wildflower chapter 17

A hazy sensation washed over her, as if all the world’s worries were fading away. As his tongue retreated, she darted her own forward. This served as a silent signal, and the hand at her waist slid lower, gently cupping her bottom.

“Mmm…”

The unfamiliar feeling prompted her to pull him closer, pressing against the hard length she felt against her stomach. It felt like the brooch he’d won as a prize, or perhaps his pocket watch… no, much larger. It had to be his long, thick dagger. She fumbled, trying to push the object away, but just as her fingers closed around the hard, thick form, he pushed her back.

Her tongue, having just gained entry, retreated back into her mouth as she tilted her head in confusion.

“Why… why…?”

The hairs on her arms had just begun to prickle, a pleasant fluttering in her lower belly, and she longed to continue their kiss. But he’d turned his head sharply away, avoiding her. He swallowed hard and let out a deep sigh. Shrugging off his jacket as if the spring sun were suddenly too warm, he spoke in a low voice.

“Now that you’ve tried it, don’t go saying foolish things about trying it with another man.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Sensing his potential for genuine anger if she pressed for more, she yielded. This experience was more than enough inspiration for now. She longed to rush back to the manor and take up her pen, but she had a prior engagement with Victor Regid.

“Shall we return to the ballroom?”

At her suggestion, he ran a hand over his face, a troubled expression settling in.

“Just a moment…”

“Are you unwell?”

She moved slowly towards him, now several steps away, but he held out a hand as if to ward her off.

“I’m fine. You go ahead.”

“O-okay.”

Though puzzled, she obeyed.

Alone, she strolled through the gardens toward the ballroom. The setting sun cast a reddish glow on the neatly trimmed boxwood hedges, and a small bird flitted through the branches, its song echoing softly.

“Beautiful…”

The high walls of the maze created a sense of intimacy. At the end, a tangle of pink roses greeted her. This knot garden was indeed a lover’s tryst, the perfect spot for a first kiss.

“I’m sorry, Cairn.”

She whispered the apology to the empty garden, a touch of sadness accompanying the beautiful scenery. She’d enjoyed their kiss, but Cairn’s face had registered only displeasure. He must have found it utterly dreadful.

***

She couldn’t concentrate on the waltz. Her mind was filled with the memory of their kiss. Lost in thought, her steps faltered, and she trod on Victor Regid’s foot.

“Miss de Vermore?”

“I apologize.”

Victor skillfully guided her back into the rhythm. Despite her excellent tutor, her movements remained clumsy.

“Are you uncomfortable?”

“Not exactly…” she hesitated. “I’m… I’m just embarrassed by everyone watching…”

Victor considerately slowed the pace.

“What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?”

“I like reading. And you?”

“I… well…”

“When you’re relaxing…” she whispered, “do… do you see women?”

She was shy, but determined to have her say. Victor found her boldness charming and, forgetting his intended excuses, he laughed.

“Miss de Vermore, I couldn’t say this earlier with the interruption, but would you care to join me for a boat ride on Boltman Lake? The scenery is quite lovely there.”

“Oh?”

“It’s quite secluded, so you won’t be bothered.” Mid-sentence, sensing a possible misinterpretation, he added, “Not that I have any improper intentions. There are a few other tourists there, of course…”Does he want to go to the lake? Perhaps Lord Regid doesn’t have many friends either. Feeling a pang of sympathy, she readily agreed.