Effie took the proffered glass reluctantly. “It is really not proper.”
“No one will tell,” Nicholas said with a conspiratorial wink, pouring some wine for himself and lifting the glass. “I propose a toast. To two of the most lovely ladies in London.”
Effie turned quite pink, and Mari giggled as she raised her own glass. “And to one of the finest gentlemen in the city.”
“Thank you,” Nicholas said. “It means a lot to me to have you say that.”
Mari smiled happily and sipped her wine, feeling truly like a princess. As Nicholas divided the chicken onto the three china plates the chef had also provided, Mari thought how sweet and considerate it was of Nicholas to have included Effie in the meal. Not all men would be so kind.
Nicholas kept up a light chatter as they ate, asking Effie’s advice as to where he might take Mari provided Effie came along. Mari suspected he was trying to soften up her sometimes quarrelsome maid, but she was delighted Nicholas was discussing further outings.
“And now for dessert,” Nicholas said as they finished the meal. “I had these made at the new chocolate shop off Bond Street.” He produced two small white boxes, one tied with pink ribbon and the other with green. Handing the green one to Effie, he opened the pink one for Mari.
“Oooh, chocolate truffles. I love these.”
“I thought you might.” Nicholas turned to Effie. “Please. Enjoy yours as well.”
Mari hid a smile. If there was one food Effie did not have to be encouraged to eat, it was chocolate. She began every morning with a cup of hot chocolate regardless of the weather. “Go ahead,” she encouraged. “I will share mine with Nicholas.”
“That is very kind,” he said as he took one, “but I insist the rest are yours.”
Reminding herself ladies did not take big bites, Mari nibbled at the delicate treats, savoring the full, rich smoothness of the chocolate as it melted on her tongue. Effie finished all six of hers before Mari began on her third. Not wanting to appear a glutton, she closed the box and returned it to the basket. “I will take those home.”
“As you wish,” Nicholas answered and put the top back on the basket. “Would you care to take a short stroll?”
“I would.” Mari glanced at Effie, who looked well-sated. “Perhaps you could watch the supplies?”
“Go right ahead,” Effie said with a wave of her hand. “I will just relax a bit.”
Mari nearly gaped at her. Her maid was not going to insist on accompanying them? Effie was never that agreeable, but who was Mari to argue? Perhaps it was the chocolate. At any rate, Mari was not about to turn down an opportunity to finally be alone with Nicholas, even if was in the middle of the afternoon in a public garden.
As if he read her mind, Nicholas leapt up and extended his hand to help her to her feet and then tucked her hand inside the crook of his arm. “I believe just over this crest is a lovely little pond,” he said.
As they walked leisurely toward the pond, Mari thought how gentlemanly Nicholas was to slow his pace to match hers. Goodness, if this had been Jamie walking with her, she’d practically be trotting to keep up. Of course, Jamie was taller and had longer strides…
Why on earth was she thinking of Jamie MacLeod when she was finally alone with Nicholas? Lud, the next thing she would be doing was conjuring the Highlander to appear. That was nonsense, though. Jamie would have no idea where she had gone. She had made the note intentionally vague.
“Two pence for your thoughts?” Nicholas asked.
“Oh, nothing special. I am just enjoying the gardens.”
“Good. Then perhaps we could sit a bit.” He motioned to a stone bench not far from the water where several small children were feeding the ducks.
“That would be nice.” Sitting down, she waved at two young mothers, one of whom she recognized as a neighbor of Maddie’s. The woman looked startled and then as recognition dawned, she waved back.
“You know those ladies?” Nicholas asked.
“The one with the auburn hair. She was quite the stare a few Seasons ago before she married.”
“She is nowhere near as pretty as you,” Nicholas responded. “I shall have to find a serene and restful spot in which to paint you soon.”
“Why so peaceful? Do I seem the quiet, passive sort?” Mari asked out of curiosity.
“Not at all,chère. The pastoral setting will frame your blonde hair and fair complexion, but it will also serve as a contrast to the fiery spirit I sense in you.” He paused, narrowing his eyes to study her. “Indeed, I think I might like to paint you in ivory silk, but with the gown partially undone, exposing your bosom just short of indecency, but a bit scandalous.”
Mari widened her eyes. “I do not think either Aunt Agnes or Jillian would approve that.”
“Your sister is not here, and your aunt need not find out until the portrait is complete.”
