She reached for a bit of meat pie, but Mary held up her hand. “Remember, we serve his lordship first.”
“Oh yes,” Anne nodded and turned to her father. “What would you like to eat, my lord?”
Sin’s eyebrows rose. “A meat pie and some chicken, please.”
Mary tapped a bowl of fruit, giving Anne a wink. Anne nodded, folding her hands and turning to her father to practice her manners. “You must try the dates. They are in season and delightful.”
“I will take your recommendation, my lady.” And he gave Mary a long look that made her shift on the ground, her eyes dropping to her lap.
“Very good,” Anne replied sitting up straighter and nodding along. “Would you also care for some tea?”
“Tea would be lovely.” And then he dipped his chin in a nod of acknowledgement. Mary’s breath stuck in her throat. She knew what his gesture meant. He understood what Mary had been attempting to accomplish with this picnic lunch. Anne was still engaged in lessons. The entire affair had been a big lesson on first preparing food, then learning the proper way to serve. Of course, Anne had barely noticed, which was the best way to teach someone. But Sin clearly understood what Mary was doing with the day and he appreciated her efforts.
And that was more pleasing to Mary than if he’d winked at her during a ball or asked her to dance.
They ate their meal, Anne doing her best to make the small talk as Mary had instructed her. “Isn’t the day lovely?” she asked at one point.
“The breeze is a delight,” Mary had answered. “And your garden, Lord Sinclair, is stunning. What a beautiful place.”
Anne had clapped her hands. “Last year it was overgrown but this year we were able to hire a gardener again.”
Mary didn’t answer as she studied Sin. His mouth tightened as he too remained silent. She knew he’d taken over the Gaming Hell from Darlington and the others and clearly he needed the funds if he was hiring staff he hadn’t previously been able to afford. Finally, she cleared her throat. “I’m so glad the gardener was able to do such a lovely job.”
“Wait a moment.” Anne jumped up. “There are some snapdragons I want to show you. They’re my favorite flower the gardener planted this year. Maybe we’ll draw those.” Then the girl was off, disappearing down a path.
Mary glanced over at Sin to find his head bent low as he stared at his hands. “This picnic has been lovely. I’m glad to use the garden. I have to confess we haven’t been out here much.”
Mary scooted a bit closer. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Anne certainly has and she’s learning a great deal.”
“I noticed,” he answered. “And you’re learning a great deal about us too.”
Mary shook her head though he wasn’t looking at her.
“My father didn’t leave me with the flushest Earldom,” he said still looking down. “I was struggling from the moment I took over. And after my wife passed three years ago…” His mouth turned down, as tight lines of pain marked his face.
She didn’t think. Reaching out, she placed a hand on his arm. “No need to explain to me. I’ve lived off my aunt and uncle for the past five years. I envy you the opportunity to change your situation. I only wish that I could do the same for myself.”
He placed a hand over hers and a tingling of energy spread up her arm. She looked down at the intimate gesture but then his words pulled her gaze back up. “Why don’t you marry? Won’t your aunt and uncle sponsor you?”
She dropped her chin to her chest. “They already financed one season. I won’t be any more of a burden to them then I’ve already been.”
“Burden?” he asked, his fingers squeezing hers. “It’s your uncle’s duty to care for you.”
She looked at him then, his deep brown eyes drawing her in. “I suppose. I feel better, inside, when I am useful. I much prefer teaching Anne then batting my eyelashes at balls.”
He stared at her for a moment longer before he leaned closer, his breath tickling her cheeks. And then, slowly, softly, he placed his lips on top of hers. She’d kissed before. But not like this. This light touch stole the air from her lungs and sent shivers of pleasure straight to her core.
Dear lord, she was in very deep trouble.
Sin had just made a terrible mistake. Mary’s lush lips under his felt better than anything he’d ever experienced before. So supple and yielding, they pressed to his with a passion that belied the gentle touch.
His body responded with a roaring need. He wanted more.
Which was a mistake. He shouldn’t have even kissed her. She was a tutor, his employee, and all wrong for him.
He pulled away, listening to his head even as his body protested. “Miss Chase,” he growled out, his voice hoarse and deep. “My apologies. I should not have—”
Her eyes widened and her head snapped back. “Your apologies?” Then she pursed her lips. “There’s no need.” But she pulled her hand from his arm and used it to push herself to stand. “I’ll find Anne.”
Regret tightened his chest. He shouldn’t have kissed her, but just as bad, he should not have expressed regret. “Wait.”
She stilled, her hands fisting her skirts as though she were about to run.
“You are a very attractive woman.” He stood too and reached for her hand. Reluctantly, she untangled her fingers from her skirts. He gently took her fingers in his. “But you are also under my employ and I would not want you to think I’d take advantage of that fact.”
Mary’s shoulders relaxed and her grip softened. “Thank you for the explanation.”
“Miss Chase,” Anne called. “I brought you a snapdragon in every color. Do you wish to see?”
“Very much,” she answered, stepping around him to greet Anne. “Oh, they are lovely. Run to the kitchen and fetch a vase. We’ll arrange them.”
Anne
