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He handed her a tall glass, filled to the brim with Pimms and lemonade, dressed with mint, strawberry, and cucumber slices. Kitty took a long sip.

“Oh, I needed that,” she said, swallowing another icy mouthful. “I’d forgotten how refreshing Pimms is, and it’s been a long, hot day. So, what did I miss?”she asked, licking the drink from her lips.

“I learned your mum is a romance writer,” said Daniel. “Why didn’t you mention that before?”

Kitty rolled her eyes, cursing Julia and her loose lips. “It’s not the sort of thing I tell people when I introduce myself. To be honest, it’s been the bane of my life. I’ve put up with a lot of teasing over the years.”

“Fair enough,” he said, “I won’t hold it against you. I just find it intriguing. I mean, your ‘birds and the bees’ chat must have been sensational.”

Daniel’s dark eyes gleamed.

“And that is exactly why I keep it to myself,” Kitty said, with a shake of her head.

“Kitty, don’t be so squeamish,” said Julia. “Daniel came round to lift my spirits. I didn’t think you’d mind my telling him.”

“It looks like you’ve had more than enough spirit for one day.” Kitty giggled, eyeing the empty glass that sat in her hand.

“And on that note, I shall powder my nose,” said Julia as she grabbed her stick and tottered off unsteadily into the house.

“Am I in trouble?” Daniel asked, his voice low.

He tried hard to maintain an expression of remorse but failed miserably. Women usually found it hard to stay annoyed with him for long. Kitty wouldn’t be any different.

“Not this time, but consider this a warning,” she said.

“Yes, Mistress Katherine,” he said, one eyebrow cocked.

Sure, he was back on less shaky ground, he leaned in closer to Kitty. “Don’t tell Julia, but I came to seeyou.” He reached behind his chair and brought out an enormous bunch of plump peonies tied up in a dusky pink ribbon. “And to give you these.”

Kitty’s eyes shone. “How did you know they were my favourite?” she said, the heady aroma of the blooms filling the air between them.

“I have my sources. I’m glad you like them.”

“They’re stunning,” said Kitty. “Thank you.”

Daniel smiled. Thank goodness he’d taken the advice of the florist. He was one of their best customers, and it’d been a toss-up between the peonies and some red roses. He hoped his luck was a signifier of things to come.

The look on Kitty’s face was enchanting. On a whim, Daniel took one of her wrists in his hand and stroked the skin at its inside with his thumb. Kitty’s eyes widened as he lowered his voice.

“I could give you so much more than flowers if you’d let me.”

A nervous giggle escaped Kitty’s mouth, and her arm stiffened under his fingers. Her eyes flicked up to the open window, where the sounds of Julia pottering around in the kitchen reached them.

“I hope Julia has a vase big enough,” Kitty said loudly for her aunt to overhear.

“Ah, so size matters, does it?” he countered.

“No! Yes, well, in vases, it might.” Kitty’s cheeks flushed. Daniel loved teasing her.

“Methinks the lady doth change the subject too quickly. Are you worried you won’t have a vessel large enough to take my gift?”

Kitty’s already pink cheeks darkened, and her gaze dropped. Had he gone too far?

“Daniel! Stop it! Julia will hear you,” Kitty snickered.

Her giggles made him smile. He could listen to them all night.

“I can hear every single word, children,” Julia said through the window. She was rinsing glasses and plates in the sink. “I’m more worried about runningoutof vases, what with all your admirers, Kitty.”