Page 73

The way he felt inside her, the way his smell surrounded her, and the way his low moans echoed in her ear only encouraged her.

It was heaven, even if it only lasted a few minutes.

They were soon holding one another and breathing heavily as they tried to compose themselves.

It is maddening how much I always want him.

Even as they emerged from the storage room to rejoin the party, all she could think about was the next time she could be in his arms.

CHAPTER 26

“Newfield, you’ll be useful yet!” Frederick quipped, handing Andrew the fishing rods.

Andrew Newfield set about unloading baskets and blankets. The earl raised an eyebrow at Frederick’s words, feigning insult.

The warmth of the late afternoon sun spilled across the glen, lighting up the greenery and casting a gentle glow over the brook that wound through their picnic spot.

Gemma, settled comfortably on a plaid blanket, smiled at Frederick as Vivian, watching from her cushioned seat, offered guidance to them with an air of authority.

Gemma had carefully planned the day, which included a picnic, fishing, and a spot of hunting. The gentlemen were as visibly excited as children with new toys.

“Useful? My dear Blackridge, I am nothing if not the glue that holds this entire outing together,” Andrew replied, his tone light and his eyes twinkling. “Besides, without my charming company, how would you survive your grandmother’s meticulous scheming?”

Vivian chuckled at this, barely hiding her amusement. “If I am a schemer, Lord Newfield, it is only because I can recognize a good match when I see one.”

Gemma’s cheeks warmed, though she hid her blush with a polite smile, finding herself entirely entertained by the trio’s banter.

She had grown to appreciate Andrew’s presence. He had a way of keeping Frederick lighthearted and bringing out a side of him she hadn’t often seen. Frederick was serious by nature, and that only dissipated when Andrew was around.

Andrew gave Gemma a sidelong grin as he set the rods in place by the stream. “Tell me, Miss Bradford, have you ever fished before?”

“Once or twice,” Gemma replied, settling next to him with an interested look. “But I do not think I was very successful.”

“Then we will remedy that today,” he declared confidently, preparing the bait with exaggerated skill. “Fishing is really about patience, calmness… and, of course, the ability to distract the fish by talking their ears off.”

“Scaring them away entirely,” Frederick chimed in dryly, earning an amused eye roll from his friend.

Vivian reclined in her seat, clearly content. “I cannot think of a better way to spend a day. Nature, good company, and sunshine…what more could we ask for?”

Andrew cast a wink in Gemma’s direction as he tossed his line into the water. “I am clearly the main attraction here. Imagine for a moment if you would, Miss Bradford, how dull this would all be without me.”

“Oh, indeed, Lord Newfield,” Gemma played along, her laughter ringing through the glen. “We would be mired in His Grace’s solemn silence, and I do not believe that we would be able to endure it.”

Frederick scoffed, though his lips curved into a small smile. “Let it be known that my silence is a choice; one I rarely make around you, I might add.”

“See?” Andrew grinned, gesturing toward Frederick. “There is hope for him yet. Though tomorrow, Miss Bradford, we shall really see if he is any good out in nature. I have roped him into a hunt.”

“Oh, have you?” Gemma’s curiosity was piqued as she looked to Frederick. “I did not know that you hunted.”

Frederick gave a slight nod. “I have been known to go hunting every now and then, though only when I can convince myself that it is worth the early rise.”

Andrew laughed. “He tries to sound noble, but the truth is, Blackridge can barely stand to rise before noon. But, as he has been dutifully attending these social events as of late, I felt he owed me the pleasure of his company and a hunt.”

“It is the least I can do after watching you suffer through four balls in two weeks,” Frederick said, casting his line into the brook. “If it was not for Grandmother’s plotting, I doubt I would have been in attendance and could have saved you from the same fate.”

“Oh, do not be so dramatic, Freddie,” Vivian teased, her smile warm. “Your friend Andrew is a dear for putting up with you at all.”

“Freddie?” Gemma echoed, and Frederick glared at her.