Page 16

W hen Amanda arrived with a breakfast tray for Emmeline, the following morning, she sat up in bed, her stomach in knots about the day’s upcoming events.

And, of course, the prospect of seeing Andrew again after how abruptly he’d retired to his room last evening.

Would they be paired up for the scavenger hunt today?

From past experience, a scavenger hunt was always a good opportunity for two people to sneak off and steal a kiss or two.

Giddiness had her feeling like she was eighteen again.

“I was thinking of the pretty green day dress with matching spencer and hat for today since you will spend a good deal of time outdoors.” Amanda opened the wardrobe and pulled out the dress.” I will return after I press out the wrinkles.”

Once Amanda returned and Emmeline was ready for the day, she went downstairs to the drawing room. Gripping her wide-brimmed hat in her hands, she scanned the room for Andrew. When she didn’t see him, her heart sank to her toes.

But then, “Mrs. Fitzpatrick,” said the man of her dreams in a deep voice from right behind her. “You take my breath away with your beauty.”

Warmth kissed her cheeks, and her stomach flip-flopped from his nearness. She loved Andrew’s flirting and was still getting used to that side of him.

Pivoting around, she found herself getting lost in his handsome face, his green eyes alight with mischief and a wide, authentic smile on his lips.

“Andrew,” she breathed out, suddenly finding it hard to take in air.

“You look dashing today.” She batted her lashes, hoping she was succeeding in flirting.

“Is there a lady you are trying to impress?”

“Yes. There is a lady. Perhaps you have seen her. She is this tall,” he held his hand up to the top of his shoulder, “has the most glorious thick, ebony hair, and usually wears it up like yours. The blue of her eyes resembles a cloudless sky on a warm summer day. And her smile,” he covered his heart with the palm of his hand, “touches me here.” He looked around the room with a sigh. “Have you seen such a lady?”

“Perhaps I have. I am also looking for a gentleman who has piqued my interest.” She raised her quivering hand to the top of his head.

“He is about your height and build. His light brown hair comes to his chin and is wavy and thick. Sometimes, he pulls it into a queue with a strip of leather. The green of his eyes reminds me of a field of tall grass after a light rain.” She lowered her lashes to give herself a moment as emotions overwhelmed her.

“He resembles you. You could be his twin.”

“Shall we head to the picnic area?” he asked, his voice deep and throaty and his eyes dark with desire. “My hands are trembling. I need to touch you, and I think I’ll perish if I don’t soon.”

Taking his offered arm, she wrapped hers through his as he led the way out the double glass doors and through the gardens to a flat green lawn before either of them spoke.

Words were unnecessary as their bodies occasionally brushed against each other, causing more intimate friction.

Emmeline’s heart soared. Until recently, she hadn’t suspected he was capable of teasing, flirting, and showing emotions of caring for her.

Even when he offered for her hand all those years ago, she felt as though he had held back a part of himself from her.

She understood he was protecting his heart back then.

How could he not when he wasn’t the only man courting her?

She didn’t blame him for keeping part of himself hidden from her.

However, deep down inside, she had always thought he was capable of more emotion than he had shown her.

And now she knew the truth. He had a deep well of feelings, passion, and love inside him.

“Look.” She pointed up ahead. “Several people are already here. And there are blankets scattered about. Let us claim one for ourselves.”

Taking her arm from his, she hurried toward a blue plaid blanket spread beneath a large English Oak shading the space. She laughed as she sat on the blanket, wiggled her behind to make an indent in the grass, then spread her skirts over her legs.

“What is the hurry?” Andrew asked as he smiled and dropped down beside her.

“I want to sit in the shade.”

He chuckled as he bent one knee, wrapped his arms around it, and looked around. “We are not the only ones hoping for time alone before the picnic begins.”

“Yes.” She blew out her breath. “It appears that way.”

He nudged her gently with his elbow and winked at her. “No pouting. I promise you and I will sneak a kiss or two or three during the scavenger hunt.”

Heart scorched her cheeks as their shared kiss and more from yesterday came to the forefront of her mind. “I will hold you to that promise.” Had that breathy voice come from her?

Chuckling, he said, “See that you do. Do not look now, but we have visitors.”

