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But what?
Chapter Six
Brushing aside that whimsical question, Oscar guided Prue out of the path of three running children.
“How many lamps do you think are here? I cannot conceive that there could be so many.”
“I read once it was over twenty thousand.”
“Astonishing! It is also ingenious of the designer to use such beautifully colored lamps. It creates a magical feel to the air.” She cast him a sideways glance. “Do you come here often, Oscar?”
“No,” he replied, “The last time was years ago with my family.”
“What made you decide to visit here tonight?”
He hesitated slightly. “A good friend, Lord Trent, mentioned attending, and I thought you would like the entertainments.”
“I am really glad you invited me.” She lifted her face to the sky, inhaling the cool night air. “What do you admire most about the pleasure gardens?”
“The cascade. An artificial waterfall that is grand and lovely. There will be a showing in the next fifteen minutes. Let’s see it together.”
His countess expressed her joy by stretching up on her toes to press a very brief peck against his jawline. So boldly improper. Yet for Oscar, the pleasure that rocked through him at that small touch of her mouth to his skin was profound. He swallowed, unable to utter a single word for precious seconds. He felt like a damn fool. How could such a simple caress render him damn near insensible?
A look at his wife showed the curve of a mysterious smile about her mouth. The shadows and the light from the garden lamps touched upon her skin almost lovingly. The lace at her throat parted, and the hollow of her neck filled with soft, inviting shadows. The arch of delicate throat moved ever so slightly as she swallowed, and the sudden urge to run his mouth along there, tease his tongue over her rapid pulse surged through him. He was so damn tempted to lean down and lick right at that spot.
Walking arm in arm, it took several minutes for them to reach the cascade. The crowd there was eager, the anticipation rife in the air. A bell sounded, and a few minutes later, the show started. A dark curtain was drawn up, showing a natural view of a bridge, a watermill, and the cascade. His wife jolted, gripping his arm when the thundering sound of a waterfall filled the air. Awe settled on her face when the sheets of tins and special effects lighting created a most extravagant display that looked like a gushing waterfall set in the backdrop of lush vegetation and landscape. At the same time, coaches, soldiers, and other figures were exhibited crossing the bridge.
“It is striking!”
“It is considered one of the most original exhibitions of the gardens.”
The show lasted for ten minutes, and his countess’s attention did not move from it once. They spent the next two hours strolling along the various walks and observing the entertainments. A soft rumble came from his wife’s stomach, and she slapped a hand over her mouth.
“I am mortified,” she said. However, she was laughing.
“I’ve neglected to feed you.”
She nodded sheepishly. “I am famished.”
Oscar led her to an elegant supper box, and attendants quickly laid out a repast of finely sliced ham, cold meats, salads, tarts, and dainties that pleased his wife. He watched, amused, as his countess ate several servings before she leaned back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. “I have really enjoyed this night, Oscar. Thank you for bringing me.”
That odd feeling of shame burned through him once again.Hell.
“I have been busy with matters of parliament and the estates,” he murmured, taking a sip of port. “I fear I have neglected you. I would like to take you to see the opera and perhaps you might enjoy a boat ride along the Thames before the season ends.”
“I am sure I would enjoy that with you, my lord,” she said with the sweetest of smiles.
“I admit I’ve thought a few times about inviting you up from the country estate to join me in town. Then I would recall how painfully shy you are and decided to give you some more time.”
She straightened her spine. “Shy?”
“I gather I read that wrong as well.”
“You most certainly did, my lord!”
Oscar settled against his chair in a relaxed pose. “Then why did you avoid meeting my eyes whenever we spoke? You would always blush and would hurry from my presence as if I were the devil incarnate. I am intrigued by this new side of you, and I wonder at the change.”
His countess’s eyes widened, and her cheeks became pink. “I avoided looking at you directly, for I feared you would see the truth in my eyes.”
