“Always.” It was such a meaningful word. It implied they wanted to share the rest of their lives together. He wasn’t scared, quite the opposite. He was eager to start the rest of his life with her.
“You know that…” She sagged on the bed. “I only need time. Too many things have happened in a short period.”
“Shush.” He helped her lie down and removed her boots. “You don’t owe me anything, remember? Not even an explanation.”
“You’re wonderful. I’m not sure I deserve you.”
“That’s nonsense.” He pulled a quilt over her. “Take a nap. Doctor’s order.”
Her eyelids drooped thanks to the laudanum and the fatigue. He held her hand until she fell asleep. Maybe she would never love him as much as he loved her, but his promise to protect her would last all his life.
twenty
THE BATHING MACHINE jerked along Ethan’s private sandy beach towards the quiet waves. Not the most comfortable means of transport, especially since the horse attached to it walked backwards towards the shore. But the excitement of swimming for the first time in the sea dulled the throb in Cora’s shoulder. The small window offered only a glimpse of the ocean and a secluded bay. Tall cliffs formed a C-shaped coastline. The warm air left her skin damp with perspiration.
Mrs. Parker sat in front of her on the wooden bench, seemingly unaffected by the beauty of the sea. “Can you swim, my lady?”
“I learnt to swim in a lake in Hertfordshire. This is the first time I’ve tried the ocean.”
“It’s going to be cold, no matter the season or what Lord Stark says.” She tugged at her swimming suit— a complete set of bloomers, blouse, cap, and belt. “But this should keep us warm.”
Yes, Cora had no doubt. When she’d swum in the lake in summer, she’d worn only a tunic. The bloomers and shirt were rather thick, covering her from her chest to her knees, and whenwet, they wouldn’t let any part of her body be visible. “I wonder why it is this bright red colour.”
Mrs. Parker shifted on the seat as the machine jolted to a stop. “If we drown, we’ll be visible and easily identifiable.”
“Oh.” That dampened Cora’s enthusiasm a little.
“And it isn’t the most flattering garment. We look like a giant strawberries.”
Mrs. Parker opened the door, and the lazy sound of the waves reached Cora’s ears. The horse snorted, stomping his hooves in the shallow water. The machine allowed the ladies to step into the water without being seen and without crossing the beach in their swimming suits. Not that Cora cared about Ethan glancing at her calves, and his servants were too distant for them to see anything.
She searched the beach for David. He swam not far from her with Ethan and Harry, among tall sprays of water and loud laughter. Ethan would keep the boys safe. She had no doubt. The sunlight shone over them, hitting the drops of water and turning them into little stars. She giggled when she lowered herself into the sea, not as cold as she expected.
“Goodness me.” Mrs. Parker splashed around, keeping her head fully out of the water.
“It’s easier than swimming in the lake,” Cora said, moving her arms slowly. “The water is less heavy.”
“If you say so, my lady. I swim only because my physician says it is good for my bones and joints.” She wrinkled her nose. “I personally dislike the sand, the salt, and the cold. And the country. Too much fresh air can’t possibly be good.”
David’s laughter carried across the distance. He, Harry, and Ethan were splashing each other, raising tall sprays of water. She caught a glimpse of Ethan’s naked chest and his golden skin as he defended himself from the boys’ attacks.
“Mama,” David shouted and waved his arms.
She waved back. His happiness was mirrored in her own heart. Not even when she and David had spent time alone, had he been as carefree as he was now. He swam towards her, raising splashes and sprays of water. His auburn hair sparked with coppery hues in the sunlight. Ethan followed him closely. Harry kept disappearing in and out of view as he dived into the waves.
“They are coming here.” Mrs. Parker sank a few inches, hiding herself. “That’s not appropriate.”
“They’re boys,” Cora said.
“Not the marquess.”
No, he was not.
“Mama.” David threw himself at her, laughing.
She hugged him and kissed his cheek, tasting the salty water. “You’re a natural-born swimmer.”
“It’s Lord Stark who’s a great teacher. Look.” He brushed his wet hair from his face. “Lord Stark, can we show it to Mother?”
