Page 103 of Duke of Sapphire

I did not hear him come near. He followed me. He was watching.

“I had it entirely under control,” she said, though her pulse was racing.

“Of course you did,” Henry replied. His hand did not move. He pulled her gently back onto firmer ground, keeping his grip sure around her waist until her feet held.

She swallowed.

His arm is still there. His coat against my back. His breath near my neck. I am not thinking clearly.

Ian straightened and looked at them. “We werenae going in,” he said. “We were talkin’ to the ducks.”

“So I see,” Henry said. “You may continue speaking to the ducks from a safer distance.”

James pointed at the ducklings. “Babies.”

“Yes,” Charlotte said faintly. “They are very dear.”

Ian glanced at her, then at Henry. “Ye got her,” he observed.

“Yes,” Henry said. “I did.”

Ian nodded, satisfied, and turned back to the ducks.

The boys moved a step away from the edge, absorbed in their own world. Charlotte was suddenly very aware that Henry had not yet let go.

Her hand rested lightly on his forearm, fingers curling there for balance.

This is foolish. I should step away. I should thank him and return to the blanket. Instead I am standing here, held in place, unable to move.

He seemed reluctant to release her. His fingers flexed once at her waist before easing.

“Are you hurt?” he asked.

Charlotte took stock. Her boot was muddy. Her skirts bore evidence of her poor judgment. Her heart was in disarray. “No,” she said. “Perfectly intact. Only my dignity is bruised.”

“You had me worried for a moment.”

She huffed a small laugh. “You ought to save your worry for Ian and James. They are the ones intent on joining the ducks.”

“They are mobile,” Henry said. “You nearly went headlong into the stream.”

“I would have made a very dramatic splash,” she replied. “Sophia would have enjoyed it.”

“She would have screamed,” Henry said.

Charlotte turned her head slightly. His face was extremely near.

I should step back. I should say something light and move away. Why is it suddenly hard to think?

“You came after us,” she said. “I did not realize.”

“I watched you run.” His gaze held hers. “I knew the ground was treacherous. I did not intend to allow you to discover it in the worst way.”

“That sounds very dutiful,” she said.

“It was not duty,” he replied.

Her breath caught.