Page 26 of Introducing Miss Joanna (Once a Wallflower 2)

Mr. Cartwright and her father went into the salon to play a game of whist. Letty’s husband seemed to have taken to him, for they shared an enthusiasm for farming. Although her father no longer owned any land, he had an excellent knowledge of farming practices.

Aunt Mary had found an old friend. They’d been debutantes together many years ago and now sat discussing the famous scandals that rocked the bon ton back when they were young.

Jo’s new acquaintance, Charlotte Graham, did not appear. Jo knew none of the smartly dressed guests, but she refused to cling to the Cartwrights. After Letty’s mama-in-law joined them, Jo excused herself to wander the rooms, attempting to look as if she had a purpose and a place to go. A string quartet competed with the vociferous guests. There was to be no dancing, which Jo considered a dreadful waste of fine music.

Mr. Ollerton must not have received an invitation, for he was not here tonight. Neither was Lord Reade. Did she regret Reade’s absence more than Ollerton’s? Jo chewed her bottom lip. She was losing focus. The plan she’d conceived for a contented, quiet life no longer seemed to appeal. But she must give Mr. Ollerton a chance, should he wish it. They had hardly spoken, for he seldom appeared at the same social gatherings as she did. And they were yet to drive to the park.

Routs were not her favorite entertainment, Jo decided as she fanned herself and scanned the crowd one more time for anyone she knew.

In the supper room, a lavish display of dishes awaited the guests, but it was too hot to eat. Jo took a glass of cider from a footman’s tray.

As the evening progressed, the heat seemed to worsen. Some of the candles drooped in the silver candelabrum. The drink had done little to cool her. She entered the drawing room, where many guests gathered. Some wandered out through the French doors onto the terrace.

A refreshing breeze drew Jo to the door. The gardens looked mysterious and beautiful in the lantern light. Could she roam the garden paths alone? There were people doing just that. Perhaps if she didn’t go far?

Jo was outside before she knew it and gratefully inhaling the cooler, leaf-scented air.

Guests gathered at the far end of the terrace, engaged in heated disagreement. Something to do with the prime minister and a pamphlet. It was awkward standing alone. Jo feared they might think she was eavesdropping. She descended the steps into the garden, where well-ordered paths led off through clipped hedges and shrubbery.

A couple laughingly made their way back toward the house and glanced curiously at her as they passed. Jo lowered her head and hurried on. She approached a break in the trees and emerged onto a freshly scythed lawn to find a large fountain filled with waterlilies and lit by two braziers. Even the sight of water was refreshing. “Would anyone mind if I took off my slippers and stockings and cooled my feet?” she murmured with a smile, admiring the marble statue of some Roman god at its center.

“I wouldn’t object, Miss Dalrymple. Please do.”

She had thought herself alone. When Jo turned, Lord Reade stood before her in his black and white evening clothes, laughter in his eyes. She drew in a sharp breath, annoyed at how pleased she was to see him. “Does it amuse you to sneak up on people, sir?”

He grinned. “The grass muffled my footsteps. I’m sorry if I alarmed you. I admit to being tempted to remain silent, however. In hope, you might lift your skirts and wade in the fountain.”

Jo bit her lip to stop from smiling. “I had no intention of it.”

“An unpleasantly hot evening, is it not? The water looks cool. Shall we do it together? Or do you think there are fish in it?”

Jo giggled. “You are absurd, sir.”

His smile seemed to invite her to take part in something even more risqué. Jo’s face grew hot, but fortunately, it was too dark for him to see. “We may still get wet,” she said inanely. “It’s so hot it must surely rain.”

He glanced up at the clouds drifting over the sky. “There’s a storm somewhere, but it’s far off. I believe we are safe. You appear to be alone. Might I walk with you?”

“I’m not sure I want to go farther.”

Deeper into the gardens? She should go back. Would he take advantage of the shadows to steal a kiss? Jo moistened her lips, admitting she would like him to kiss her. A stolen kiss had no real importance, apparently, here in London. The scandal sheets she’d been able to get her hands on shocked her. Couldn’t she trust him to behave like a gentleman? He had come to their aid during the attack on the Royal Coach. She hesitated. Or could it be that she was unsure of herself? Minutes ticked by while he waited for her answer.

His laugh was low and inviting, sending electricity racing along her nerve endings.

“I can almost see the wheels turning in that pretty head of yours, Miss Dalrymple. Am I to learn what you have decided?”

Jo struggled to take control of herself. She did not want him to know how easily he could affect her, and she suspected he didn’t miss much. “Thank you. I caught sight of a gazebo somewhere ahead of us.”

“Then you do wish for my company?” he asked with a teasing smile.

“I do.” She took his proffered arm.

“It was just that you appeared undecided.”

She breathed in his familiar smell, the fine material of his sleeve smooth beneath her gloved fingers. “But, I have decided as you see.”

He chuckled low in his throat. It seemed to rumble through her, warm and desirable. She wanted to laugh with him but held herself back.

They walked on.

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