Matthew nodded. “It’s the best for swimming. Father said our hostess told him about it, and she’s right. Aunt Carlotta—that’s my father’s younger sister—really,reallywants to come try it out, but he says it’s just for us. I’ve never had a friend to swim with before.”
Athena’s good-natured son smiled. “Now ye do! I’ll show ye how long I can hold my breath, as long as ye dinnae let me drown. That’s what Mama says.” He whirled about with pleading eyes. “Is that fine, Mama?”
“I won’t let him drown, ma’am,” Matthew piped up.
Well, how could she deny two such adorable smiles? She couldn’t drag Callan away now, not by hook nor crook, with Matthew looking so excited to have a playmate. “Have fun, the pair of ye.”
The lads gave nearly identical whoops and lunged for the water. Matthew splashed right in, and Callan flopped on his belly, coming up with a shriek of, “It’s cold!”
“That’s because you’re naked, lad,” the man murmured over her shoulder.
Knowing Callan couldn’t hear Matthew’s father’s chastisement, Athena assumed it was meant for her to hear only. But since she’d never been one to follow Society’s dictates, she simply chuckled in response. Since she was stillstretched out on the blanket, she tilted her head back and smiled at him invitingly.
“Will ye join me then, to watch our lads cavort?” As the man lowered himself to sit stiffly beside her on the blanket, her smile faded to a rueful one. “I am sorry Callan and I have stolen yer favorite spot. He is right in that I try to bring him here in the mornings. My father used to bring my brothers and me here when we were young, and I have fond memories of picnics here.”
When he exhaled, he seemed to lose some of the proper starch. Tossing the towels down beside him, he rested one elbow on the pile. “It is a lovely spot.” He pointed to the next bend in the river. “I’m rarely able to get away from work, even when I’m supposed to be socializing, but Lady Dumpkins recommended this spot for Matthew and me to enjoy when we’re able.”
Once a week, according to his son. So this intriguingly handsome man was a guest at the Dumpkins house party? She’d only attended one of the balls—the masquerade where her newest illegitimate brother was formally introduced to the clan—and a few of the daily outings, and she hadn’t seen him before.
Athenawouldhave remembered such an attractive gentleman, especially a widower.
Deciding the informality of the afternoon—her son was cavorting naked, by St. Columbine!—called for relaxed standards, Athena offered him her hand. “I am Athena Oliphant.”
He hesitated for a moment, then took her hand.
A tingly warmth—anawareness—encased her fingers and flowed up her arm toward her heart. She tamped down a shiver and met his gaze boldly.
Dear Lord in Heaven, but this man could make her do all sorts of things. She didn’t know him, but she knew what she liked. And right now, she likedhimvery much!
“You can call me Cash,” he finally said.
She cocked her head to one side, studying him, glad he hadn’t released her hand. “Why? Is that yer name?”
He opened his mouth, but hesitated again. Slowly, as if considering his answer, he said, “It ispartof my name.”
“Then I have no choice but to assume your given name is Cassius.”
From the river, his son’s voice called out, “His given name’s Adolphus!”
A laugh burst from her, and when the man pulled his hand away, she was immediately sorry. Instead of apologizing though, she offered him another smile.
“I think, were my given name Adolphus, I would choose to go by my family name as well.” She guessed “Cassius” was his last name. “I apologize for giggling.”
He shrugged and draped his forearms across his knees. “No one calls me Adolphus. I wasn’t aware my son evenknewmy name.”
She was surprised. “He is a smart lad, why would he no’?” Before he could answer, she teased him, “So I shouldnae call ye Dolly?”
She was relieved to see his lips twitch upward as he snorted derisively. “I had an aunt who called me that. I hated it.”
Glad he was accepting of her teasing, she said, “Then ‘Cash’ it is. It is better than Adolphus Cassius, which is truly horrible.” She winked. “I am pleased to meet ye, Cash.”
There was something about the day’s informality which gave her the bravery to nudge his shoulder with hers. From the startled expression on his face, he hadn’t expected it. He turned thoughtful blue eyes on her, considering his words, before nodding.
“I think I’m very pleased to meet you, Mrs. Oliphant.”
Missus. The reminder he assumed her married should’ve been a bucket of cold river water over the warmth of the encounter. But she was far too used to the sneers of Society, and her body’s reaction to him wasfartoo intriguing, to be shunted aside by some flimsy reminder.
“Oh, ye should call me Athena,” she corrected him. “Since we are being informal.” She nodded to the river, where Matthew was trying to coax Callan to sit on his shoulders. “Callan, Matthew, Cash and Athena.” She shot him a cheeky grin. “Just four people enjoying the summer.”
