Page 35 of Pursuing a Duke
Before placing her arm on Andrew’s, she opened her pretty cream parasol trimmed with lace. “Shall we?”
“We shall,” he replied with a grin that made her heart surge.
The gardens were crowded with people of all social standings who came for the daily breakfast and dancing afterward. Bath was such a pleasant surprise to Emmeline, and after this visit, she planned to come back. It had much to offer and didn’t have the oppressive feel of London or the overly quiet solitude of the country. Not that she had a country estate of her own, of course.
“What beautiful gardens,” Andrew said as he slowed his pace.
“They are,” she agreed as she also slowed. It was either that or step on the heels of the two fashionably dressed young ladies, not from their party, strolling in front of them. They both looked over their shoulders now and again, blushing and giggling. They looked around seventeen. Did they keep looking because ofAndrew? Did they know he was a duke? It appeared as though they did from the coquettish looks they sent him.
“You appear to have two pretty admirers in front of us.”
“I see that,” he chuckled. “Too young for my taste, my dear.” He waggled his brows at her. “I have the lady I desire already on my arm.”
His words nearly had her tripping. “I believe they have set their sights on you.”
“Yes, well. No doubt either of their mothers or both sent them my way, hoping for a match.” He lowered his head and murmured. “Innocent virgins don’t interest me. Not in my bed nor as my wife.”
This time, her steps did falter.
Steadying her, he said, his voice laced with humor, “Is something amiss? You’re usually so graceful.”
“You rogue. Behave, or I shall seek out my mother and walk with her instead,” she teased.
He gasped, his free arm covering his heart. “You wound me, my dear. Perhaps Mrs. Beauchamp would enjoy my naughty behavior if you do not?”
She opened her mouth to speak but nothing was forthcoming.
Realizing his error, he patted her hand. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have teased you by saying that. It’s not the same thing as walking with one’s mother.”
“All is forgiven. After all, I started it.” As soon as the promenade ended, they made their way to the food tables. Andrew got coffee, and Emmeline picked up a cup of tea. They both indulged in one of Sally Lunn’s famous buns.
They took their drinks and buns to a quiet area near the canal, and Andrew, ever the gentleman, removed his jacket, placing it on the grass beneath a large English Oak so she wouldn’t soil her dress. “Thank you, my gallant knight.”
“You are ever so welcome, my fair lady.”
With Andrew holding her food, Emmeline sat down, adjusted her skirts, and took in the scenery as he handed her tea and bun to her. Several boats were on the canal with fashionably dressed patrons aboard. It would be fun to take to the canal if they had time. “It’s beautiful and peaceful here.”
He joined her on the ground, managing not to spill a drop of his coffee, sitting close, their bodies touching everywhere possible. She knew he did it on purpose, and she didn’t mind. It was safe, comforting, and arousing all at the same time, even if it wasn’t proper. “It is. Are you comfortable?”
“Yes. Very.”
“Emmeline?”
“Yes, Andrew?”
“You do know where this is going, don’t you?”
She knew where she wanted their relationship to go. Was he of like mind? Before she could answer, Andrew moved over, putting an appropriate amount of space between them. “We have company.”
“Indeed.”
“It’s just Caldwell and Lady Clarice.”
“So this is where you went off to,” Caldwell said as he spread his jacket on the ground. He helped Lady Clarice sit and joined her. “I heard several mamas speak your name to their daughters. You were smart to leave the crowd.”
“And you had to find us?” Andrew said with one cocked brow.
Caldwell laughed, “I may not be a duke, but I am also sought after by some of the mamas who don’t care about titles but do enjoy money. And I have plenty of money. One young lady practically chased me. If she hadn’t tripped on her skirt, she may have caught me.”
