Page 17 of The Marquess’s Forbidden Bride

She smiled. ‘I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love gardens! I went there every time I could escape my governess. Johnson was wonderfully indulgent, letting me tag along as he worked. I was heartbroken when he left. Happily, my grandmother’s gift of Tricklebrook Cottage to Aunt Felicia included an income generous enough that she was able from time to time to bring Johnson back from Kew, where he’d found employment with Sir Joseph, to advise her. He would bring along some cuttings or seeds from the new cultivars Sir Joseph was having his plant collectors bring back from all over the world. Especially the roses. My aunt loved them and passed that passion on to me.’

What other passions did she possess, he wondered, the question piquing a surge in his ever-simmering desire. Suppressing that sensual stirring and sternly redirecting his thoughts, he said, ‘So you were able to maintain an acquaintance with Johnson?’

‘Happily, yes. He invited me to explore Kew anytime I was in London, which I was able to do once or twice when visiting Sarah here after her marriage. Now that I’m in residence for the whole Season, I’d hoped to come much more often, but have been too frequently prevented by social obligations.’ She sighed. ‘Tedious calls on society ladies, at-homes to receive those same ladies, fittings for more gowns and pelisses and hats than any one woman should need.’

Charles chuckled, amused. ‘A lady who’d rather discuss rose varieties than go shopping for new gowns? You are even more exceptional than I thought.’

‘I love new gowns as much as any lady,’ she protested. Then, with a beguiling grin, said, ‘But I do rather enjoy digging in the dirt. Especially if it’s to nurture a new rose variety!’

At that moment, the gate was finally opened by an undergardener, whose look of annoyance at having his work interrupted transformed into a smile when Miss Wellingford identified herself. ‘Ah, “Mr Johnson’s apprentice”, he calls you, Miss,’ he said. ‘Welcome! Johnson will be delighted to know you are visiting. And the young gentleman, too, of course. Please, come in! What would you like to see today?’

‘As it’s Lieutenant Marsden’s first visit here, we’ll take a general stroll, ending at the Palace Gardens,’ she said. ‘Where is Johnson working today? I would like to say hello.’

‘You’ll find him in the garden sheds near the palace stables.’

‘Excellent! It will be quite convenient to see him before we leave.’

‘Indeed, Miss,’ the gardener said. After raking a quick glance over Charles, from head to toe, he said, ‘Where would you like me to escort you?’

‘No need to take you from your work,’ Miss Wellingford said. ‘The lieutenant, one of the heroes of Waterloo, is a close friend of the family, else I should have brought my maid to chaperone. Nor do we require a guide. I know my way around.’

The gardener straightened at Miss Wellingford’s avowal of his character and gave Charles a nod. ‘Honoured to have you here, Lieutenant. You’ll let me know if you need anything, Miss. I’ll be working up by the Orangery.’

‘Yes, thank you. Do tell Johnson I look forward to seeing him later. So, Lieutenant, shall we?’

‘My pleasure, Miss Wellingford,’ he replied, offering her his arm.

As the worker trotted down the pathway ahead of them, Charles leaned toward her to murmur, ‘It seems I passed muster. Apparently, the gardener no longer suspects I intend to ravish you behind the nearest screen of trees.’

Her hand tightened for a moment on his arm. ‘Alas, no ravishment?’

He shot a startled glance down at her. As the potential implication of that remark exploded in his mind, another bolt of sensual awareness shot through him. Swallowing hard, he gazed at her upturned face, her gloved hand on his arm seeming to burn through his coat.

Desire, thick, heated, stirred in his blood, befuddling him. You must not kiss her, he reminded himself, halting the unconscious descent of his mouth.

He might stop the motion, despite lips tingling in anticipation of touching hers, but he was unable to break the tension that bound his gaze to hers. Her beguiling half-smile seemed to say she’d enjoy a kiss as much as he would. But he mustn’t forget that, though she was surprisingly worldly-wise for a maid, an innocent she remained. There was uncertainty as well as invitation in the depths of that gaze, while the hand trembling on his arm argued her desire was tempered with apprehension.

That being true, best he end the interval before temptation got the better of him.

So breaking the gaze, he led her off, strolling for several minutes in silence as he struggled to fully subdue his desire.

She recovered first, clearing her throat to say, ‘I’ll spare you the full tour. We’ll make a circuit of the Broad Walk, past the Orangery down to the Great Pagoda, then up to the Hollow Walk to see the rhododendrons, which should be in magnificent full bloom. I shall even behave myself and refrain from stopping by the Queen’s Garden to visit the herbs, since by that time you will doubtless be longing to get back to Mayfair and collapse in the comfort of your rooms.’

‘While privileged to be in your company, I’m unlikely to be longing to return to my rooms!’ he protested.

‘Kind of you to say so, but you must promise to let me know when you’ve had enough. The garden boasts a variety of cross-paths one can take to return to the exit gate. I don’t want to turn your mild interest to dislike by trapping you here for too long.’

Did she truly think he’d admitted how much he enjoyed her company only out of kindness? If so, she did undervalue her worth! Perhaps he ought to try to bring her to a more accurate recognition of her appeal.

He certainly savoured the time he spent with her. And though he’d not mind a bit being trapped with her in a wilderness, given how tempting he found her, he would do well to avoid it.

After all, she’d just assured the gardener his honour could be depended upon, and it could. He was no green lad, unable to control his desire.

Though she had repeated the idea of ravishment. Did she truly understand what he’d been talking about?

He didn’t think so. Growing up in a large family, having been present for the courtships of her older sisters, she might have more experience of what happened between men and women than most unmarried maidens, but she was still an innocent. She might tease of kissing, but she couldn’t know what that initial yielding might lead to.

He did, and as a gentleman, he must protect her and her reputation with sober diligence. He’d not risk ruining their budding friendship by offering precipitous and perhaps unwelcome advances.