Chapter Six
Hyde Park
London, England
The barouche, drawn by two majestic black steeds, rattled over a path that wound through enchanting flower gardens and verdant green spaces, carrying Antoinette, Lacy, and Julian.
Occasional bursts of sunlight pierced through the cloud cover, casting ethereal beams through the tree branches and painting delicate patterns on the path.
Despite the lingering chill from the two “years without a summer,” the allure of the park was undeniable, allowing Londoners to enjoy horseback rides, leisurely strolls, and carriage rides along the myriad paths that meandered through the lush green landscape.
“I am pleased, Countess, that you and Lady Beaufort said yes to accompanying me today for an outing in the park,” Julian said.
“Please let’s not address each other formally. We are all friends here,” replied Antoinette.
“I agree wholeheartedly,” said Julian. The sweetness of addressing Lady Beaufort with her given name stirred him.
It was inherently intimate. “You’ve been on my mind a great deal since the Gold Cup.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and our conversation.
” He briefly tore his gaze from Lacy, who looked stunning in her peach pelisse with matching capote.
When he looked at her, his blood thundered in his veins, and he could scarcely control the urge to kiss her.
“Thank you, Antoinette, for agreeing to chaperone Lacy so that we may enjoy an outing. Without your help, I wouldn’t be able to share this day with you and your delightful niece. ”
“You are welcome, Julian. Your attention to Lacy did not go unnoticed by me and should not be ignored. Am I not right, Lacy? Are you not pleased to have made a new friend?” The countess’s smile showed her enjoyment in being the instrument that brought this budding courtship into reality.
It was another indication of her approval, and Julian was elated to have the clever countess as an ally.
Lacy, who’d been relatively silent since they’d embarked on their way, nodded. “Yes, Auntie.” Her lashes demurely fluttered as her cheeks flamed red. “You have been on my mind as well, Julian.”
“Nothing could please me more than knowing you think of me,” he said, grinning.
As he looked around at the verdant landscape, the Serpentine River came into view.
“Would you mind, Countess, if Lacy and I strolled for a bit? My legs could use a stretch. Of course, you could accompany us if you like, and later we can stop for some refreshment.”
“Why don’t you and Lacy go ahead? I am happy to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the scenery here in the coach.”
“As you wish.” He commanded his driver to stop, and then helped Lacy down. “We will meet you at the lodge, say, in an hour?”
As the barouche rumbled away, Julian led Lacy down the Serpentine path, away from the bustling Kensington Gardens where the aristocracy tended to gather.
He was filled with anticipation of spending some precious time alone with her, and the thought of claiming a kiss from her sweet lips filled him with a heady excitement.
He sensed her amiable disposition and could hardly wait to press his suit.
A kiss, he believed, would shatter once and for all her hesitancy over his desire to truly court her.
He had arrived at the conclusion that meeting Lacy had changed him forever, and without her, he had no purpose.
He would have proposed today if he weren’t doubtful of her acceptance.
But given his father’s disapproval, he feared being impulsive would not be well received.
She surely thought ignoring his father’s warning was ill-advised. He needed to sweep her off her feet.
Lacy looked across the placid waters of the Serpentine, and her smile faded. “This is where the poet Shelley’s wife drowned, is it not?”
“Yes, last year. The poor girl took her life. Such a tragedy.”
“It is sad to think about a life ended in suicide. One cannot help wondering what unhappiness would drive a person to do such a thing. I heard the poet remarried soon after.”
“Lacy, I pray you are not contemplating this morbid thought because you consider the obstacles in our way to be insurmountable and might end in tragedy?”
Her eyes held him. “No, but it is reasonable to conclude that life is hard enough, and your father might make our lives a misery if he forbids us to wed.” Two bright spots of red brightened Lacy’s cheeks.
To Julian, however, her mention of marriage only fueled his desire further.
It meant that the thought of being married to him had crossed her mind.
“Lacy, nothing will keep me from deciding where my happiness lies and pursuing that happiness. My father will bend to my wishes when all is said and done. I will not walk away from what I feel in my heart.” His determination was unwavering, and he was ready to face any obstacle to win her.
“It will not be easy.”
