Page 14 of Kiss the Scoundrel Farewell
“It’s too cold. I couldn’t ask that of you.” It would be her fault if the countess caught a chill.
“I’ll go with her, my lady,” said Florentia. “It’s abominably warm in here, and the fresh air would be welcome.”
Relief rushed through her as she followed Tia toward one of the balconies with stairs leading to the garden.
“I’ll send word when the carriage is ready,” Lady Wyndam called after them.
Outside, Meg was thankful they wore costumes when the chill air hit her face. The garden was lit with lamps hanging from trees, and she trailed behind Tia across a small courtyard. “Where are we going?”
“I was here once before, during our first Season. There is a spot by the fountain where we can hide until Lady Wyndam sends word. It shouldn’t take long for the carriage to be brought round.”
CHAPTER 7
They arrived at the fountain, a huge pedestal with a mermaid sitting upon the top. It would be beautiful in the summer with water spouting from the arms and tail. The women sat on the stone base, their backs to the townhouse.
“Margaret,” Florentia began.
Meg’s head shot up. She was always leery when Tia used her full name. “Don’t lecture me. Not now.”
“It’s not my intent. You are a grown woman who can make her own decisions in life.” Tia reached out and covered Meg’s hand with hers. “What if this man wants more than a mistress? What if he is someone you could fall in love with?”
Meg snorted. Love. She’d given up on such folly long ago. “What’s made you so sentimental all of a sudden? Are you smelling of April and May? Who has caught your interest?”
“No, I’m only worried for you. You’re much too young to give up on your heart.” Tia bumped Meg’s shoulder. “I believe fate has only taken its time, and you shall still find the man who will make you happy.”
“You were always a romantic.” Meg leaned her head on her friend’s shoulder. “But I have learned how cruel the world really is. I only pray you will not have to go through the same lesson.”
“But I have already,” Tia whispered, causing Meg’s heart to hurt. “I’ve lost one love.”
“And you shall find another, for as you say, Florentia Baldwin is too beautiful, too kind, and also too young to give up on her heart.”
The two women sat in silence, each caught up in their own thoughts. Footsteps approached from behind, and Meg breathed a sigh of relief. The carriage was ready.
“Good evening, Desiree.” The voice sent a jolt of panic rampaging through her body.
She squeezed Tia’s hand, Meg’s eyes wide with fright as she stared into her friend’s smiling face.
“Give him a chance to speak,” Florentia whispered before leaving her alone—with him.
The musketeer sat beside her, his warmth spreading across the cold stone of the fountain. “No fires, no emergencies tonight, Kitten.” With a finger under her chin, he turned her face to meet his gaze.
His stormy blue eyes, sensuous even through the mask, reflected the emotion waging within her breast. Her hands trembled at his touch, at the possibility of being revealed, at the possibility of not being revealed.
He kissed her, and every thought scattered. His lips were warm and soft; the boldness he’d displayed before had now disappeared. As if he’d discovered something new about her. One hand cradled her nape, and her palms flattened against the sashes on his chest. She shivered as his gentle assault continued, sweeping across her mouth?—
Her silk mask fell across their noses, and he snatched it away, his lips never leaving hers. He swallowed her gasp as his hand moved to cradle her cheek, holding her in place as her heart beat wildly.
When he leaned back, removing his own, she tried to flee, but he held her firmly in place. When their eyes met, both scanning the other’s features, she cried out. It was his turn to gasp.
“Lord Hayward!”
“Lady Drake!”
Shock reverberated against his skull.
Miss Margaret Flemming.
A kiss in the garden that had defined his search for love. No wonder his reaction to this woman had been so immediate, so devastating. But she had betrayed him, kissed him as if he were the only man on earth, then announced her betrothal two days later. The duplicity he’d felt came thundering back.
