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‘I had a feeling you’d say that, but you can still plunge.’
‘I can do what?’ She stared at the waterfall with trepidation. ‘Surely you don’t want me to jump off?’
‘Not the waterfall, no. In there.’ He gestured towards a small, square-shaped pool set off to one side. ‘It’s called a plunge pool. Very good for the circulation.’
‘An outdoor bath?’ She crouched down, dipping her fingers into the water and then jolting upright again. ‘It’s freezing!’
‘That’s why it’s good for the circulation.’
‘I am not jumping in there.’
‘You don’t have to literally jump. There’s a ladder.’
‘Absolutely not. A morning stroll is one thing, plunging is quite another.’
‘Suit yourself.’ He started to unbutton his coat. ‘But you’ll feel better if you do, trust me.’
‘I feel perfectly fine now.’ Her jaw dropped as his overcoat fell to the ground. ‘You mean you intend to...?’
‘I’m afraid so.’
‘Samuel!’ She spun around as he hoisted his shirt up over his head, though not before she caught a glimpse of a taut stomach and muscular chest, liberally sprinkled with dark hair. ‘Is this how you wash on board ship? You just plunge into the ocean?’
‘It depends where we are. The English Channel is generally too cold so we use barrels on deck, but a dip in the Caribbean can be quite pleasant.’
‘What about sharks?’
‘We use sails to make an enclosed pool over the side. It’s a relief to have everyone smelling fresh again, believe me.’
‘Oh.’ She closed her eyes at the sound of more rustling. ‘Please tell me you’re not taking your trousers off.’
‘Not just them.’ She could hear the laughter in his voice. ‘I can hardly go back to the house in wet clothes. People will think you pushed me into the river.’
‘Better that than them thinking you undressed in front of me!’
‘Behind you and I thought you said you weren’t bothered about being compromised.’
‘That doesn’t mean I want to see you naked!’
‘Ah, that’s where we differ, then.’ His voice turned decidedly wicked. ‘Because I’m rather curious about seeing you.’
There was an abrupt splash, followed by a spray of water on to the back of her dress.
‘Ow!’ She clutched at her skirts.
‘Ow?’ That time he laughed outright. ‘Did the water hurt?’
‘No, but you’ve got me wet.’
‘So I have. Perhaps you ought to let your dress dry in the sun and join me?’
‘I am not bathing outdoors!’ She lifted her chin pointedly. ‘How is it?’
‘Like I’m back where I belong.’ There was a taunting pause. ‘Surely you’re not scared of a little water?’
‘If you think that goading me will work then you’re mistaken. I’m not afraid, just...modest.’
‘Spoken like a true lady.’
