Page 12 of A Duke Of Her Own
“One day you will.”
The promise in his tone shocked her, and for a moment, she did not know what to say. Feeling suddenly nervous and uncertain, she directed her attention to the book. He said nothing at her sudden fluster, merely smiled, and shifted closer to flip the pages.
Alexander pointed at one sketch. “This is the Northern Flicker. And over here,” he turned the page, “is a Black-capped Chickadee."
Francie listened intently, enchanted both by the intricate sketches and the way Alexander’s face lit up as he talked about them.
He picked up a pair of binoculars from beside the blanket. "Would you like to do some birdwatching? The late afternoon is a great time to spot some interesting species.”
“Is that the reason your cottage is so far from everyone else? I am your closest neighbor, and I am a few miles away.”
“I’ve always found solace in observing the natural world, and birds, in particular, fascinate me. I also enjoy being alone. Usually, I am very busy and have an active social life. The pace of the countryside is a soothing balm.”
An active social life? “Are you a businessman?”
“Of sorts.”
Why was his response so mysterious?
He handed her the binoculars, and as she took them, their fingers brushed. As if he had been waiting for this moment, he tugged her closer and kissed her. It was shockingly tender and sweet. Tears burned the backs of her eyes at the awful longing she felt for him. She broke their kiss. “Alexander?”
“Yes?”
“I …” Do you plan to ever marry? Francie wanted to ask, even if it was pointless to wonder. She had to marry a man of reputable connections and wealth. Her mother had already made arrangements that she could not disappoint. Francie felt as if she had been too long out in the cold, and she wanted to be with her family without worrying about wagging tongues and condemning stares. Her chest hurt with the effort to keep her thoughts private. Instead of asking, she kissed him deeply and passionately.
“Are we to have more than one moment then?” he murmured against her mouth.
Francie nodded enthusiastically, and he chuckled, dragged her onto his chest, and kissed her again.
I am foolish enough to want forever with you.
The realization shocked her, and inside, she grew angry at herself. As if he sensed the shift of her emotions, he ended their kiss and peered into her gaze.
“Let’s find those birds,” he said gruffly.
They took turns using the binoculars, and Alexander pointed out various birds perched on the branches of distant trees or soaring high above the lake. Every now and then, Francie would spot a bird, and Alexander would identify the species.
After some time, Alexander locked eyes with Francie. “I want to do something; will you join me?”
Francie raised her eyebrows, curious. “What’s that?”
“A swim,” he declared, a sensual glint in his eyes.
“In our clothes?”
“We are alone for miles. Naked will do.”
Though she blushed, Francie laughed at the audacious suggestion. Alexander sprang to his feet and extended his hand toward her. With a laugh, Francie took it, and together, they ran toward the lake. Without a moment’s hesitation, they leaped into the water.
The lake welcomed them with a refreshing embrace, and she allowed the water to close over her head for several beats before she surfaced.
“Who taught you to swim?”
“My brother, Tobias. Mama disapproved, but he finally gave in to my wheedling.”
“As all older brothers should.”
As they swam, Francie laughed and chatted with him, feeling as if the outside world had paused just for them, allowing her one night of passion to stretch on indefinitely.