“Then what is it?” He stroked her knuckles.
She lowered her gaze. “It’s odd how a moment of intense happiness can remind you of all the moments of sadness in your life. David has never been happier because the rest of his life has been horrible. Today is the first time he’s laughed so freely.”
He held her hand underwater. “I understand what you mean.”
She wanted to say more. She wanted to spend more time with him. She wanted everything about him— his beauty, kindness, and warmth. “Thank you for today, for being so good to David. He needed it, and Ethan I?—”
“My lady?” Mrs. Parker called from the bathing machine. “We should go.”
Ethan released her hand. “I enjoy spending time with David. He’s a lovely boy.”
“Will you meet me later? Please? Somewhere quiet where no one will bother us.”
He nodded but frowned. “We could meet at the gazebo at the edge of the garden. It’s beautiful and private.”
“All right.” She glanced at him as she swam to Mrs. Parker. He waved, looking like a god just emerged from the sea with the foam around him and his wet hair.
In the bathing machine, Cora removed her soaked swimming suit. Her hand tingled from Ethan’s gentle touch. Her heart stuttered from his kindness. Her soul hummed for him. If her situation were different, if her presence in his life wouldn’t bring trouble to him, she would love to be officially courted by him. She was certain that Ethan, once he chose a woman, would dedicate himself to her, and she wondered how it would feel. Because he might love her, but she was married and disgraced in the eyes of society.
“He’s a decent man, you know, my lady,” Mrs. Parker said, removing her cap.
“Pardon?” She towelled herself dry and donned her drawers.
“His Lordship. He isn’t like other lords.” The housekeeper turned serious. “He might be an unconventional lord, I blame his time spent with the army for that, but he never chases the maids. He’s respectful to everyone, and he doesn’t go around with women, if you know what I mean.”
Yes, she did. “He’s an honourable man.”
“Yes, aside from his bizarre idea of having a picnic on the sand.” Mrs. Parker shook her head. “I’ve known him since his first wail echoed in the house, and it was such a wail! You could hear it throughout the house. I’ve been in service of the Starks all my life.” Her voice cracked. “When his lordship left to go to war, I feared I’d die of grief. I’ve never met a gentleman kinder than his lordship. His parents were the best employers a housekeeper could ever want and the most lovely people.”
“I easily believe you.” Cora brushed sand from her wet hair. “But why are you telling me that? Did I give the impression of not considering him an honourable man?”
“Oh, no, my lady. It’s just that…” She sighed. “Forgive me. I spoke too much.”
“Please tell me.”
The bathing machine stopped with a jolt, and Cora grabbed the edge of the bench not to slip off it.
Mrs. Parker flushed. “He seems quite taken by you if I may say so. You have your personal troubles, but His Lordship isn’t a man who gives up easily when it comes to the people he cares about. Once he loves, he loves fiercely.”
Yes, Cora easily believed that too.
Ethan loosenedthe knot of his cravat, walking along the path in his garden.
Thoughts tormented him, but for once, they were pleasant thoughts. At the beach, he’d caught a glimpse of a family life he might never have. If Cora decided to leave, if she had to, he would lose David too. His chest tightened at the thought of never seeing Cora and David again, of never laughing with them. He hoped Cora didn’t want to tell him she wanted to leave.
The garden here was wilder than the one in his London house. Thick hedgerows and tall trees formed a green gallery that protected the house from the strong sea winds. Weeds kept growing at the edge of the path, no matter how hard the gardeners worked. The indomitable nature of the wild plants had an endearing quality he appreciated because they endured the weather and the pruning with stubbornness without wilting, just like Cora.
He headed for the fully enclosed gazebo that had surrendered to the vegetation years ago. He didn’t care, quite the opposite. The English ivy and purple bindweed created a fairy-tale-like dome and nearly covered the front gate. More than a gazebo, it was a fancy garden shed, almost a small flat.
He stepped inside, shoving aside the long green stems and closing the door behind him, only to come to an abrupt halt upon seeing Cora. She sat on the wrought-iron bench, every inch a fairy of gold and fire. Her cheeks flushed when she raised her head.
“Ethan.” His name, pronounced with such tenderness, started a flutter in his belly.
“Isn’t this place beautiful?”
“Yes, it is. So different from the manicured gardens in London.” She made room for him on the bench.
He sat next to her. “Are you tired?”
