Page 40 of Courting the Country Miss

He touched a finger to his mouth in a hushing motion. “It’s better as a surprise.”

They strolled silently along the path as the deepening dusk made it difficult to see. Instantly, hundreds of variegated lanterns leaped to life in perfect unison. Leticia breathed out an oooh and the crowd let out a collective gasp. Nobility and shop boys alike exclaimed over the sight.

“Remarkable,” Leticia breathed. “How do they do that?”

Kensington said, “I assume with an army of servants and practiced timing.”

Following Tristan, who now escorted Isabella, the group strolled along the Grand Walk through rows of whimsical pavilions all representing Chinese, classical and gothic styles of architecture.

As their group gathered in two neighboring dinner boxes and chattered about the sights, musicians played a selection of Handel. Leticia found herself seated between Tristan and Captain Kensington, and across from Lord Bradbury. Isabella sat between Lord Bradbury and another gentleman. Servers brought out platters of food including an assortment of biscuits, thinly sliced ham, and some of the best wine she’d ever tasted. She glanced at Tristan, whose eyes sparkled with pleasure.

“You’re enjoying yourself,” she commented.

“I am indeed.” Tristan sipped his drink, then held it out to her. “Care to try some arrack punch?”

“What’s in it?”

“Rum mixed with other things including the grains of the Benjamin Flower. Quite a heady liquor.” He grinned.

She held out her hands to ward it off. “Er…no. One of us should keep our wits about us.”

He raised his glass to her in silent homage, then sipped it. Toward the end of the meal, a bell sounded. Several people sprang to their feet including Tristan. His glass of arrack punch remained half full.

“What is it?” she said.

“You don’t want to miss this.” Tristan offered his arm, exchanged meaningful glances with Lord Bradbury. “If you don’t mind?”

Bradbury’s eyes narrowed briefly, but waved him off. “Not at all. Miss Isabella, if I may have the pleasure?”

Her face lit with pleasure, Isabella took Lord Bradbury’s arm and disappeared into the magical garden.

Leticia wound her arm through Tristan’s. “Where are you taking me?”

Tristan looked over his shoulder. “My apologies, but I wanted to be the one to show you this. It happens at nine o’clock and lasts just a few minutes.” He walked on, glancing sideways at her. “What do you think of Lord Bradbury?”

“He was an attentive companion, but I’m confident he has no designs on me.”

“I’m confident he does, especially after that look he gave me when I wanted to spirit you away.” He grinned at her. “Of course, nothing quickens the chase more than healthy competition.”

Leticia scoffed. “If I thought either of you were competing for me, I’d be a foolish green miss indeed.”

“Admit it; men find you attractive.”

“The only men interested in me are the ones you’ve put up to it.”

He affected a wounded expression. “Not true. I’ve done nothing but make introductions. Their interest is genuine.”

“Tristan…I appreciate what you’re trying to do but you must see what a futile effort it is to bring me to the attention of a man like Lord Bradbury. No one of his rank would have any interest in the daughter of a simple country squire.”

“Have faith in your feminine allure, Tish. You’re well-respected in the ton and lovely to boot. He’d be mad not to consider you. Besides, people have crossed bigger social lines than those between you and Bradbury.”

She turned to him in surprise. “Why, Tristan, I believe there was a compliment in the midst of that.”

“Don’t sound so shocked. Have I been so inattentive that I never compliment you?”

“I can honestly say I don’t recall you ever paying me any such thing. Although I do seem to recall that you admired my neck once. Of course, at the time, you were threatening to bite it because I’d made some kind of reference to the possibility that you were a vampire.”

He chuckled. “I do admire a pretty neck.”