A breeze carried the scent of the sea that mingled with Esther’s perfume, and he became painfully aware of the delicate weight of her hand on his arm, the soft swish of her skirt, and the warmth of her skin.
She came to a halt. “Look!”
“The foil?”
“No, sorry. I wanted to show you those flowers.” She pointed at a patch of grass between two buildings, covered with bluebells.
The blue flowers moved their pretty crowns in rhythm with the breeze.
“You probably don’t care.” She shuffled her feet. “But it’s so rare to see something so beautiful in the middle of a town made of bricks and steel.”
“I agree.” He took her chin and lifted it. “As rare as finding a beautiful, fierce lady who isn’t afraid of being herself.”
She gave him that disarming stare again. “Who said I’m not afraid? I’m constantly afraid.”
“Even now?” He caressed her chin with his thumb, feeling her silky skin.
“Especially now.”
He stopped caressing her. “Of me?”
She put her trembling hand on his cheek. “Of not doing what I want to do and then regretting it for the rest of my life.”
“What do you want to do?” He pressed his cheek against her palm, and her touch felt comfortable and exciting at the same time.
“This.” She rose on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his.
A shock of sensation energised him at the simple touch. He held her up by her waist and pressed his mouth harder against hers. Their chests touched, and she let out a sweet moan.
When he released her, they were both panting. For a moment, they stared at each other without talking.
“Wonderful,” she whispered.
“Wonderful.” Although he would add shocking as well.
The kiss she’d given him last night was nothing compared to this. The first kiss had been uncaring and soulless. This one was the opposite, warm and delightful. It was as beautiful as an unexpected patch of bluebells in the middle of a town.
She laced her fingers through his. “Let’s find your foil. I want to see you fencing.”
He nodded, unable to say anything. He’d wanted to kiss her properly, but he hadn’t expected such a storm of emotions to start within him. When he found the foil and finished the competition, he would ask her to marry him.
They walked the rest of the distance in companionable silence, stealing glances at each other.
Benedict’s townhouse came into view when they rounded a corner. He knocked on the front door with too much energy, thanks to the inner turmoil she’d started.
The butler opened the door, and a flare of alarm crossed his face. “Y-your Grace, my lady.” His voice became squeaky when he addressed Esther.
“I would like to see Benedict.” He brushed past the butler after Esther entered.
The butler hesitated. “I’ll inform His Lordship you’re here. Will the lady wait here as well?”
“Yes, why?” he asked.
“Nothing, Your Grace.” The butler hurried up the stairs.
Esther winced. “Heaven, what did I do to that man?”
“No memory of this place?” he asked, gesturing at the overwhelming amount of paintings and vases crowding the entry hall.
