It only lasted a moment, certainly not long enough as she would have liked. When they broke apart, breathless and wanting, she would have given anything to buy out the gallery for their own personal use. To buy just a few minutes more — to have an excuse and reason to leave her hands on him for just a little longer.
Her eyes opened slowly, her breathing erratic as her hooded gaze lifted to his.
Dash propriety …
She was of half a mind to pull him right back to her, to coax his lips back to bee-stung lips when Lucy came back around the corner once more, forcing them apart.
With a subtle smile playing on his lips, Tristan’s voice, rich with desire, trembled like a secret shared between them. “Seraphina,” he murmured, his words a caress against her skin, “there is something further I wish to ask you.”
The world beyond their cocoon of intimacy seemed to hold its breath, time bending to their will. The anticipation that danced in his eyes sent shivers down her spine.
His fingers brushed against the tips of her fingers, hidden by her side away from prying eyes, his touch gentle and intimate. “Tomorrow, Lord Thorne is hosting a rather fanciful picnic for himself and Lady Elizabeth. He asked me to invite you to join the three of us …” His voice held a note of hope, a desire for her to say yes.
A mixture of surprise and pleasure flickered in her eyes. A picnic, a casual gathering, yet the invitation felt like something more than that. The prospect of sharing time with Elizabeth and Lord Thorne felt like an extension of this delicate intimacy they were building. Undoubtedly, spending time with just the four of them would be lovely, acting as chaperones to one another … the underlying implications of that thrilled her.
Seraphina’s heart raced as she met his gaze, her lips curving into a soft smile as she nodded her acceptance. “I would be delighted,” she replied, her voice a mere whisper yet carrying a depth of emotion. The prospect of spending more time with Tristan amidst the beauty of the countryside, felt like a dream she dared not awaken from.
Tristan’s smile matched hers, a genuine warmth in his eyes. As he leaned in, his lips brushed against her cheek in a chaste yet lingering kiss, as if sealing their unspoken agreement.
Chapter 23
The sun dappled through the leaves, casting a playful dance of light and shadow over the picturesque scene. Seraphina found herself drawn to the vibrant hues of the meadow, the gentle rustle of the breeze, and the joyous laughter that filled the air.
Beside her, Tristan was a vision of casual elegance, his unruly dark hair catching the sunlight and his green eyes alive with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat. She had hardly been able to sleep a wink last night in anticipation of today’s picnic. She was certain to be placing far too much importance on the matter, but it mattered not.
Elizabeth and Lord Thorne, the companions for their picnic, added to the atmosphere with their carefree spirits. They had chosen a cozy spot under the shade of a majestic tree, a chequered blanket spread out with an array of delectable treats. As they all settled down, the casual chatter began. Elizabeth, ever the vivacious one, animatedly recounted her recent escapades, much to the amusement of the others. Lord Thorne, though only slightly quieter, contributed with witty remarks that often had them all chuckling.
Seraphina felt a sense of ease among them, a feeling she rarely experienced in social gatherings. It was as though the world had softened its edges just for this moment, allowing her to savour the company of friends who embraced her for who she truly was. How simple it would be to live a life like this one.
Tristan’s gaze met hers, a knowing twinkle in his eyes that spoke of a shared secret, an unspoken connection that was palpable even in the midst of their companions. His presence anchored her, making her feel secure and understood.
The topic shifted naturally, as it often did, to the upcoming events of the ton. Elizabeth’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh, have you all heard about Lady Susannah’s spring party? It is said to be the grandest event of the season.”
Tristan raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at his lips. “Ah, yes, my dear aunt’s parties are always quite the spectacle.”
Lord Thorne leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “And what makes this one different?”
“Rumour has it,” Elizabeth said with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “that Lady Susannah has something particularly enchanting planned for the evening.”
Seraphina could not help smiling at the animated exchange. Despite her initial reservations, these interactions felt genuine, a far cry from the superficial conversations she had grown accustomed to. She would take this sort of afternoon over an evening spent at a ball with forced conversation any day of the week.
Tristan’s fingers brushed against Seraphina’s hand, a fleeting touch that sent a jolt of electricity through her veins. She glanced at him, catching the heat in his gaze before he returned to the conversation.
“Are you planning to attend, Lord Ashford?” Lord Thorne asked, a knowing grin on his face.
Tristan leaned back, his tone casual. “I suppose I must, considering it is my aunt’s event. And who knows what mysterious enchantments she has in store this time? Tristan turned to Seraphina, his expression warm. “Would you honour me with your presence at the party, Lady Seraphina?”
Elizabeth clapped her hand over her mouth to suppress a giggle. Seraphina knew how strange it must look to her friend to be so willingly engaging in behaviour like this. To allow the attentions of a gentleman, no, to welcome those attentions was strange for her friend to see, no doubt. She could feel Elizabeth staring at her with bated breath — if she agreed, she was all but stating plainly to her best friend that she was happily courting Tristan. As if it were not already obvious.
Her heart fluttered at his question, and she met his gaze with gratitude and delight. “I would be delighted to attend, Lord Ashford.”
His smile deepened, a shared understanding passing between them. The promise of the spring party held a new kind of allure now, one that was more than just social obligation. Though, she could not deny that a very large part of her hoped this invitation would include spending a little more time alone with one another like at the art gallery.
She was no better than Eve with the damned apple. She had sampled the forbidden fruit, and she wanted more, so much more.
As the remnants of their picnic were packed away, Elizabeth and Michael exchanged knowing glances, a silent agreement passing between them. They drifted away from the group without a word, seeking a moment of privacy.
Tristan offered his arm to Seraphina, his touch sending a subtle thrill through her. They strolled along a meandering path, the park’s tranquility wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. The sound of their footsteps mingled with the rustling of leaves as they walked side by side along a meandering path. Seraphina allowed the comfortable silence to settle between them for a while, taking in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
