” She was so startled by the sudden sound of his voice, she snapped to attention.
“I was merely saying your shawl is very light-colored. Grass stains will show. The same won’t be true of my jacket.” He gestured toward it. “I’ve deliberately turned it inside out just in case, but you can’t do the same with your shawl.”
“True.” She sent him a hesitant glance and was instantly taken aback by how handsome he was with just a white shirt and ivory waistcoat. It accentuated his chest while affording him a very romantic, if not princely, appearance. Either way, he looked terribly dashing and she, apparently, was quite unable to turn away.
“Will you sit then?” He offered his hand to help her down and she hesitated only briefly before accepting his assistance. Strong fingers closed around hers, sending a charge up her arm. She gasped and he stilled. “Everything all right?”
“Quite so,” she managed, despite the sudden dryness in her throat.
“Glad to hear it.” He waited until she was comfortably seated before releasing her hand and taking a seat beside her on the grass.
“What of your breeches?” she asked. “They’re also light-colored.”
