Chapter Ten #3
She stopped and stared at him. “You’re a cheat, Lucien! You’ve known exactly where to go since we entered this maze. You’re a scoundrel!”
Lucien threw his head back and laughed deeply. It was a sound Harriet loved to hear and knew she’d never tire of. “You have found me out! In all fairness though, it’s the only way we’ve been able to be alone.”
She gifted him a smile. “I’ll give you that much.”
They came to the exit to the maze. Lucien pulled her back and kissed her passionately. “How about a cuppa tea? I’m parched.” He gave her a devilish grin and winked at her before turning to walk out with her.
She tried to pull herself together. Lucien had the unique talent of being able to send her spinning. She hoped it never ended. It was one of his more redeeming qualities. She was never quite sure what he was going to throw her way.
Once out of the maze, looking around, she found her lady’s maid. On top of that she noted there were a lot more people out taking walks than when they entered the maze.
Lucien and Harriet began to walk to the perimeter of the park where there were a variety of shops and cafes. They were looking for a place they could get tea and perhaps a slice of cake.
They passed several until they came upon a tea shop that always reminded her of the sidewalk cafés in Paris. There were tables outside, and you could either go inside and place your order or one might sit at a table and wait to be served.
“Would you like to sit outside?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes, and let them come and take our order.”
“Very well.”
Lucien sat next to her at the small, black iron table as a young man approached them and took their order. After he walked away Lucien and Harriet began to watch the people passing by.
“This is nice. I’m glad you thought of it,” she said.
“Me too.”
Among some of the crowd walking past the shop was Winnie and two other young ladies. She recognized them but couldn’t place their names. Winifred glanced in her direction with a smirk on her face. What had she ever done to cause such contempt in her?
“What has got you so deep in thought?” Lucien asked.
She turned to face him. “I was watching the people passing by and wondering about them. Where they were going in such a rush, did they have a family. Aren’t you ever curious as to who these people are and where they’re going? I find it fascinating.”
“I’ve never particularly thought about it, but it is an interesting idea.”
Two slices of marmalade cake and a pot of tea were placed on the table. The young man left them to fix their own tea, which Harriet began to do. Passing a filled cup to Lucien, they both began to try the cake.
“This is very good, isn’t it?” Harriet said.
“It is. The marmalade is quite flavorful and moist.”
Taking a second bite Harriet nodded. He was right. “You’re quite right. We’ll have to remember this place.” What was she doing talking as though they were already betrothed? That was craziness.
“Would you care to see the rail car I’ve built for the Prince of Wales one afternoon?”
“Yes. Is there a reason you haven’t delivered it?”
“He now wants two more cars for family added. I’ll deliver it once the other two are underway.”
“He’s a difficult customer.” She snorted in a very unladylike manner.
“Yes. He’s the bloody Prince of Wales and whatever he wants he gets. He’s a great customer and is spending a phenomenal amount of money with my company, but sometimes it’s hard to watch what you say because of who he is.”
Harriet giggled as she couldn’t think of a comeback for his statement. “He must trust you or he wouldn’t be giving you all his business.”
He nodded. “Did I mention he might want to bring his wife along so she can give me her ideas. He thought you coming along would be perfect.”
“Why?” she asked taking the last bite of cake before taking a long sip of tea.
“I think because you’re both women and you could guide the princess as far as furnishings?”
Harriet about burst out laughing. In fact she was taken off guard so much she spit the mouthful of tea back into the cup. “I know nothing about rail cars, let alone furnishing one.”
“I can teach you if it comes down to it,” Lucien replied.
“Very well, but only if there’s no other option.”
“Thank you. Now I suppose I should get you home since we’ve spent most of the afternoon together.”
“I’ve really enjoyed it, too, Lucien.”
They walked on the street so Harriet could peek in shop windows. When they came to the corner, they enjoyed time walking at the edge of the park. Conversation was kept at a minimum until they came upon Jameson House.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you,” Harriet said.
“It was my pleasure. I’m going to speak to Arthur tomorrow about the ball that’s coming up.”
“That should be a fun time,” she replied.
“It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been to one of these balls, but all I’ve heard are wonderful things.”
“Hmmm,” Harriet said lowly.
Lucien cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her. It was enough for her to know his feelings. Anything else in front of the house would be bad manners.
“Have a good evening,” he said. He turned and walked towards his waiting carriage. Lucien stepped into it and, rather than watch him drive off, she turned and went inside the house. These were all things that belonged in her journal.
After inquiring about Daphne and finding out she was out, Harriet climbed the stairs and went to her room.
She threw her shawl over the back of a chair before sitting down in front of the desk and pulling her journal out of a drawer. Time got away from Harriet. She’d been unaware how long she’d been writing until the maid came to light the fire for the night.
“Do you know if Lady Daphne has returned?” Harriet inquired.
“She’s home. I believe she’s changing for dinner, milady.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
She would put everything away and go in search of Daphne.
She was about to burst, not being able to tell anyone of her afternoon with Lucien.
He listened to her, had ideas to share, and made her feel as though she was the most important thing in his life.
She knew he was fast becoming the most important in hers.
Having only been kissed by Paul Graham, and that she later learned was a dare, she knew Lucien’s kisses did something to her she’d never felt before.
She wanted them to never end. His kisses were like the air she breathed. She had to have them in order to live.