“I should, perhaps, thank you for that endorsement,” she returned, feeling slightly uncertain over the mixed compliment. “I believe I may like you, as well.” Did he mean he wanted to know her better? Perhaps they could gain a more serious understanding of each other? Nora gave a quick shake of her head, realizing she was uncertain of anything where he was concerned.
“Perhaps we should discuss the ceremony. I have yet to speak of this with Grandmama. It will thrill her, of course. It is what she has wanted all my life—something she could not give her own daughter…” She allowed her voice to drift away on the words. She had always understood Mother’s reasoning, as she had explained it to her. However, did Nora want something altogether different?
“You are right, of course. We should speak of the ceremony.” Colin picked up a small piece of cheese from his plate and nudged it against her lips.
She opened her mouth and accepted the cheese, following it with a sip of lemonade.
“Thank you.” Smiling, she pulled a grape from its cluster and fed it to him.
“It is my turn to thank you,” he said, edging closer. “Would you mind if I kissed you?”
She glanced about them and saw no one about them. A thrill shot through her body. She wanted his kiss. “I would very much like you to kiss me, my lord.”
He placed his hands lightly on either side of her head and leaned forward, feathering small kisses on her lips.
“Mm… your scent is so soft. I think I can detect more than honeysuckle in the fragrance.”
To her astonishment, she giggled. “I must compliment your nose, my lord. There is more to my fragrance than honeysuckle. Mother and Father gifted a bottle to me for my twelfth birthday, and I have worn it ever since. Do you care to hazard a guess?”
“I do.” He smiled devilishly. “It does require a deeper investigation, though.” His mouth moved from her lips to her neck, grazing kisses along her collarbone.
Warm heat from his breath traveled through the yellow muslin of her dress, causing an involuntary shiver and a gasp of excitement.
“Are you cold?” he breathed, his concern clear, as he cupped her face in his hands and rested his forehead gently against hers.
“Not at all. I am quite…” She grappled for the right word, “…enchanted.”
“Is it citrus?” he continued, delicately nibbling her earlobes. “Your fragrance?” he clarified.
“Yes… and one other ingredient…” She exhaled slowly.
“Ah… I recognize… bergamot.” He did not wait for her to respond. His lips covered hers in a deep kiss. His tongue swirled the cavity of her mouth, dancing with her own. When he pulled back, she noticed they were both struggling to slow the rapid accent of breath the kiss had stirred.
“That was a… pretty thank you, Colin,” she said, amused. “I wonder what a piece of meat would have achieved me?”
He roared with laughter. “I have to admit, I rather enjoyed its delivery.” A teasing smile lit up his face. “There is such intensity when we kiss.” He paused, as if debating his next words. “For a moment, I rather lost my head. I am thus grateful for the privacy we were fortunate to enjoy. Perhaps we should return to discussing our wedding?”
Nora noticed he had changed ‘the’ wedding to ‘our’ wedding. Her heart hitched.
“My grandmother will wish to make this a famous event, even though she knows I would prefer to avoid that.” She face warmed as she eyed the basket. “Perhaps a glass of wine would aid our discussion?” She laughed, feeling brighter.
“That sounds like a good idea,” he agreed, opening the wine. He took their glasses and poured some wine into each.
“This is quite good.” Nora swirled the white wine lightly in her glass before taking another sip.
“My mother will doubtless wish to be involved. I am sure their guest lists will be very similar. Would a larger wedding be so bad if it pleases two ladies we love?”
“I had always envisioned a small, intimate event,” she ventured. She started to add something inane, such as her dreams that a prince would scoop her up on his white horse and whisk her off, but swallowed and held her tongue. She doubted he would comprehend such a desire, and she did not want to disturb their growing understanding. “Mayhap, the ceremony can be intimate, and include some of their closest of friends,” she conceded, realizing that her grandmother would want to share her joy with her dearest friends. She imagined Lady Shefford would, as well. What Nora wanted was another one of his kisses. I had never been kissed until he kissed me. Now, I feel almost wanton—in constant need of another. I need more of him.
“If you feel strongly about the wedding, I will inform my mother of your wishes. I would imagine your grandmother will agree, as well.”
“You truly do not object?” she asked.
“I want what you want.”
Her heart squeezed at his words. Nora realized she cared about this man. Her heart had become engaged and she was unsure how she felt about it.
Chapter 16
Lord Wilford Whitton stood hidden behind a large mulberry bush across the street from the orphanage. Wearing a battered, hooded, black cape—apparently unnoticed—he watched a carriage arrive. Two occupants alighted. He recognized his niece, although not the gentleman. The man carried a basket and a blanket and appeared to be dangling after the woman.
Awareness struck, and the side of his mouth curved up in a crooked smile. He studied the two as walked up the steps of the building. Whitton chuckled at his own prowess. He had looked over the entire property, using a loosened board from the tall fence surrounding the backyard as entry.
“It seems my niece has discovered another means of
