“No,” the countess admitted. “There was no balloon ascent on the day I went. I have to admit, it does sound like it would be an amazing sight. I wish I could see it.”
“Let us all go to watch the balloon ascend.” Colin proposed. “It will be at 6 tomorrow. We could arrive early in the afternoon and stroll about the gardens. After the balloon we return home, as it will be getting quite dark by then, and at night is when the crowds become more disorderly.”
“Capital idea!” Elizabeth exclaimed, turning towards her mother.
The countess frowned in confusion. “I’m sorry, but as exciting as that sounds, I have to decline, for obvious reasons.”
Colin studied her. “I disagree. If you are truly keen about going, it could be arranged. Mr. Wang and I could take turns pushing your chair or carrying you if need be.”
The countess’s eyes widened, and she shook her head in denial, but under her refusal, there was a wishfulness she could hardly conceal. She yearned to go. And the woman was practically a recluse. It could not be good for her.
He opened his mouth to insist that she go, but before he could utter a word, Mr. Wang, who was quietly breaking his fast, spoke, his words measured and solemn.
“It would be my honor to accompany you to the gardens, my lady.” He said, inclining his head.
The countess looked at Wang in surprise and consternation. Another emotion Colin could not name swirled in her eyes, but to everyone’s amazement, she simply nodded in agreement.
“Splendid!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “We have a party then. We could have supper in one of the supper boxes, and dance in the orchestra...”
“Elizabeth, the gardens are not at all proper after dark. We shall not linger past sunset.” Abigail reminded the girl.
“Well, maybe we could enjoy refreshments before the balloon ascent.” The girl replied irrepressibly, determined to make the most out of this outing to Cremorne.
“We shall see. For now, let's plan to be at the gardens by three in the afternoon. That would give us some time to explore before the balloon ascent. Does everyone agree?”
The excited chorus of approval decided the matter.
***
THE GARDENS WERE SOmuch fun! Everywhere one looked, there was something happening. Abigail had never seen such a vast array of people and entertainment. It was like a country fair, but ten times bigger and much more sophisticated.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t easy to maneuver a wheelchair through the gravel walks and lawns. A situation that distressed Esther and dimmed her possible enjoyment of the outing.
In the end, they had all settled in one of the supper boxes and were now watching people stroll by while waiting for the balloon. Colin leaned into her, his breath teasing the hairs behind her ear as he murmured.
“Want to take a stroll? I hear there’s a maze down the path, by the river.”
She turned her head and stared into his eyes from a couple of inches away. Sensuality radiated from his gaze and a memory of their lovemaking last night flashed through her mind, leaving her weak with desire. Oh, it was wrong, she knew, to be so aroused by his savagery. In truth, she had loved every minute of it.
His gaze turned knowing and a corner of his mouth hitched, as if he could read her thoughts. She needed to be alone with him. A maze sounded like the perfect place for a little dalliance. She gave him an infinitesimal nod.
He stood and extended his hand to her, announcing to the rest of the party. “Abigail and I are going to stroll for a bit. We shall be back before the balloon ascends.”
Abigail half feared Elizabeth was going to ask to join them, but the girl seemed engrossed in the dancing and revelry going on on the platform and didn’t pay them any attention. Esther waved a hand.
“Go on, you two. We are perfectly content to wait right here.”
Wang merely nodded, a silent communication passing between the two men.
Colin offered his arm, and they were off. The crowds thinned as they approached the maze and here by the river, among the tall hedges, they almost seemed secluded from the craziness outside.
“Do you know the maze?” she asked as they passed through the gate into the labyrinthine path, somewhat worried that they wouldn’t be able to get out in time.
“How could I? I’ve never been here before.” He replied unconcerned as they walked deeper into the walls of tall hedges.
“How are we going to get out, then?” She was beginning to feel alarmed by his nonchalance.
He shrugged. “It can’t be that difficult. I imagine the old tried-and-true method of following a wall would eventually get us out. Right now, though,” he said, pulling her to him as they turned a corner into an empty little nook that featured a statue on a pedestal. “I’m more in the mood for getting lost with you than getting out.”
