Page 14 of The Duke of Kisses
“For what?”
“For all of it. Making assumptions, kissing you, generally behaving like an ass.”
She smiled broadly, with a hint of coquetry. “I thought you were incredibly charming, and if you apologize for that kiss again—you already did it once, and that was one time too many—I’ll kick you in the shin.”
He stopped, turning toward her. “Why not just threaten to dance with me?”
She laughed, and he was, for a brief moment, transported back to that snowy December day where he’d felt absolutely smitten.
“Fine, I’ll dance with you, then—a waltz so you need only suffer me for a short time instead of an entire set.”
He could think of far worse fates. “We have an accord.” And now he was quite tempted to apologize a third time. But he didn’t.
They continued along the bank. “Why did you tell me you were a steward?”
“It wasn’t a complete lie. The steward was reviewing things with me because I had just become the earl in October. In hindsight, I didn’t quite feel like an earl at the time, so it was easier to just not be one.” He still didn’t quite feel like one.
Her gait halted, and he slowed with her. She laid her other hand over his arm so that her grip encircled him. It was both comforting and enticing. “Your father died recently?” she asked softly. At his nod, she touched his sleeve. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. It was rather sudden.” And utterly devastating. “I hadn’t planned on being the earl this soon.”
He’d wanted to write a book about the birds of Huntingdonshire. He’d wanted to travel to all the various islands around Britain to study waterfowl in particular. He’d wanted to study migratory patterns and breeding habits. He’d thought he had at least another twenty years before he’d have to assume the title. Every other Earl of St. Ives had lived to be eighty or more. In fact, David’s father had only been the earl two years.
“I hadn’t planned on being the sister-in-law of a duke…ever. But here we are.”
He stared down into her eyes and was overcome with the same sensation he’d felt four months ago—an overwhelming desire to kiss her. “Yes, here we are.”
She leaned into him, and he began to bend his head. The flurry of wings nearby when a small gaggle of greylag geese landed in the water reminded him they were in public and he couldn’t kiss her, let alone shouldn’t.
She seemed to realize the same thing, for they jerked back simultaneously. She took her hand from his arm, and suddenly she tilted. Her eyes widened. She was falling backward. David lunged to reach for her, but he was too late.
The loud squawking of geese filled the air as Fanny hit the water with a splash.
* * *
The water was very cold. Fanny gasped as she windmilled her arms through the water, taking in a mouthful of it for her trouble. Spitting and sputtering, she was aware of strong hands clasping her waist and pulling her up.
Those same hands swept her out of the lake. David’s arm came underneath her knees, and she threw her arms around his neck and held on with everything she had.
He sloshed through the shallow water to the bank and continued walking. “Where is your coach? I dearly hope you arrived in a vehicle or that you live close to the park. I would drive you home myself, but I walked here.” He sounded supremely disappointed in himself.
She gauged the firm set of his jaw and the chill in his eyes. “This isn’t your fault.”
His gaze tipped down to hers. “I’m certainly not blameless.”
“Why, because you wanted to kiss me again?”
“Fanny, you really need to speak more quietly.”
Lavinia and Sarah had rushed over to meet them. Both wore matching expressions of horror mixed with concern, but given the way they glanced between Fanny and David, they’d clearly heard what Fanny had said. Yes, perhaps she should think before she spoke. Thankfully, it wasn’t anything she wouldn’t have told them anyway.
“Are you all right?” Sarah asked.
“Quite.” She smiled for good measure, because really, aside from the soaking, she was rather pleased to be in David’s arms.
“You’re drenched,” Lavinia said with a frown. “Fortunately, I drove my new curricle today. Unfortunately, it’s over near Grosvenor Gate. I’ll hurry to fetch it and bring it around.” She looked to David. “Can you carry her to the drive over there?” She pointed back along the bank of the Serpentine.
“Certainly,” David answered just as several gentlemen arrived, led by Anthony and Felix.
