He swallowed, wondering if she was giving him some sort of hint or permission to pursue her. Deciding he would take a chance and attempt a kiss, he couldn’t when nearby laughter had him rising to his feet. “I should escort you into the supper room,” he said as he held out a hand to help her up.
“All right,” she said, although there was a hint of disappointment in her voice.
They had taken only three steps from the fountain when an older couple appeared in the clearing and immediately came to a halt.
“Is that you, Rose?”
Inhaling sharply, Rose turned to discover her mother and father standing hand-in-hand next to the fountain. “Hello,” she managed.
“Ah, Bennett-Jones. So good to see it isyouescorting my daughter,” James, Duke of Ariley, said. “Did you enjoy the waltz?”
“Very much, Your Grace,” David answered as he bowed. “I brought Lady Rose out for some air, but we’re headed back inside to partake of the supper.”
“Well, you needn’t hurry back in,” the duke countered. “The line is no doubt rather long at the moment. You can take your time. Enjoy Weatherstone’s latest additions to the gardens.”
David blinked. “Additions, sir?”
Helen took over and said, “The west side gardens are magnificent. You really must see the tulips. We’ve only just come from there.”
Glancing over at Rose, David said, “Well, if you insist, we’ll head over there right now.”
“Do enjoy the evening,” Ariley said as he took off his top coat and placed it on his wife’s shoulders. “Thanks for the reminder,” he said in a quieter voice, nodding to what David had done with his own topcoat.
“You’re welcome, Your Grace. Have a good evening.” David offered Rose his arm and they stepped back under the trellis. Behind them, the duke and duchess were once again laughing, apparently taking up where they had left off when they encountered David and Rose.
Rose suddenly giggled.
“What is it?” David asked, following a set of pavers that led to the west end of the house.
“I think that fountain is where they first kissed,” she said. “And if I’m not mistaken, they’re probably doing it again right now.”
Relaxing now that they were out of her parents’ sight, David chuckled. “You sound jealous,” he accused with a grin.
“Maybe I am,” she replied. There was no humor in her voice, and David took the hand that rested on his arm and lifted it to his lips. He kissed the back of it.
Rose stopped in her tracks and stared up at him. “Why did you do that?”
David swallowed. “I wanted to do far more,” he whispered. “Back at the fountain. Say more. Learn your thoughts on the matter.”
About to respond, Rose was suddenly aware of faraway voices and soft giggles. A stream of couples was exiting the ballroom by way of the French doors. Gripping David’s hand, she pulled him along the path to the west side until the house hid them from view. Given the lack of tall hedgerows and the openness of the newer garden, she didn’t think they would be interrupted.
“What was it I said?” David asked when they were far enough away and had slowed their steps.
Rose turned and placed a hand on his chest. “Tell me the truth, David. Are you attempting to encourage me into a... a courtship with the sultan’s son?”
David blinked. “What? No!” he replied as he stared down at her. “Not that... not that it would be wrong, of course. He’s the equivalent of a prince. You deserve a man with that sort of station in life.”
Scoffing, Rose dropped his hand. “Would you stop with the talk of titles and for just one minute think of me as a... as awoman?”
Jerking his head back in confusion, David regarded her with a furrowed brow. “All right, Miss Burroughs—”
“Rose. Call me Rose.”
He placed a hand over the one she still had pressed to his chest. “Does that mean you can do the same for me, Rose?”
She audibly sighed. “Yes, Mr. Bennett-Jones—”
“David,” he interrupted. “Call me David,” he insisted, even though she had been doing so most of the evening.
