Page 84 of Tempting the Earl

“And I’ll see about finding a groom to accompany us. Shall we meet in the hall? Dinnae forget your bonnet,” she called out as the girl raced from the room.

About seven minutes later, Ainsworth and Caillie were ready to head out. Bramble was secured on his leash and Randall was on hand to escort them when the doors to the lord’s study opened and the earl stepped out.

“I thought I heard a bit of a commotion,” he noted in a casual tone as he approached.

“Sorry to disturb you, my lord,” Ainsworth said in as light a tone she could manage with the sudden warmth his appearance triggered in her blood. “We’ll soon be out of the way.”

His brow furrowed. “Not at all. You’re going to the park?”

“Yes. I’m afraid we just couldnae get into our lessons today.”

“A brisk walk and some fresh air sounds like a perfect alternative. Perhaps I should join you.”

“Oh, aye, Colin, please do,” Caillie exclaimed. “It’s so much more fun when you come along. Isn’t it, Worthy?”

Ainsworth eyed the girl carefully. Why did it seem like there was just a bit too much enthusiasm in her tone?

“Unless you’d rather I didn’t,” the earl added slowly.

“What?” Ainsworth swung her gaze back to him and noted the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “Nay. Of course not. We’d love your company, my lord. Should we invite Mr. Thomas, as well?”

“He’s returned to the inn to gather his things. I expect him to be settled in by this evening and hope to have him join us all for supper tonight.”

“He’s to stay here?” Caillie asked in hopeful excitement.

“He is.”

The lass gave a whoop that had Bramble jumping up on his hind legs in matching excitement.

Catching the earl’s eye, Ainsworth noted, “That’s wonderful.”

“It is progress, at least,” the earl replied and Ainsworth suspected he was thinking of the youngest brother hiding somewhere in London.

“You’ll find him,” she whispered softly before thinking better of it.

There was a small pause as their gazes held in silent communication.

Then the earl ended the moment by turning to Randall, who’d been standing near the door in preparation to escort them on their walk. He gave a nod and the groom bowed before stepping back to allow Shaw to come forward with the earl’s hat and gloves.

Despite the earlier events of the day, the earl seemed more relaxed than she’d ever seen him as they made their rounds through the park. He smiled at least a half-dozen times, whether at something clever Caillie said, some reckless antic performed by Bramble, or the one time he seemed to simply be smiling for no apparent reason at all. Even though his smiles were usually small, slightly crooked, and quickly gone again, it warmed Ainsworth from the inside out every time she caught sight of one.

It wouldn’t have been proper for her to hold on to his arm the entire length of their walk, but she remained as close by his side as was socially acceptable. Her body still hummed with the desire to be alone—and naked—with him again, but for now, just being in his company was enough.

Unfortunately, their walk was cut rather short as storm clouds began to gather overhead.

“We’d best head back or risk getting caught in a deluge,” the earl noted with obvious reluctance.

“You’re probably right,” Ainsworth agreed before calling out to Caillie, who’d traipsed on ahead.

They’d just made it home again when the first fat raindrops began to fall. As they shed their outer garments and turned Bramble over to a footman for his evening meal, Caillie suggested another activity.

“Shall we see if Chef will let us into his kitchen, Worthy? Rainy days have always been proper cause to do a little baking.”

Ainsworth narrowed her gaze. “After all the pastries you devoured this morning, I’d have thought your sweet tooth should be quite satisfied.”

The lass displayed an expert pout. “But it’d be a perfect way to finish the day, dinnae you think? And it’s been forever since we had your brambleberry tart. I’d reckon his lordship would love to try it, wouldnae you, Colin?”

“I would. Very much,” he answered.

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