Page 59 of The Unforgiven
“I know, Cissy,” Madeline replied. Everyone always seemed concerned with her complexion. She couldn’t help it if her skin turned a golden brown the moment it was kissed by the sun.
“Ready?” George asked as she came downstairs. He was holding a wicker hamper and had a colorful blanket slung over his arm. “Cook packed us freshly baked corn bread, cold chicken, coleslaw, and plums for dessert. A feast fit for royalty, I’d say,” he joked. George normally dressed like a fashionable town swell, even when at the plantation, but this afternoon he was wearing light-colored trousers, a linen shirt, open at the collar, and comfortable shoes. The simple attire made him look younger, and more vulnerable somehow, not at all like the wealthy scion of an aristocratic family.
Madeline walked with George to the lake. She’d seen it from her window, but never actually walked there because it was too far to go alone. The water shimmered in the afternoon sun, and a gentle breeze caressed her face. Madeline wished she could take off her bonnet and remove the pins from her hair. It would be solovely to turn her face up to the sun and not worry about getting too tanned or behaving improperly.
“I think this is a good spot,” George said as he spread the blanket under an old leafy oak. “Come and sit down, Maddy.”
Madeline carefully lowered herself to the ground and spread out her skirts around her, making sure to cover her ankles. The tips of her shoes peeked out from beneath the fabric, and she sat stiffly, her legs directly in front of her and her hands folded in her lap.
“Seriously, Madeline. Have you never been on a picnic? Take off your bonnet, kick off your shoes. You can even roll down your stockings and wet your feet in the lake. I won’t tell anyone. It’s just you and me here, and no one to judge us.”
George demonstrated what he meant by taking off his shoes and socks and rolling up his trousers. He walked to the edge of the lake and dipped his toes in. “The water is gorgeous,” he said. “Want to go for a swim?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’ve never gone swimming.”
“There’s a first time for everything. Come on. I won’t let you drown, I promise. It’s so refreshing.”
Madeline glanced at George from beneath her lashes. The water did look awfully tempting, but she felt shy about removing her clothes.
George experienced no such qualms. He removed his trousers, pulled his shirt over his head, and waded into the lake wearing only his cotton drawers. Madeline sucked in her breath as she watched him. She’d never seen an unclothed male, not even her father. Charles Besson had always been meticulously dressed, complete with a waistcoat and a necktie. George’s skin glowed inthe sunlight and his muscles rippled as he swam out to the center of the lake.
“Come on, you ninny,” he called as he waved to her. “Look, no hands,” he cried out and lifted his arms above his head, promptly sinking beneath the glittering surface and then reappearing moments later. He shook the water from his eyes and smiled broadly.
Madeline could resist no longer. She removed her dress and rolled down her stockings, remaining only in her camisole and pantaloons. She walked to the edge of the lake, gasping when the water swirled around her ankles. It was cool and inviting, but the bottom of the lake felt slimy and treacherous. Madeline inched forward, afraid of slipping on the cool mud.
George swam back toward the shore to meet her. He shook his head and sprayed Madeline with water, making her giggle and turn away from the flying drops, and the sight of him. His near-nudity embarrassed her, but George seemed oblivious to her maidenly sensibilities.
“Give me your hand,” he said. “The bottom is slippery.”
Madeline gave George her hand and allowed him to lead her waist-deep into the water.
“Lie back and allow yourself to float. I’ll hold you. There’s nothing like floating on a calm lake and looking at the clouds,” he said as he slipped his hand beneath her calves and lifted her legs up while easing her back into a reclining position.
Madeline complied and leaned back on George’s arm. Her arms and legs floated on the surface of the lake, her limbs relaxing of their own accord. She felt weightless as she gazed up at the sky. It was peacock blue, with wispy white clouds lazily sailing overhead and passing in front of the shimmering sun. All sound faded as Madeline’s ears dipped beneath the water. The moment felt oddly peaceful, and timeless. She could be content to float this way forever.
George removed the arm from beneath Madeline’s legs and stretched out next to her, but his right arm still supported her from beneath, making her feel safe. They floated side by side, staring up at the endless sky for what felt like hours.
“This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time,” George said after they finally emerged from the water and reclined on the blanket to dry off.
Madeline glanced in embarrassment at her see-through undergarments, but he didn’t seem to care. His drawers were soaking wet, and she could see the bulge of his manhood as he folded his arms behind his head and closed his eyes, sighing with pleasure. He remained like that for some time, but then his eyes flew open, as if he’d just remembered something important.
“I’m hungry,” he said. He sat up and rummaged in the basket, taking out the food the cook had packed for them, as though searching for something. “I asked Cook for lemonade, but she only packed a bottle of wine.”
“I don’t usually drink wine,” Madeline replied. She didn’t mind the bubbly taste of champagne or the minty flavor of the julep, but the sourness of wine didn’t appeal to her. Lemonade would have been perfect, but it was too far to walk back to get some.
“Just a small glass.” George poured her a glass of wine. The liquid looked blood-red as it caught the rays of the sun.
Madeline accepted a plate of food and took small sips of the wine. The food was simple, and the wine warm from sitting in the sun, but it was the most delicious meal she’d ever had. She felt so happy just sitting there with George, enjoying their al fresco lunch and drying off in the warm sunshine. The wine gave her a pleasant feeling of peace, and she didn’t protest when he refilled her glass. Her limbs felt languid, and her mind slowed, thinking only uncomplicated thoughts.
George set aside his plate, leaned forward, and kissed Madeline lightly on the lips.
“What are you doing?” she asked. She wasn’t shocked, just curious.
“I’m showing my love for you. Being with you makes me happy.”
