The sunny yellow blooms in front of her were gorgeous, but she wanted to explore more of the garden. She didn’t know how much time she had before her sister noticed her absence. Teddy strolled along the flower beds until she heard voices and stopped suddenly. Was someone having a secluded meeting? How scandalous…
“I am glad you decided to join me,” a woman said. Her tone was husky as she spoke. “Together we can find the ultimate pleasure.”
The lady sounded familiar, but Teddy couldn’t place her voice. Maybe if she moved a little closer she could sneak a peek of her and her companion. Teddy took a few more steps but froze when the man started to speak.
“My lady,” Viscount Carrolton said. “You’re too bold.”
Teddy’s heart sank when she realized he was the one meeting a lady in the middle of the garden. She’d known he was a rake, but she hadn’t believed she’d witness one of his interludes again. A secret part of her had fantasized about him and hoped one day he’d see her and desire her as she did him. It was foolish, but she couldn’t help what her heart wanted.
“But have I enticed you enough to join me tonight?”
He chuckled. “I don’t believe you have. It takes more than a little teasing to tempt me.”
“If you join me, I promise it’ll be a night to remember.”
Teddy now hated her, not that she was certain of her identity, and she couldn’t listen to another word of it. She had to go before she witnessed something she wouldn’t ever be able to forget. She turned around and headed back to the party before she gave it much thought. Teddy had discovered more than she’d bargained for by exploring the gardens. The time Viscount Carrolton had spent with her at the ball had given her false hopes…hopes she hadn’t fully understood she’d developed. It had broken her heart to have her dream burst—a dream she hadn’t realized she harbored. It was good she hadn’t wanted to fall in love and planned on quiet life in the country…alone. It didn’t sound quite so appealing any longer; however, there was no other option. It would be her life, and she’d find a way to be content with it. There was no happy ever after in her future, and Viscount Carrolton apparently was incapable of loving only one woman. No matter how much she wished it so…
Ezra had no intention of meeting with Lady Findley. She was a young widow in search of a lover. A few days ago he would have gone to bed with her and enjoyed every moment of it. Now all he could think about was Lady Theodora. He had extricated himself from his current predicament, but he was not certain how to accomplish that goal.
A ping echoed back as if something small, like a pebble, had ricocheted off of one of the clay planters in the garden. “Did you hear that?” he asked.
“I did not hear anything.” She moved closer to him and trailed her fingers over his chest. He reached over and lifted them away.
“This is not the place or the time for such indiscretions,” he said coldly. “Someone could easily witness us, and while you might be all right with that risk, I am not.”
“My apologies. I wasn't thinking...” She popped her bottom lip out in a small pout. It didn't move Ezra in the least. “Please forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive. We are done. Don't approach me in this manner ever again.” He took a step back. “Now, I am going to leave. Stay here at least a quarter hour after I'm gone before you return to the party.”
He didn't wait for her to respond. Ezra never should have gone into the garden. He hadn't done so to meet with the widow. When he'd strolled in, it’d been to avoid the party and Lady Theodora. He was starting to fear Fox was right. His fascination with her was unnerving. It couldn't be good.
Ezra took quick steps to exit the garden as fast as possible. When he got to the end of the path he breathed a sigh of relief. He headed to the far side of the group of people and avoided all of them. They might try to lure him into a conversation, and in his current mood, he might say something he would come to regret.
As he passed a group of ladies gossiping, he stopped suddenly when he caught sight of the lady currently occupying his mind. Lady Theodora was near the small pond, staring across it. Her arms were folded over his chest almost as if she were hugging herself.
He might come to regret it, but he had to talk to her. Avoiding her wasn't helping. Perhaps if he spent more time with her he could learn something that might deter him from further interaction. Surely, she had flaws. Everyone did. He went toward her and stopped behind her. “It seems like a nice enough pond. Are you planning on swimming?”
She turned her head and met his gaze. “I am not like my sisters, my lord. Swimming has never appealed to me.”
“No?” He lifted a brow. “Why do your sisters enjoy it then?” Ezra realized then he knew next to nothing about her. She hadn't told him her name. He'd had to learn that from that wretched Lady Windley's daughter.
