If only she could command her body to stop feeling anything for Richard, her life would be so much easier. “There is a lovely view where we may stop to picnic.”
“Lead on, my dear.”
Tucking her hand in his arm, she steered them down the main path. The woods were full of early spring flowers. Violets and lady’s slippers decorated the forest floor. Massive rhododendrons showed off their colorful flowers. Richard, naturally, knew all their Latin names. “When I left, the bluebells were just beginning to cover that one area of land between your family’s home and mine. Do you remember it?”
Patience did. The display used to be even better than Baroness Merton’s famous bluebell garden. Albeit not as close to Town. “Yes. I can almost see it in my mind’s eye.”
She waited for him to renew his suggestion that she return home for a while and found she was disappointed when he did not. Although, to be fair, he had given his word he would be nothing more than a friend to her. It was what she wanted, after all.
Soon they came upon her favorite spot to picnic. Old trees provided shade but did not obstruct the view over the river.
“I couldn’t have selected a more perfect place to enjoy our luncheon.”
They laid out a heavy cotton blanket. While she unpacked the basket, he opened a bottle of wine. The Bellamnys’ cook had provided the usual picnic fare: roasted chicken, buttered bread, fruit, and cheese. Richard dug into the food with a relish she did not usually see in older gentlemen. On the other hand, he was notthatold, just past forty. Only five years older than herself.
As she placed a piece of chicken and some fruit on the plate, the memories of other picnics with him rushed back to her. None of them had been as elegant as this one. Usually, their meals consisted of sandwiches and apples begged from their cooks.
“You were right,” he said, wiping his fingers on a serviette. “It reminds me a little of home. Shall we stroll for a while?”
A picnic and a stroll, perhaps a dance or two, that was all she would ever have with him, and suddenly her heart ached for its loss. She blinked back the tears that pricked her eyelids. “I would love to.”
They ambled down toward the river, her hand tucked very properly in his arm, but when the path steepened a bit, he took her hand in his and didn’t let it go. She felt like a girl again, walking with the man she had thought she would wed. How different her life was compared to what she’d thought it would be.
“You’re very quiet, Pae. Are you all right?”
Ruthlessly shoving down her memories, she smiled. “I am fine. Need we speak?”
“No, not if you are comfortable with our silence.”
They had always been able to be together without talking. It seemed that hadn’t changed. “I am content.”
He stopped, turning her to face him. “Is that enough for you, mere contentment?”
“It must be.” Her throat closed painfully as she beat back a surge of emotion for him. “I do not have a choice.”
Richard’s lips formed a thin line and he nodded. They made their way back to where they had picnicked. A half an hour later they were in the carriage on their way back to Town.
A drop of water hit Patience’s gloved hand. “Richard, I believe it is beginning to rain.”
He glanced up at the sky. “It is probably only a sprinkle. However, I shall put the top up. I would not want your gown or that very fetching hat to get wet.” After bringing the horses to a halt, he pulled up the convertible hood of the carriage. “That should keep you dry.”
He started the pair again, and she settled comfortably back against the seat. They’d had such a lovely day. True to his word, he had not once mentioned his feelings for her. Although, she had caught him gazing at her in a way that warmed her from her head to her toes.
A very long time ago he had kissed her, and she wondered what it would be like to feel his lips on hers again. Her breasts began to swell and tingle. No other man had ever had the effect on her that he had.
She reached out for him but stopped herself. If only things were different. But they were not, and no amount of wishing or sighing would change the facts of her life. Still, as long as they were together she could enjoy his company and the day.
A large, multicolored butterfly danced in front of her face, but Richard urged his horses to a trot and it left. Birds flitted around the hedgerow on the side of the road. If only the day could last longer, yet they were already halfway back to Town.
Soon the relative quiet of the country would be replaced by a house that was only quiet after the younger children were asleep.
Suddenly a strong breeze came up, seemingly out of nowhere, and the sky darkened.
Just as the rain started coming down in sheets Richard practically threw the blanket they had sat on during their picnic at her. “Cover yourself up. We’re in for it. I’ll stop at the first inn I can find.”
“I don’t know how you can see anything at all.” She could see nothing beyond the horses.
Her half boots were already soaked. If they did not find shelter soon, they would both come down with influenza.
