She decided she'd take her luncheon out there. And bring along some paper and her family's cookbook, so she could copy her favorite recipes while she enjoyed the sunshine.
A few minutes later, having grabbed a bonnet and asked Peggy to arrange for luncheon, she made her way out the front door and down the steps, following the cobbled path that curved around the back of the mansion. A flash of motion by the river made her pause. Tris.
She watched him toss a stick and Rex jump into the river to retrieve it. Mere moments later, the big, wet mastiff scrambled up the bank and shook violently, spraying Tris with water that left splotches on his buff pantaloons.
Thinking she'd be tempted to laugh if she wasn't so uncertain of his feelings, she hurried toward him. "What are you doing?" she called.
To her relief, Tris looked over and grinned. "Playing with the poor beast. He's been dreadfully neglected of late." He eyed the book and paper in her hands. "What are you doing?"
"I was going to take luncheon in the gardens and copy some of my favorite recipes. Would you care to join me?"
"I'm sorry, but I cannot." Rex was panting at his feet. He bent to grab the stick and tossed it arcing out over the water, watching as the mastiff gleefully splashed in to fetch it. "I have business in Windsor."
She wondered vaguely what he needed to do. She knew Windsor was the nearest sizable town, but did he have his bank there? His solicitor? She'd expect those would be in London. She needed to learn these things if he wanted her to assist with the household finances as she had for Griffin, but they had yet to discuss anything like that.
And now was not the time. "When I couldn't find you," she said, "I thought you'd gone already."
"Without telling you I was leaving? I'm hurt you would think me so thoughtless." Obviously reading her face, he reached to pull her close. "And you were hurt thinking I had. I'm sorry." He tilted her bonnet back and bent to give her a soft kiss.
Emerging from the water, Rex barked. "He hates me," she said.
"He doesn't." Tris took the stick from the dog's teeth and tossed it once more, farther out this time. "If he hated you, he'd have taken a bite out of you by now."
While Rex bounded back into the river, Tris took the book and papers from her and set them on the grass, then wrapped his arms around her and brought his mouth to hers again. "I wanted you last night," he murmured against her lips. Then the kiss turned hot and needy, and the whole of her responded. She slipped her hands under his coat and pressed herself close, mindless of his damp, dog-splashed clothes. Her heart raced, and the blood rushed through her veins.
And she knew it was the same for him.
She was confused and unsure of his feelings from one moment to the next, but one thing she knew for certain: Nothing would ever change the physical pull that held them both in thrall.
Rex barked until they stopped kissing, then shook and sprayed them both this time. Alexandra laughed. Tris brushed ruefully at his damp coat. "I really must be going, and I fear Vincent won't let me off the property without a bath and a change of clothing. I promise to be home in time for dinner." He gave her another quick kiss, eliciting another bark, then started toward the house, the dog following at his heels. "Enjoy your afternoon," he called back.
Feeling warmed all over—especially inside—Alexandra retrieved her things and wandered around the house and through the formal gardens. Gravel crunched beneath her feet as she followed the paths bordering beds planted with brilliantly colored flowers. Finally she reached the area of grass walks that she'd seen, lined with hedges that enclosed many small, private compartments.
She smiled as she peeked into them, glimpsing not only a variety of rather wild-growing plants, but also a surprise in each area. Some hid copies of famous statuary, one a sundial, another a cozy bench for two. Choosing one with a tiny round white gazebo, she slid inside.
The structure's roof offered welcome shade, so she removed her bonnet and set it, along with her book, paper, and pencil, on the bench that curved against the back edge. No sooner had she taken a seat than a warm, motherly voice carried through the still summer air. "Lady Hawkridge?"
Alexandra rose and went to the opening. "Here, Mrs. Oliver!" she called, surprised that the housekeeper was bringing her luncheon instead of Peggy. "In the gazebo!"
A moment later, Mrs. Oliver entered the tiny garden. But she didn't have any food. Instead she carried a small stack of letters. "I brought these for you, dear. I thought you might want them right away."
Alexandra took them and flipped through the pile. There were six, one from each of her siblings and female cousins. Thrilled, she smiled at Mrs. Oliver. "Thank you so very much."
"Enjoy them, dear," the housekeeper said and walked away.
With a happy sigh, Alexandra went back to the bench. She opened the two letters from her sisters first. Juliana and Corinna had both written cheerful notes, wishing her well and relating several amusing anecdotes as well as telling her all about a lovely picnic they'd shared with their cousins. Griffin's letter was shorter, mostly saying he missed her very much and threatening bodily harm to her husband should he fail to take good care of her. Rachael told her all about the goings-on at Greystone and her preparations for her brother Noah's return. Claire's letter mentioned the picnic again. And then Alexandra opened the letter from her youngest cousin, Elizabeth.
We all miss you very much.
