But she’d changed a lot over the past year, and she’d come to realize that perhaps she wanted more from life…and more from love.
And with that realization came the awareness that she was falling in love—and it felt different from before. It was Sebastian who filled her mind and heart. She’d never experienced such feelings before. From the first moment they’d met at the Clarence ball, she’d felt an immediate connection to him. A spark that had become brighter and stronger with every conversation, every moment spent with Sebastian. And when he kissed her, the spark had flared into a flame of yearning.
Closing her eyes, she imagined fencing with Sebastian, then waltzing, then kissing. She imagined how just the touch of his hand made heat spiral through her. She loved the way he looked at her as though she were the only woman in the world. She loved his smile—charming one moment and sensual the next. She loved his kisses! Lord, she adored his kisses. She craved them even more than she craved chocolate. And that was saying something. She’d concluded that Sebastian’s kisses were even better than chocolate.
“Good morning,” Paula said, sticking her head in the door.
With a jolt, Katie spun around. “Oh! You startled me.” She’d been so lost in thought that she hadn’t heard the bedroom door open.
“Daydreaming?”
Katie smiled. “Yes and no.”
“That’s a provocative statement.” Paula grinned.
“I was just thinking about how used to the feel of the foil I’ve gotten,” Katie said, slipping the epee back into the parasol.
“It seems you’re getting used to more than that,” her cousin teased. “Do you expect Lord Soren this morning?” Paula asked, taking a seat on Katie’s bed. “For fencing lessons,” she added quickly.
Katie’s heart hitched. I wish! I’m not sure I can wait to see him again. “He mentioned having an appointment today that he needed to attend but asked if we might skip our lesson and take a drive to Hyde Park later this afternoon.
Katie hoped she would see him. He’s on my mind all the time—and I cannot deny my heart. Memories of his tender kisses and teasing voice occupied her thoughts day and night and were a welcome distraction from the nightmares she had suffered since Wendel’s death.
“Let’s take advantage of the day,” Paula suggested. “The weather is mild, and the sun might even make an appearance. How do you feel about walking to Gunter’s for chocolate? The cook’s chocolate is delicious, but nothing compares to Gunter’s. It’s really not far, and if you carry your parasol, I should feel most protected,” Paula said, grinning.
“Cheeky thing!” Katie said, nudging her cousin with her elbow. “I'd love to go to Gunter's, but perhaps we should consult the dowager first.” Those men had still not been caught, and she had promised Sebastian she would remain cautious.
“Well, I for one am glad to be given a day off from examining the dowager’s silk scarf collection,” Paula declared. “You realize it was her code for allowing you time alone with Lord Soren.”
Katie felt a blush warm her cheeks. She had suspected but had not known for sure. “So, you didn’t actually look at scarves?”
Paula shook her head, and they both burst into laughter.
“I must admit to being very impressed with her knowledge of fencing,” Katie said. “The woman is amazing. Even before Sebastian arrives for our lesson, she’s already put me through my paces.”
“And the way she swings that cane of hers—I would not want to cross her on a dark street at night!” Paula said.
“Yes, she is probably the most vibrant person I know—across all ages,” observed Katie.
“Ladies, you may go as long as you take my footman, Jason, and Millie,” the dowager said a short while later. It hadn’t taken Katie long to get ready, with Paula nipping at her heels.
“Until this business with those horrible men that killed Lord Colborne is cleared up, I think we must take precautions, now that Katie is out and about again.”
“Thank you, Duchess. We promise not to be long,” Katie said. “And with Jason and Millie, we should be fine.”
“Good. Don’t forget your parasol, dear,” the dowager said.
“Thank you, Duchess. My parasol goes wherever I go, now.” Katie smiled.
A few minutes later they were on their way to Gunter’s. Katie wore her blue pelisse against the slight chill in the air. And she carried her trusty parasol firmly in hand. She was almost tempted to thump it along the sidewalk just as the dowager did with her cane.
“I can almost taste the delicious chocolate,” Paula said, smacking her lips.
Millie and Jason were about to cross the road to Gunter’s when a black hackney pushed its way forward between the foursome, cutting off Jason’s and Millie’s view of Katie and Paula, and halted. Other vehicles followed, so Katie and Paula paused on the curb to wait for them.
“How rude!” Paula said, looking for Millie and Jason.
“Yes, very,” Katie said, gripping her parasol tightly in her hand as a sense of dread came over her. The hackney had essentially blocked Jason’s and Millie’s access, so they would have to go around it once the traffic slowed. Katie and Paula stepped around the hackney to wait for their friends.
