Page 77 of Impossible
There had been no mention of refreshment. “Is something wrong?” she asked, sensing he was agitated.
“No.” His clipped answer said the opposite.
“Let’s go for a walk. Alone,” she said quietly. She turned her head toward Prudence. “We’re going to the Grand South Walk. We’ll meet you back here in a bit.” She pulled Max away before anyone could ask questions.
When they were out of the grove, he spoke. “Thank you.” He was still rigid with tension.
“Is that why you rarely leave Stonehill?” she asked, wanting to lash out at everyone who stared and whispered.
“Partly. Being around people is difficult to manage.”
“I’d like to smack every one of them.”
He tossed her a wry glance. “I believe you would if you had the chance.”
“How about we discuss something pleasant, then. I saw Prudence today. She said she enjoyed your time together, that you were surprisingly charming.”
He let out a sharp laugh. “Is she delusional?”
“Not at all. I don’t doubt you were charming. You must accept that you are not always a boor.”
“Hopefully I will avoid being one tomorrow when I meet Lady Peterborough. She’s invited me to call on her at the Duke of Evesham’s house.”
“You’ve been there before, I assume? As a friend of Lucien’s.”
He nodded. “Not in many years. I suppose I shall have to suffer the duke’s appreciation for my military service.” His lip curled.
Ada recalled his reaction to the praise he’d received in the grove. “Why does that bother you?”
They’d just passed under the first arch, and he steered her down a side path where there were fewer lights. Before she could say more, he pulled her off the walk into the trees and kissed her, his hands pulling her roughly against him as he plundered her mouth. Desire flared, and she grasped his coat, holding him tightly.
Just as quickly as he’d kissed her, he stopped. “Forgive me. I don’t know how much longer that will be possible. Kissing you, I mean.”
“Because you’re leaving London soon?” she asked so quietly that she hoped he heard her.
“Yes. I’m just not…comfortable here. Not in public, anyway. Being alone with you is quite nice.”
Ada felt both giddy and somber. “I wish it wasn’t so difficult for you to be here.”
“It’s better than it was on my last visit. Or perhaps I’m just in an improved frame of mind.” He took her hand and curled it around his arm once more before leading her back along the path toward the outer edge of the gardens. “I appreciate you taking me away from the crowd. This is what I’d hoped tonight would be.”
“The two of us strolling the darkest, most unpopulated walks?”
A smile teased his lips, and she again saw just how devastatingly handsome he could be. “Exactly so.”
They walked in silence for a moment, and Ada simply enjoyed his presence. She’d said they’d create a memory for him, but this was for her too. She’d treasure their stolen moments together always.
“I thought I might do one more thing before leaving town,” Max said, sparking her curiosity.
“I’m breathless with anticipation.”
“Don’t say that unless you want me to drag you from the path again.”
Heat kindled inside her, and she merely nodded. She would promise nothing.
“I discussed the possibility of hiring a valet with Prudence.” He glanced at her in resignation. “You’ve completely ruined me.”
Prudence couldn’t help laughing. “That you see a valet as the final piece of your downfall is completely comical.”
