Page 34 of 10 Things I Hate About the Earl

Celinda pursed her mouth. “Well, the man’s not dim-witted. It would be the perfect place to propose.”

“My pardon, Miss Locke.” Lord Haversham suddenly appeared by her side, making Kate jump. “Mr. Symmons had run off to fetch Letitia an ice she said she fancied, not understanding, apparently, that a gentleman does not leave the lady he’s escorting alone to do so.”

“You shouldn’t fault poor Bertie for his enthusiasm, my lord.” Celinda chuckled. “There are worse things he could do to show his desire to please Lady Letitia.”

“I suppose not. However, I will keep a sharp eye on him to make sure he doesn’t repeat the offense tonight.” Haversham’s determined face made Kate’s heart tremble. If they had to stay close to Letitia, he’d have no opportunity to drag her off to one of those dark pathways. Was she actually disappointed?

“Why not let Lord Finley and me chaperone her, along with Lord Ainsley and your aunt?” Celinda turned her best wheedling tone on Haversham. “This is your welcome home party, my lord. You should be allowed to enjoy yourself as well.”

Kate wasn’t sure whether to thank her cousin or strangle her.

Lord Haversham looked down at Kate, seeming to consider the offer. “Thank you, Lady Celinda. I do appreciate that. Ainsley,” he turned to his friend, “would you mind shepherding my sister and the rest of the party over to the Bandstand? I believe the fireworks are going to begin in a few minutes.”

Nathan nodded. “Of course, Haversham.” Then he raised an eyebrow. “What will you and my sister be doing while I’m playing shepherd?”

“Miss Locke has expressed an interest in seeing some of the vendor stalls. We will visit those on our way to join you.” The smooth answer sent a shiver down Kate’s spine. He did wish to get her alone.

“Very well, but do not tarry.” Nathan’s voice had an edge to it.

“I will attempt to hurry your sister along, but you do know how she is.” Haversham gave her brother a long-suffering look.

“Yes, I do.” Nathan’s brows rose briefly then he moved toward Lady Letitia.

“What vendors would you like to visit, Miss Locke?” Haversham took her arm and looped it through his. “The candied fruit might be to your liking. I believe they would make excellent projectiles the next time you wish to declare war on me.”

“Don’t tempt me, Haversham.” Kate calmed herself, trying to affect her normal bantering attitude toward him. “But you are the one who insisted it was my desire to shop. Which stalls do you think I’d be most interested in?”

“What about the one down this row?” He gestured to a line of vendors that stretched all the way to the woods. “I believe they sell all manner of lady’s paraphernalia.” His mouth twitched. “Surely even you can find something to your liking at such a shop.” With that disarming statement, he led them down the path to the next-to-last stall.

Haversham was correct about one thing—the seller’s wares ranged from painted fans to paste jewelry, from China cups to various small trinkets. The variety alone charmed Kate, and she wanted to look at each item. “I will say, Haversham, you have an eye for hodgepodge.” She picked up a tin whistle. “I could use this to summon you to my beck and call.” She blew a shrill blast that had the earl covering his ears.

“If you were three counties away.” He plucked the instrument from her hands and set it down. “Perhaps a quieter item would be a better choice.” Rummaging around the stall, Haversham finally grabbed a cup and ball toy, which he demonstrated successfully. “There, something to keep you occupied and out of mischief.”

“I could say the same thing for you, my lord.” Kate grinned as he attempted the toy again, managing instead to hit himself in the eye with the tethered ball. “At least you cannot blame that mishap on me.”

“Oh, but I can, Miss Locke.” He set the toy aside and took her arm. “I wounded myself attempting to satisfy you.”

“It would behoove you to find a less destructive way of doing that, Haversham. Although I did find it quite amusing.” Kate chuckled as they strolled onward to the final stall. “Shouldn’t we be getting back to the others? We don’t want to miss the fireworks, do we?”

A peculiar look came over Haversham’s face and instead of heading back the way they’d come, the earl grabbed her hand and pulled her past the final stall, onto the unlit path that led into the woods. Kate’s heart raced as she ran to keep pace with him, all the while wondering where Lord Haversham was taking her—and what would happen when they got there.

He stopped finally beside a tall, dark tree, the roots knobby with age, then pulled her off the path and around behind the huge trunk.

Panting, Kate stared up at him, his handsome face scarcely discernible in the poor light. “You don’t like fireworks, my lord?”

His sensual mouth curled into a slight smile. “I thought we might rather make some of our own.” Then his lips were on hers, and the world exploded for Kate in a wave of heat that seared her to the bone and made her heart pound so hard it hurt her chest. Then her nose bumped into his, distracting her from the warmth racing through her. She couldn’t figure out which way to turn.

With a chuckle, he guided her head until their mouths came together like two pieces of a puzzle, fitting exactly right.

Surprised by the unaccountable warmth of his lips, Kate melted against him. Shivers shook her body, and she clutched at him, wanting it to go on forever.

At last, he carefully broke the kiss, easing her away from him. “Were those fireworks enough for you, Miss Locke?”

“No.” She gazed up at him, breathless and utterly confused. Then she grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pulled him back toward her. If this was going to be her first kiss, then by God, she’d be the one to say when it stopped. He came willingly toward her, and she backed up until she hit the hard tree trunk. “I want more.”

“Why does that not surprise me?” he murmured, kissing her lips in little bursts, each venture longer and longer until he pressed them against hers in earnest, his body following until he covered her completely, sending her senses spinning out of control.

All too soon, he lifted his lips. “I missed you while I was gone, Miss Locke.”