All of a sudden, the found themselves in a secluded alcove, surrounded by beautiful rose bushes and a nearby fountain. Neither of them seemed to know exactly how they had ended up in such a small area, but the bubble that had surrounded them when they were picnicking at Hyde Park wrapped even tighter around them now.
For a moment, it truly did feel like there was no one around but them.
Even Louisa was busying herself by the fountain to give them a minute of much needed privacy.
Philip could not resist. He leaned in a little closer, his voice lowered to a whisper. “I admire you, Verity. Your courage and beauty. You really are the most impressive woman that I have ever met. The way that you handle everything with such grace and decorum is wonderful to see.”
“Do… do you really mean that?” Verity whispered back; her eyes wide with surprise. “Truly?”
Philip nodded; his gaze unwavering. “Every word. You are remarkable, Verity. In every possible way.”
Verity’s breath hitched, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. “Thank you, Philip. That means more to me than you can imagine.”
For a brief, charged moment, they stood close together, the world around them fading in to a soft blur of colors and sounds. The sweet scent of roses mingled with the gentle murmur of the fountain, creating an intimate cocoon.
Philip inhaled deeply, breathing in her gorgeously floral scent. He was more attracted to her in this moment than ever before.
“I wish,” Philip began, his voice soft and earnest, “that we could escape from all these expectations. Just for a while. To be ourselves without the constant scrutiny.”
Verity nodded, her eyes flickering with understanding. “I wish for that too. It’s hard to find moments of genuine connection in a world so focused on appearances and status. On titles and names..”
Philip reached out, his hand lightly brushing against hers.
The touch sent a jolt of warmth through both of them, shocking them both.
“Perhaps we can find those moments together,” he suggested, his voice a gentle promise. “Even if they are fleeting, they can be ours.”
Verity’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked up at him. “I would like that very much, Philip.”
In that moment, all Philip could think of was kissing her. He cupped her face gently, his thumb caressing her soft cheek as he leaned closer, lost in the depths of her gaze. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in this secluded, magical alcove.
Verity’s breath hitched; her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned in to his touch. Philip's heart pounded wildly, each beat echoing in his ears as he drew nearer to her. The anticipation hung thick in the air, a tangible force pulling them together.
He could feel the heat radiating from her skin, the softness of her cheek beneath his thumb. Their breaths mingled, shallow and rapid, as the space between their lips grew smaller and smaller.
"Philip," Verity whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of longing and uncertainty.
The sound of his name on her lips was like a spark, igniting a fire deep within him. He leaned in, his resolve firm, and just as their lips were about to meet…
A sudden rustling noise shattered the spell. They both jerked back, startled, their heads turning in unison toward the source of the interruption.
Voices.
Startled, they both stepped back, reality rushing in to fill the space between them.
They turned to see Lady Rosalind, accompanied by Cedric, Daphne, Adelaide, Georgiana, and Lord Darlington, rounding the corner. Philip hastily stepped even further back, his heart pounding as he noticed Verity flushing, her cheeks stained a delicate pink.
“It seems we have found a charming little hideaway,” Daphne remarked, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. “Quite the intimate spot.”
Luckily, Lady Verity’s lady’s maid was by her side in an instant, so things could not be misconstrued.
Thank goodness for her.
Philip forced a smile, trying to mask his frustration at the interruption. “Indeed, it’s a lovely spot. We were just admiring the roses.”
Rosalind’s eyes flicked between Philip and Verity; her expression unreadable.
“Yes, the roses are beautiful,” she said, her voice devoid of warmth. “Shall we return to the tea table? Lady Maria is about to announce the next activity.”
