Yes, maybe her boldness of the previous night had been hasty, but she didn’t have anything to lose. She had no family, and her chances to land a prestigious marriage were non-existent. If Christopher behaved as the gentleman he was, Amelia’s reputation wouldn’t be tainted, and Pearl would have memories to cherish in her lonely years.
He stroked his chin with a thumb and averted his gaze. Her chest heaved as she tried to control the wild emotions in her heart, but then Mrs Armstrong flashed into view, her mouth twisted in a grimace.
“Shall we start this trip?” she asked with an icy tone that could freeze the lake.
Christopher held up a hand in farewell while she descended the path to the lake with the others. She waved back, her heart clenching. His gaze lingered on her before he turned and climbed into the carriage.
Two boats were moored on the short dockyard. They rocked right and left under the breeze blowing from the coppice of trees.
“Good gracious.” Mrs Armstrong clamped a hand on her mouth.
“There is no need to worry, madam.” Cowasj offered a charming smile. “I’m an expert rower. We won’t capsize.”
Pearl stifled a smile. She doubted Mrs Armstrong worried about capsizing. It was the woman’s stomach that couldn’t stand the trip.
“Then I insist to be with you in the boat, Your Highness,” Pearl said. She couldn’t let the occasion go.
“Of course.” Cowasj stepped into the boat and stretched out a hand.
Her leather boots almost slipped on the soggy shore, but he held her firmly with hard fingers. Next came Mrs Armstrong. Her skin had gained a greenish hue, and her eyes showed too much white.
The boat rolled faster when Pearl sat on the narrow bench. Her parasol almost slipped out of her hands. In the boat next to her, Julia giggled at something Benedict said while Dorian set up the oars. The captain was as brooding as Christopher, but with his bronzed hair and green eyes, he had a more relaxed area.
“Your Highness, I bet I can reach the other side of the lake faster than you,” Dorian said, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt.
A gentleman rolling up his sleeves? And Mrs Armstrong wasn’t objecting? She must be truly sick to stay quiet.
“I accept the challenge,” Cowasj replied, removing his red silk scarf.
Julia let out a squeal of delight when Dorian propelled the boat onwards.
“That’s not fair! You didn’t wait for me!” Cowasj pulled the oars, and the boat gave a mighty jerk as it hit the water fully.
Pearl was thrown back, and her stomach gave a lurch that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. A new groan rose from Mrs Armstrong.
Swans and geese flapped their wings and let out indignant squeaks when the boats approached them. Feathers fluttered around, and drops of water dripped on Pearl’s skirt.
“Faster!” Julia prompted, clapping her hands.
Dorian’s bulging muscles contracted as he rowed harder.
“We’re losing them,” Pearl said.
“Oh, my goodness,” Mrs Armstrong muttered.
“We’ll see.” The prince sped up. His dark strands of hair whipped around while the breeze blew from behind him.
Dorian was still leading, but they were gaining speed.
Mrs Armstrong put a hand on her mouth. “I need to leave this boat.” Her voice sounded small and croaked, and she hadn’t added ‘Your Highness.’
Cowasj muttered something in Indian, but slowed. “Yes, madam.”
Reclining on the seat, Mrs Armstrong closed her eyes and breathed heavily. The moment the boat touched the shore, her eyes flared wide.
“Let me help.” Taking pity on the poor woman, Pearl took her elbow and led her out of the boat.
On trembling legs, Mrs Armstrong headed towards the trees. “I’d like a moment of privacy.”