Looking up, she saw Caldwell and Lady Chesterfield approaching.

“May we join you?” Caldwell asked.

“But of course,” Andrew said as he rose to his feet and bowed. “Nice to see you again, Lady Chesterfield. It has been many years, if you don’t count yesterday.”

“Your Grace.” She curtsied. “It has. Please call me Lady Clarice. Chesterfield makes me feel ancient.”

“Lady Clarice it is.”

“Thank you for letting us join you,” Caldwell said.

“Lady Clarice,” Emmeline said with a smile. “It is nice to see you. It’s been many years for us as well.”

“It has. I’m glad to see you have re-entered Society.”

“You as well,” she said, feeling a kinship with another widow close to her age.

“Well, now that social etiquette and pleasantries are done with,” Caldwell drawled, “what do you think about the scavenger hunt?”

“What is there to think about?” Andrew replied.

“A hunt is a hunt. It’s always the same objects to find.

Just once, I want the host and hostess to shock us and have us find something scandalous.

But I doubt it will be the marquess and marchioness unless they are not quite as straitlaced as they appear. ”

“Straitlaced!” Emmeline said. “Claire was never straitlaced, and the marquess is just a bit subdued and naturally reserved. There’s nothing straitlaced about them.”

Andrew cleared his throat and chuckled. “I stand corrected.”

“Speaking of our host and hostess, here they come.” The gentlemen rose and helped the ladies up from the blanket as the marquess and marchioness walked across the lawn to their guests.

Emmeline didn’t want to let go of Andrew’s hand but resigned herself to waiting until later to hold it again.

The four of them made their way toward several long tables with food and drinks set up beneath several canopies, along with several round tables and chairs.

“Welcome, everyone,” Claire said with an excited voice. “As you all know, today’s events are a picnic, followed by a scavenger hunt, pall-mall, and other lawn games if you wish to partake in them. And tonight, there will be charades, chess, billiards, and cards.”

The marquess took over. “Luncheon is ready to be served, and my lovely wife will pass out the scavenger hunt list when the luncheon concludes. The hunt will begin when you have the list in your hand. You have an hour and a half to complete the list and meet back here.”

Andrew led her to the food table, handed her a plate, and took one for himself.

They went down the line, adding various meat pies, salad greens, fruits, nuts, and jam and bread, followed by queen currant cakes and other confections.

They made their way to a table where several other guests sat.

After greetings went around, he held her chair out as she sat down, placing her napkin on her lap.

“The food on my plate looks delicious,” Andrew said as he picked up a meat pie and grinned at her with the pie close to his mouth.

His eyes darkened as he stared at her lips, causing her insides to hum.

Right before he took a bite he whispered, “Although I’m ravenous for something. Or should I say... someone?”

Instant heat coursed through her body, wetness pooled between her thighs, and she squirmed in her chair as she leaned close to his ear. “Do not say things like that unless you mean them.” Oh my, she was shamelessly flirting with him, which only added to her desire.

He murmured close to her ear, “I assure you, I mean them and so much more.” His hot breath wafted across her ear and neck, causing her to shiver in a most decadent way. “I want to taste every inch of your body and lick...”

She swallowed the gasp forming in her throat before she drew unwanted attention their way. “Promise?” she breathed out as she leaned away from him.

His brows waggled up and down several times, making her laugh. “I promise.”

Emmeline could hardly contain the excitement Andrew’s words caused her as she nibbled on first a veal pie and then some fruit.

Her insides were jumbled up, which made her appetite vanish.

At least her appetite for real food. So she sat and listened to the animated conversation going on around the table, without actually hearing it.

Finally, Claire’s voice rang out, “Listen up, everyone, Viscountess Appleton is handing out the list for the scavenger hunt. Find yourself a partner, and let the hunt begin.”

“Come on,” Andrew said, taking the list from the viscountess and standing with his hands on the back of her chair. “Let’s go.”

“I’m ready.” She rose, and they went and stood beneath a shady tree away from the crowd for privacy.

“There are ten things to find,” Andrew said, holding the handwritten list. “How about we start in the middle?”

She pointed at number six. “I think I know this one. I come in many colors. I open and close and resemble the wind. I think it’s a fan. We must go back to the house so I can go to my room and retrieve one.”