Page 45 of The Duke of Lies
“That seems rather dangerous. And foolhardy,” Verity said before nibbling on her duck. She wasn’t enjoying it very much. She felt as though the pair on the pond were staring at her in silent judgment. She noticed Rufus had stopped eating his.
“It can be, which is why I encourage everyone to learn, whether they are on a ship or not,” Rufus said. “You never know when the skill will be needed.”
Beau turned his head to Verity. “Do you know how to swim?”
“I’m afraid I don’t.”
Beau’s face lit. “Then Papa can teach us both!” He shoved a piece of duck into his mouth, clearly oblivious to the proximity of the very species he was devouring. Which was just as well. Given his love of animals, Verity wondered if he would some day refuse to eat the beef or the fish or the duck that arrived on his plate.
A butterfly flitted past, and Beau jumped up to chase it.
Verity inclined her head toward Rufus’s plate. “You don’t like duck anymore?”
He winced as he shot a glance toward the pond. “It seems…wrong.”
“I thought the same thing.” Their eyes met, and they laughed. It was an astonishing moment she’d never imagined would happen.
When they stopped laughing, Rufus gestured toward Beau’s plate. “It didn’t seem to bother him.”
“No, but I’m not sure he made the connection.”
“He should. He needs to understand where food comes from.”
“Yes, he should.” Again she was reminded of all the things Beau could learn from this man. “I’m glad you returned.” She hadn’t meant to say it, but it was true.
He took a drink of ale, seeming mildly uncomfortable.
She looked down and brushed at a blade of grass on her skirt. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”
“You didn’t. I’m…glad you’re glad.”
Beau wandered back. “Can you teach me to swim now, Papa?”
Rufus wiped his palms on his thighs. “We need proper bathing costumes, particularly your mother.” His gaze strayed to her, and she heated beneath his quick but pointed regard. Suddenly, she recalled Beau’s question about them kissing and wished they could do it right now.
That realization ought to have shocked and shamed her, but it only fanned her desire. Desire? She desired him? Suddenly, a dip in the pond sounded like a perfect diversion.
She smiled at Beau. “We could wade in the water, I think.”
Beau beamed as he dropped onto the grass and pulled off his shoes. His stockings were quick to follow.
“Wait for me!” Rufus pulled off his boots as quickly as possible and then his stockings, baring his feet.
Verity tried not to look, but it was hopeless. Her gaze locked on his long toes and the sprinkling of dark hair marching up his calves. They should not have been attractive to her—as far as body parts were concerned, they were rather mundane—but she had to tear her gaze away.
Thankfully, he seemed not to notice, as he was intent on rushing to the water with Beau, which she very much appreciated. He was an incredibly attentive father.
Except hewasn’tBeau’s father.
Her chest burned, and she began to grow irritated with herself. Did it matter? He was a far better father than Rufus ever would have been.
The sounds of splashing and male laughter provoked her to smile as she began to pack up the basket.
“Mama, aren’t you coming?”
She stood from the blanket and walked down to the edge of the pond. “My dress would get soaked. Your father is right—I need a bathing costume.”
“We don’t have bathing costumes, and look, my clothes are already a bit damp,” Beau argued.
