A Wedding In Springtime(113)

“If they thought that, they could not have known your kind heart. No one could know you and be surprised if you came home with a passel of orphans.”

“Oh! Do you think I could bring home them all?”

“No, my dear. But it does you credit to consider it.”

“I’m not sure it does those orphans any good.”

“It has been a trying day. Perhaps we can tease ourselves with this problem later?”

Genie was flooded with a warmth that pinched at her cheeks. He had spoken of them as “we” and her response was ridiculously swift. “Yes, of course.”

“Something I should like to show you,” said Grant with a smile, stepping into the light and offering his arm. He was, as always, a fine figure, though more refined in his choice of color pallet, with a blue superfine, double-breasted coat and white silk waistcoat over white breeches.

Genie accepted his proffered arm. For good or ill, she would go with him anywhere. They went down the staircase together, and then, instead of turning right to descend the main stairwell into the ballroom, they turned left and Grant whisked her down the servants’ stairs.

“Where are we going?” Genie had a suspicion Grant had brought her to a secluded place to exchange a kiss or perhaps something more. And why should he not suspect her willing? She was a fallen lady after all, and with Grant, she might even be convinced to fall again.

“Place I wish to show you.” Despite their secluded location, Grant maintained the standard of high propriety. Grant opened the stair door into the hot bustle of the kitchen and led her through to the back door into Marchford’s new garden.

A gentle breeze had blown away much of the London haze, so the moon was actually visible, wreathed in an ethereal glow. The gardens were indeed a showpiece, the flowers in bloom, a sweet scent swirling through the lush greens. New flowering plants had been added to the straight hedgerows; lavender, lilies, roses, rhododendrons, and violets brightened the garden.

Grant led her a ways through the garden until they reached the doors leading back to the ballroom. The music of a country dance floated through the garden, but thick curtains covered the windows so they remained unseen. Genie was struck at the intimacy of enjoying the delights of a ball in the privacy of their own private garden.

“Shall we?” Grant held out a hand and Genie took it. Grant led her in the steps of the dance until Genie’s heart pounded with more than just the exercise.

Grant gradually moved slower, until his hands encircled her waist and they embraced, revolving in slow circles. The music had died out and Genie could no longer hear any sounds from the ball. It was as if everyone were holding their breath for this moment.

“Mr. Grant, I cannot express enough how grateful I am that you came to find me, to save me.” Genie smiled. “When I was in that cellar, I feared no one would miss me or care that I had gone.”

Grant smiled down at her. “I will always be there to rescue you. Though with how you handled yourself today, you may be the one rescuing me.”

“Well,” said Genie taking a step back. It was time to gain some distance or her heart would truly break when it came time to say good-bye. “Despite how the day started, and all the chaos that ensued, my brother was saved, and we seem to have escaped without scandal, except for Lady Louisa and the duke. I do feel sorry we were not able to help their case, but we did try.”

“Indeed we did. Hopeless case from the start.”

“Since Louisa was already married, yes indeed. I admit it’s more gumption than I thought she had. I am sorry for the gossip, but I do wish her every happiness.”

“I have a plan to help reduce the gossip.”

“Do you? I wish you well in it. You are very clever.”

Grant paused with a rueful smile. “I have been called many things, but clever? Not that.”

“Oh, but you are!”

Grant shook his head. “Trouble with you is that you only see what you wish to see. I have never in my life met a woman as artless as you. I thought I knew women, but indeed, I either know nothing of your gender or you are a new sort of breed altogether.”

Genie suppressed a grin. “I believe I can assure you I am a female.”

“Yes, yes, of that we have proof, much to my enduring shame.”

Genie’s smile faded. “Do you regret our… err, last night?”

“Indeed I do!” Grant spoke with feeling. “If I had been anything but deeply, most vilely drunk, I would have marched you home immediately.”