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She should be alarmed at her musings, but Constantine made her want impossible things. Impractical things: To marry and have children and create a home, life, and a future together.

All whimsical fantasies that she’d dismissed as nonsensical and childlike on her fourteenth birthday. Because even at that tender age, she recognized women’s limited power and determined she would never be at a man’s mercy.

After all, an unknown man had placed her in Haven House and Academy for the Enrichment of Young Women. She knew that much, although she’d never known why. Faith also never indulged in self-pity. To do so was fruitless and prevented one from moving forward.

At least she had a place to live, food in her belly, received an exceptional education, and made lifelong friends due to the many years she’d lived at the school.

Looking behind him, Constantine smiled at her. Such a disarming pleased upward sweep of his mouth that not only did her knees unhinge once more, her heart she’d so resolutely kept sealed and impenetrable unfurled and let him inside.

Yes, rushing off to a secret garden was foolhardy and impetuous, but wasn’t she entitled to a little harmless imprudence? Faith had adhered to strictures and expectations all her life, never once stepping beyond the mark. Always abiding by rules and always aware one misstep could spell ruin.

At this moment, she didn’t give two farthings.

Very uncharacteristic, and of more importance, a risk she could ill afford to take.

As they approached a weathered, arched wooden gate, Constantine slowed their pace.

“Give me a moment to find the key,” he said, slightly out of breath.

Her breathing had become ragged, but the dash through the gardens wasn’t entirely to blame for her breathlessness.

He released Faith’s hand, and the simple gesture left her somewhat bereft. After poking around the bricks framing the arched gate on either side, he let out a small whoop.

“Here it is.” He shot her a mischievous glance over his shoulder. “Only family ever ventures here. It’s a private sanctuary for our use only.”

“Mayhap I shouldn’t trespass then, Constantine. I’m not family.”

Shrugging those broad shoulders, he fitted the key in the keyhole.

“For all intents and purposes, at this moment, you are, Faith. In biblical times, a betrothal was as binding as marriage vows.”

The smoldering look he gave her ought to have ignited her on the spot. And might’ve done if his words hadn’t given her pause.

Why in the world would he say such a thing?

Neither of them had pledged a troth to the other, and by no means was this fake engagement legally binding.

Good Lord. The very idea.

With a grating scrape of protest, Constantine turned the key in the lock. He placed the key back in its hidey-hole before giving the sturdy steel handle a hefty tug. The gate reluctantly swung open on squeaky hinges, revealing a small paradise.

Constantine stepped aside and, with a flourishing bow, extended his arm. “My lady.”

“My lady? Don’t you think you’re doing it up a bit brown?”

A wry smile bending her mouth, Faith stepped inside and froze. Lips parted and eyes wide, she slowly took in the tableau before her.

“Oh, Constantine. It’s the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Gone were the manicured beds and enthusiastically trimmed bushes and hedges of the formal gardens. This oasis was festooned with blossoms, vines, gnarled trees, at least three bird baths, a waterfall pouring into a large pond in one corner, and a folly strategically placed on a small knoll for the best view. Wisteria vines—the blossoms long since spent—twisted and spiraled around the white marble. When in bloom, the dangling purple blossoms would create a spectacular floral canopy.

So entranced was Faith that she barely registered when the creaky door snicked shut.

Grinning, she pulled off her borrowed gloves. She had every intention of dipping her fingers in the waterfall and mayhap her toes in the pond. Two benches on either side of the pond suggested someone else had the same thought.

Upon closer inspection, Faith realized steps led from the green, blue, and coral mosaic tiles surrounding the pond into the deepest end.

“You can swim in it?” she asked almost breathlessly.