Page 76 of Impossible
She wanted to. So badly. She also wanted to return the favor he’d shown her last night.
But no, she could exhibit restraint. She’d already determined that she’d learned from her past mistakes, and she would demonstrate that she wouldn’t repeat them.
“I’ll have to leave very early,” she said.
His eyes lit with warmth. “Just like Stonehill.”
Except that last night. “Let us sleep, then,” she said firmly. “Sleep.”
A few minutes later, she climbed into his bed, making sure to keep at least a foot between them. Sleep, however, did not come easily.
Chapter15
Excitement bubbled inside Ada as Max’s coach stopped outside the gate to Vauxhall. She perched on the forward-facing seat with Max while Evie and Lucien sat opposite. They’d meet Prudence and Bennet inside.
“I came by boat once,” Evie said. “I should like to do that again. What say you?” She glanced around the coach.
“I’d like that,” Lucien agreed.
Max slid a look toward Ada as his hand brushed against hers. All through the ride to Vauxhall, which wasn’t short, they’d touched intermittently, but this was a silent communication that he understood why a boat ride would not be appealing.
Ada smiled sheepishly. “I’m not terribly fond of boats.”
Evie shook her head, grimacing lightly. “I should think not. My apologies.”
“In truth, I’ve been considering whether I ought to face that fear,” Ada said. “Perhaps we should take a wherry ride down the Thames.”
Evie’s expression brightened. “I’d love to do that with you.”
The door opened, and Og helped Ada from the coach. Seeing him here in town, dressed in old but tidy livery, had been shocking when he’d picked her up earlier.
“Thank you, Og,” Ada said, giving him a warm smile. She wondered if his demeanor had improved since coming to town as it seemed Max’s had.
Evie departed the coach next, then Lucien, and finally Max. Lucien gave Evie his arm, and Ada took Max’s. Once they moved inside, Ada immediately saw Prudence and Bennet a short distance away, whom they’d planned to meet just off the Grand Walk.
The orchestra’s music drifted from the grove, and the glass lanterns glowed in the trees. People of varying ages and status milled about.
Ada smiled. “The first time I came here two years ago, I thought it was so magical. I still do.” She tipped her head up toward Max. “Do you remember your first visit?”
“Not particularly. I think I’d overimbibed that evening. That was a rather common occurrence when I was running around town with Lucien.”
“Then we shall make a new memory for you tonight.” Ada squeezed Max’s arm as they approached Prudence and Bennet.
Ada had seen Prudence earlier in the day and heard her perspective about her interview with Max. She’d come away as positive as Max. Nothing pleased Ada’s optimistic heart more.
After exchanging pleasantries with Prudence and Bennet, they all walked into the grove. The crowd was thicker there, and Ada became aware of the way people stared at Max’s face before quickly looking away. The more she paid attention to this behavior, the more she noticed the people casting him furtive glances also whispered amongst themselves.
“Evening, Lord Lucien,” an older gentleman greeted. The man was in a group of three couples, just as they were. Ada didn’t know any of them. “Warfield?” he asked, his gaze squinting toward Max and then riveting on his scar. “Almost didn’t recognize you with that.”
“Nonsense, it’s clearly him,” another of the gentlemen said with a touch of acid. “Don’t insult a war hero.”
“I meant no insult.” The first man gave a slight nod. “My apologies.”
“We should be thanking you,” the second man said to Max. “I’m glad to see you here in town. It’s an honor.”
Ada couldn’t help smiling. “That’s very kind of you to say.”
Max’s arm stiffened. “We were just on our way to find refreshment.” He barely inclined his head before steering them away.