“Nothing of great value ever is.” Julian was sure he could surmount any of her doubts if he stayed the course. He would prove to her that she was worth more to him, no matter the cost. His manhood ached with wanting. She had captured not only his body, but his heart, and his very soul.
“The passage of time might erode your determination and perhaps you will regret one day this defiance of your father. and my value might diminish in your eyes.”
“I believe you know that isn’t true. You are worth far more to me than my father’s approval.” He squeezed her hand that rested on his sleeve.
The walking path followed the river’s course of winding curves beside grassy, open spaces where cows, sheep, and deer grazed.
They passed others out for a stroll: couples, both young and old, children toddling along, holding on to the hands of their nannies, other nannies pushing prams. Billowy clouds drifted across a hazily lit sky, reminding Julian of a painting he’d recently purchased by the gifted artist William Turner, whose landscapes were gobbled up by collectors in London.
He longed to show Lacy the painting that now hung in his townhome.
If she enjoyed art, together they might find a shared love in building an art collection.
These musings of a future life together took his breath away. They strolled in quiet communion, his last words to her echoing in his mind. You are worth far more to me than my father’s approval. The truth was blatantly real to him and he embraced it.
She looked at him, smiling, and in that moment of distraction, she tripped, stumbling forward.
He caught her arm and prevented her from falling, but her momentary imbalance landed her in his arms. Shock and embarrassment stole her breath and set his heart racing, which in their compromising position—breast against chest, their faces so close they could feel each other’s breath—made him lightheaded.
The intimacy reverberated between them, and her eyes widened.
She could have pulled away, but she didn’t.
Her lips parted ever so slightly with surprise, and his gaze dropped to her full lips that he’d dreamed of kissing. His manhood hardened, and there could be no question that she felt his girth pressed against her.
Julian’s aching need for her drowned out all reason and control, and as if in a trance, he dipped in to taste her, taking possession of those dreamed-of lips.
At first, his lips pressed gently, but her sigh of pleasure undid him, and his tongue delved into the sweetness of her mouth.
She was an eager student, and her mouth opened to receive him.
He dove deeper, tongue sweeping against hers, taking her in a passionate kiss.
To his great pleasure, she melted against him.
Her hand found the nape of his neck, pulling him in, her fingers weaving through his hair.
Her response, so pure and natural, made him delirious with desire.
But when she pressed her quim against him and a soft moan escaped her mouth into his, he nearly burst through his trousers.
Dear Lord, her sensuality is beyond my wildest expectations. I will make this goddess mine.
Time held still for them, and even though his thoughts were scandalous, he couldn’t stop himself from imagining tumbling her to the grass and, without a care for God, country, or whoever might see them, lifting her skirt and lowering himself between her legs and taking her completely and fully right here—right now.
The erotic thought had hardened him to wood, and when they broke apart, the evidence of what she’d done to him would be as clear as day.
And sure enough, when he released her, her gaze settled on his protuberant manhood bulging beneath his pantaloons.
Dear Lord, she’s biting her lip. His cock throbbed unmercifully.
He wanted to wrench the pins from her hair, toss her hat to the wind, and blow the grounsils, until she screamed his name and soaked him in honey.
His cock threatened to spill. Barely maintaining control, he hoarsely rasped as he fought to catch his breath, “I believe I must go immediately to Somerset and ask your father for your hand in marriage.”
Lacy held fast to him, her fingers lingering on his lapels with a smile teasing her lips. Her bright hazel eyes were filled with amusement. “I believe that may not be necessary.”
His brow furrowed. “I am serious, my darling. I don’t know how long I can control myself from tasting every inch of you. I pray you accept my proposal.”
She blinked momentarily, probably stunned by his explicit declaration. “Perhaps a spot of tea will settle us both enough to think this through. But before we separate from this most enjoyable press of body on body, I believe another kiss is due me. Then we may discuss your proposal.”
“Is that a yes?”
Her laughter was as delightful as church bells ringing on a Sunday morning. At last, we are making progress.
“I suppose it is,” she said, giggling.
Julian grabbed her about the waist, lifted her off the ground, and spun her around, and then he kissed her deeply. “You are mine,” he growled.
“Well, nearly,” she said, laughing.