Page 53 of A Spinster's Sinful Temptation

“We could probably just jump and get blown there, at this rate,” Ellie joked.

“I’ll probably end up strangled before then,” Regina grumbled, making a face. “The ribbon is digging into my neck.”

“Stop complaining, Regina!” Dorothea laughed. “Ellie and I aren’t complaining.”

Although Ellie did wish that she wasn’t wearing her bonnet, as well. The thing felt very sharp against her skin. But Aunt Diane said that they mustn’t leave without something on their heads, otherwise they would be seen as loose women. Ellie thought it was ridiculous, but she wasn’t about to argue with the old woman; they would be even later than they already were.

Finally, they arrived at the spot by the river where North had said they should meet. He and his friend were already there, along with two servants who were setting out a blanket and the food. North was standing by the river, tossing stones into the water and skimming them across the surface. His friend was slightly further down doing the same thing.

Ellie found herself watching North as he drew his arm back and sent another stone skipping away, watching the muscles move under his jacket. Something stirred in her belly, and it caused her to miss a step and trip over her skirts.

“Steady there, Ellie!” Regina managed to keep her upright before Ellie ended up on her knees. “What happened?”

“I… I’m fine.” Ellie could feel her already flushed cheeks grow warmer. “I just… it’s a bit of a walk.”

Regina arched an eyebrow. “You’re not very good at lying.”

“You’re not going to get a better response out of me, Regina. So don’t even try it.” Ellie knew she sounded a little harsh, but she wasn’t about to admit that she found North physically attractive enough that it made her weak at the knees. She straightened up and adjusted her bonnet. “Are we going to greet them, or are we going to just stand here staring at them?”

She ignored the knowing smirk her sister shot her and walked over to North, who let loose with the final stone. He turned as Ellie reached him, and the smile he gave her almost caused her to stumble again. He took her hand and raised it to his mouth.

“I was beginning to think you were going to leave us waiting here,” he said as he kissed her fingers. “I was getting nervous.”

“You do realise it’s easier said than done to get several women out of the house on time,” Ellie shot back with a grin.

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but…”

“Maybe you shouldn’t. You’ll get Regina telling you off.” Ellie grinned, feeling her fingers throbbing as she slowly withdrew her hand. “Lady Burton will be along shortly with our own picnic. She was a bit… delayed.”

“I’m sure we can keep you entertained until she arrives.” North’s grin was almost devilish. “Randall and I are very good at making women laugh.”

“I don’t doubt that.”

Ellie looked back at Regina and Dorothea, who were looking at her with knowing smiles. It was a little unnerving having them openly watch her when she had been doing that to them up until now. Ellie felt like she had been put on display for people to gawk at.

Another reason why she hadn’t wanted to look for a husband herself; she didn’t want everyone staring at her.

“Ellie?” North was watching her curiously. “Are you alright?”

“What? Oh.” Ellie licked her lips. “I was just… well, I was thinking about something else.”

“Anything you want to tell me about?” North’s eyes twinkled. “Or is it something personal?”

“I don’t know yet.” Ellie gestured at the river. “I saw what you were doing. Would you show me how to do it?”

“Of course.” North bent over and picked up a stone. “How about Randall and I teach the three of you? It’s far more interesting when all of us are doing it.”

Ellie wasn’t sure about that, but she wasn’t about to comment. She just needed something to distract her from the fact she was now going to be the centre of attention. But she smiled sweetly at him.

“Why not?”

Chapter 11

Derrick could tell that Ellie was nervous once she arrived, and he couldn’t really blame her. After all, she was far more used to being a wallflower in the background. Being the main focus, even if it was just her sisters present, didn’t come easily to her. Especially when Dorothea and Regina were sitting a little way off with their cousin and giggling whenever they looked over. Ellie’s cheeks just went a bit darker every time that happened.

Derrick shot Randall a look. He was sitting beside Regina and seemed to be enjoying the fact he was sitting with three women without any other gentleman around to interrupt. His friend gave him a nod and distracted Regina by saying something that made her burst out laughing.

Ellie groaned. “I wish Regina wouldn’t do that. It’s like she’s forgotten her manners.”

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