Mother hurried to her."Esme," she breathed, eyes wide.“What…how?—“
"I assure you, Mama," Esme said calmly, "we did not intend to bathe."
Genny sniffed."If we had, we should have chosen a warmer month."
Mother's gaze darted from Alexandra to Magnus to the onlookers, to Harrison, and to Redford.
"Was there...impropriety?"she asked in a low voice.
Esme's cheeks burned.
"No, Mama," she said."Only ducks."
Alexandra approached."Lady Woodmere, I must take responsibility," she said firmly."I insisted on admiring the willow.The boat shifted, and we were all sent into the water.Lord Redford behaved with utmost propriety and prevented Lady Esme from panicking.I, on the other hand, shrieked."
Mother’s shoulders relaxed a measure."If Lady Langley vouches for you..."She began.
"I do," Alexandra said."And I shall tell everyone that our little adventure was the most refreshing part of the morning."
Mother exhaled."Very well.We must return home at once.Esme, Genny, into the carriage.Harrison, see that a message is sent ahead to have baths prepared."
Harrison nodded, then waved a footman over and began issuing orders.
Esme turned to the carriage, then hesitated.Redford stood nearby, watching.
She stepped back toward him.
"Lord Redford," she said softly.
He bowed."Lady Esme, I trust you will accept my apologies for dragging you into an impromptu swim."
"It appears," she said, "that you have saved me from drowning twice in one week."
"Only once," he countered, "tonight the Serpentine, the other evening merely a sea of ink."
She smiled.”I am grateful," she said, "even if my shoes never recover."
"I shall mourn them," he said gravely."They died heroes."
She laughed.
Behind her, Mother called, "Esme."
She should go.She knew that.Every sensible part of her insisted on turning back, obeying, retreating.
Instead, she heard herself say, under her breath, "Thank you.For holding on."
His gaze sharpened."Always," he said quietly.
The word lodged in her.
She retreated then, slipping into the carriage, Genny tumbling in after her with a shiver.The door shut, the springs creaked, the horses moved.
Through the small glass pane, Esme glimpsed Redford on the bank, water dripping from his hair, cloak hastily thrown over his shoulders, Alexandra and Magnus flanking him.
He lifted two fingers in a small salute as the carriage rolled away.
She leaned back against the squabs, closing her eyes.
