Page 8 of A Reckless Wager
“We are lucky, as those French doors lead to the back gardens.” She smiled shyly at him.
“Shall we?” He waited with bated breath for her to take his arm. When she did, heat from her gloved hand warmed him to his chest. And that wasn’t all. His insides and mind, always on edge and planning what his next move would be in life, quieted. Being with her soothed him. Damn, if Lady Osborne wasn’t correct when she said they would suit each other perfectly. “Are you still planning on participating in tomorrow’s hunt?”
“I’m waiting for my papa to make his decision.”
“Have you forgotten about our wager?”
She paused, glanced at him, and blushed quite becomingly. His insides tightened.
“I have not. I just don’t know how to keep my end of the bargain if I’m not allowed to join the hunting party.”
“In any case, we may need a backup wager.”
Georgiana began walking again. “Not necessary. He will come around to my side. He always does.”
Phillip certainly hoped she spoke the truth. He was looking forward to this hunt like no other. Truthfully, he’d dreamt about it several nights and woken up aroused and sweating. No woman had ever intruded into his sleep until Georgiana. He didn’t know how he felt about that. Except for the dream…bloody hell, he needed to think of something else as his breeches tightened around his groin.
While they continued meandering through the fragrant, lush gardens, they passed several other party guests enjoying the warm sunshine. The pathway they occupied ended in a large circle of perfectly trimmed hedges and three curved benches, making it the ideal spot to sit and get to know Lady Georgiana better.
“Shall we?” He indicated a bench.
“Yes.” She sat, taking a moment to straighten her skirt.
He sat beside her. Purposely close enough that their hips, shoulders, and thighs touched. He laughed out loud when she tried to move over and couldn’t without falling off the bench. He was being a devil, but didn’t care. Something about her brought out the playful side in him. A side not many, besides his two closest friends, ever witnessed. Until her. “Are you nervous being here with me alone?”
“It’s not proper.”
Ever since they’d sat down, she’d refused to look at him. Preferring to stare at her delicate hands clasped together on her lap.
“I disagree. We can hear others talking, and anyone could come upon us anytime. If I did something like…” He turned towards her and cupped her cheek, forcing her to look at him—big mistake. One look into her green eyes, dark and wide with uncertainty, had him lost. All he wanted to do was kiss her. His eyes went from her eyes to her mouth. From one to the other several times.
Her breathing increased.
He leaned forward.
Her breathing stopped.
Footsteps crunching on the granite rock pathway got louder and louder. The intrusion had him dropping his hand and moving to the other end of the bench. Fine timing.
“Blackstone,” Percy Bedford said with a knowing smirk. “Was wondering where you went off to.” He turned and bowed. “Lady Georgiana, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m grateful to have been invited. I look forward to the hunt tomorrow. Is it true that the earl brought in a private flock of grouse?”
Philip watched as Georgiana’s good manners took over and she ignored his friend’s sarcasm. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Bedford. And yes, my papa had grouse brought in. It’s not the first time he has done so. You will not be disappointed.”
“I’m happy to hear.” He bowed. “If you’ll excuse me, I feel the need for refreshments. Good day to you both.”
“Is he always so…odd?”
Phillip found himself laughing. “Most of the time, yes, but he’s harmless and a good friend. He never takes anything seriously, however. Hasn’t grown into his eight and twenty years.” He harumphed. “Probably never will.”
“Interesting,” Georgiana said as she listened to Bedford’s footsteps get farther and farther away. “I never noticed how loud the stones crunch when walked upon. I’m usually alone and lost in my thoughts when I stroll through the gardens.”
“Yes, we seldom notice things such as that.”
“I must tune out all the sounds except birds and insects.”
He stood and offered his hand. “We must be getting back before we are missed. I don’t want to anger your father.”
“Oh, he never gets upset. At least not that I’ve witnessed.”
