Page 25 of The Lady’s Sweet Revenge

“Yes. I’m sure it is similar in the way you shed all the rules of London when you are in Lancashire?”

She nodded. “Yes. I might shed more rules than I ought.”

“Oh? You’ve piqued my curiosity. What do you do in the country that would make the ladies of the ton gasp in dismay?”

“Surely, I’ll not tell you.”

“After I opened my home to ye and let you claim my dog.”

“You cannot blame me if she likes me better.” She offered a saucy shrug which caused him to huff a laugh.

“I dare you?” His lips pulled up in a crooked grin.

Oh, the beast. He didn’t have siblings, but he must have spent time with other children in school. He’d likely guessed the way her brothers dared her to do things and she’d been unable to turn away from any challenge.

“Very well. I wear men’s breeches when I ride in the country.”

“Eh. That’s not so scandalous. I would guess many women do the same.”

“Not scandalous?” she said in shock. But he’d acted as if it was nothing of note. If he was not surprised by that she would tell him something sure to win this contest. “I swim at night. Naked.”

She knew she was the victor when his eyes flared with warm heat. He turned toward her, his dark brown eyes flicking side to side as he clearly studied her face. As if looking for proof of a lie. Did he think she’d made up such a claim?

If so, he could look all he wanted and never see her waver, for it was the truth.

“Only when it’s very warm, and I’m sure my brothers are away or in their beds. Only when I know I’m completely alone do I remove my wrapper and night rail and slip into the chilly water as the moon and stars provide the only light.”

He swallowed. She saw him do it. Just as she saw him bend his head as if he planned to kiss her. Her heart hammered in her chest as she quickly decided whether to stop him or grab him close so he would do it faster.

But then they both jumped when Mrs. Garrison shouted for him. It was then as she turned toward the housekeeper that she heard another noise. Carriage wheels on crushed shells.

Someone was here.