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The silence between them now was palpable.

He should say something, but he didn’t have the foggiest idea what words would help their situation.

They needed that next clue. It was what kept them going and gave them a reason to continue to spend time with each other.

He did not think it would have taken this long for them to maneuver through all the clues though.

Lady Easton had outdone herself. They were hitting every single room in the abbey except the bedrooms. He supposed that would have been taboo.

He kept his attention on her every step of the way.

When they reached the section of the garden littered with several varieties of pink roses they halted.

Adrian gestured toward the blushing blooms and asked, “Divide and conquer again?” There were that many rose bushes that it would take the two of them to search them each carefully.

“While you’re looking be mindful of those thorns the clue mentioned.

I’d hate to see your lovely skin marred with any painful scratches. ”

“I’ll be cautious.” She smiled. “It’s not my first time handling thorny roses.”

“Work with them often, do you?” He raised a brow. “Does that make you an expert?”

“I wouldn’t say that,” she said, then shrugged. “I like flowers and often work in the garden at the school. I’m a novice at best. My father never would have allowed me to dirty my hands in our gardens. It’s a refreshing change.”

Georgina should be allowed to do anything that gave her pleasure.

He liked the idea of having her while away the time in his gardens.

He’d like to see her at his home. Hell, he’d like to see her in many places.

His bed for one… He’d never say that to her though.

“Is there anything I should know before we start rummaging through the bushes?”

“Nothing that you don’t already know.” Her lips twitched. “Beware of thorns for they be sharp and merciless.”

“I will keep that in mind,” he said in an amused tone. “Shall we then?”

“We shall,” Georgina agreed. “Same as before? You take one side, and I’ll take the other?”

“Absolutely,” he agreed. “After you, darling.”

Georgina went to her side of the rows of bushes.

Adrian watched her for several heartbeats before he followed suit.

She was already carefully moving the bushes around and determined to find that next clue.

He sighed and wandered over to his side of the bushes.

He pushed the shrubbery around, wary of those thorns.

The roses were plentiful and fragrant. Beautiful to be sure, but they didn’t compare to Georgina.

He slid a branch to the left and grinned.

A parchment was nestled at the very back of the bush and he’d have to be careful as he retrieved it.

Gingerly he slid the branches to the side, and he reached in to grasp the clue into his hand.

“I found it,” he called out.

“You did?” Her voice held a hint of excitement. She hurried over to his side and held out her hand. “Let me see it.”

“Easy, love,” he said in a lighthearted tone. “I have to pull it out easily or I’ll scratch my hand on those thorns we spoke of earlier.”

Once the clue was free from the bushes, he lifted his hand and pulled it out.

She snatched it from his hand and opened it.

Her glee was delightful, and he couldn’t be happier to witness it.

After she read the clue, she handed it to him.

He read it over and smiled. He knew exactly where they needed to go next.

Twists and turns have brought you near, to the heart where all paths are clear.

I cascade with crystal waters, dancing in sunlight’s glow.

At my heart, I hold tranquility, where wishes often flow.

Where love’s goddess stands with grace, water flows in her embrace.

A symbol of beauty, hearts take flight. In this hidden place you’ll find what you seek.

“You’re smiling,” she said. “Do you know where this clue leads?”

“I might,” he said. “Have you explored the maze here on the estate?”

“I’ve had no reason to.” She tilted her head to the side. “Are you saying that is where we are to find the next clue?”

He nodded. Did the marchioness send them to the heart of the maze to give him some time alone with the lovely Georgina?

It was the perfect spot for a clandestine tryst. Not that she agreed to any such thing.

She would never have willingly met him near the fountain of Aphrodite.

Legend said that the fountain would grant a wish—as long as it involved love.

He would never have attempted to get such a wish answered.

Adrian had no use for love. He had never believed in that elusive emotion.

Passion and desire—those were much more attainable.

“There is a fountain at the heart of the maze. I believe that is where we will find our next clue.”

“And you know how to navigate the maze?” she asked in a wary tone. “So we won’t get lost?”

“I’ve been in the maze before.” He had met a few lovers there in the past. Not that he’d admit to such a thing now. He didn’t want her to look at him in an unfavorable light. “Do you want to go into the maze and find the next clue? It may be our final one.”

She was silent again as she considered it.

Georgina must be thinking the same thing he had.

They would truly be alone, and it could compromise her if they went into the maze.

He would never take advantage of her in that way.

She was coming to mean more to him than he could ever express.

If he could love anyone, it would be her.

Adrian did not know if he was capable of loving anyone.

He had no real basis to gauge such a feeling.

But if he could love, she would be the woman to bring out that elusive emotion from within him.

After another moment she nodded. “Yes,” she said in a quiet tone. “I want to go into the maze. I’d like to see this fountain. It sounds lovely.”

He smiled. “Many would agree with you.” He didn’t think the fountain was nearly as wondrous as Georgina.

She would outshine it on any given day. Her beauty was timeless and glorious.

“If you’re certain, you will have to stay by my side.

I would hate for you to become lost inside the maze.

It might take too long for you to find your way out of it. ”

“I’m certain,” she said in a firm tone. “And I promise I’ll stay with you. Please lead the way, my lord.”

He held out his arm to her and tapped the crook near his elbow. “To keep it simple, place your hand here. That way I can ensure your safety every step of the way.”

“If you insist,” she said. Georgina slipped her hand onto his arm, then they started to walk. The maze was complicated, but he had been inside it often and that should ensure that neither of them lost their way.

They wandered over to the maze, once again not speaking.

He was perfectly content with the silence.

It gave him time to plot. At the center of that maze, under Aphrodite’s watchful gaze, he hoped to sneak a kiss—or three.

Perhaps he would make a wish. Something he would never have contemplated in the past, but somehow it seemed right to do so now.