A gasp came from Georgiana as she stumbled. “Oh!”
Percy wrapped his arm around her shoulders, steadying her, and gave a squeeze. “I’ve got you, my lady.” What he wouldn’t give to be back in the carriage, his lips locked with hers, his hands ready to explore her—
“Uncle Percy!” Barrington waved them over.
Percy sighed and directed Georgiana toward the others. Sadly, today was not meant for continuing the mating ritual. Some days he really envied birds their privacy of a nest high in a tree.
Cecilia stepped toward them. Her blue eyes sparkled as she gave a beautiful smile. “Good day. And who is your lovely guest?”
Percy nodded toward Georgiana. “May I present Lady Peregrine.”
Georgiana cleared her throat just loud enough for him to hear. What was she — Oh. Right. “I beg your pardon. This is Lady Ollerton.”
Barrington came closer and bowed to Georgiana. After greeting her, he stared straight at Percy, one eyebrow raised, but made no other expression about Percy’s faux pas. Percy was certain his slip of the tongue would not go unnoticed.
As Cecilia took Georgiana by the hand and led her to meet the other women and Conrad, Barrington chuckled. “Lady Peregrine? For a bird lover like you, what a coincidence that must be to have your new, uh, friend, be named for a falcon.”
“If you must know, dear boy, the bird reference is just a pet name from me.”
Daniel, who’d been close behind Barrington, unsuccessfully made his laugh into a cough. “And just how long have you been in her acquaintance?”
Percy lowered his eyebrows, pretending he had trouble recalling the date of their first meeting. Prepare yourself to be teased, Percy. “Well, that would have to be… yesterday.”
“Pardon?” Barrington leaned closer. “You’ve given the woman a pet name and you’ve only just met?”
“Why does that strike you as odd?” Somehow the name Peregrine just fit. It made perfect sense to him to call her thus. If the younger men paid more attention to birds, surely they would have seen the resemblance too. And Georgiana hadn’t protested. She hadn’t kicked him anyplace painful.
So far.
“Because, Uncle Percy, in all the years I’ve known you and have listened to you spout, yes spout about your conquests, never — not once — have you given a woman a pet name.”
Percy gazed somewhere near Barrington’s left ear. “Haven’t I?”
“Never.”
“Well… Hmm. Not sure what to say to that.”
Daniel glanced over his shoulder at the group of women a few yards away. “I have to say this is the first time I’ve ever seen you not know what to say.”
Percy harrumphed. “This from one of the men I personally helped to marry the love of his life when he thought there was no hope.”
“I’m just teasing you, you know.” One side of Daniel’s mouth rose.
Barrington tilted his head to the side. “What’s wrong, Uncle? Is there something about this Lady Peregrine that troubles you?”
Troubles me? You have no idea. His thoughts flew back to the carriage. His lips pressed to hers. His hands massaging the pliant flesh beneath the back of her gown. The heat that coiled like an impatient snake low in his belly ready to strike at the least provocation. “Oh I like her indeed. So much it frightens me.”
Barrington glanced toward the others and then touched Percy’s arm. “Say… you really do, don’t you?”
Percy shook his head in bewilderment. “I’m not really sure how it happened. And so quickly.”
“Didn’t you always tell us that it matters not how long you’ve known someone but it’s what’s in your heart that counts?”
“Did I? Must be smarter than I realized.” Percy glanced across the yard. Conrad’s mother was saying something to Georgiana, the latter standing ramrod straight as if ready to go on the attack. Were they going to fight? Good heavens! Better not let something like that happen. He pointed toward the women, indicating his intention, and then hurried to them.
When he reached Georgiana, it was obvious she was upset. Flushed cheeks, narrowed eyes. Toe of her boot tapping on the grass. What in the world had happened? She’d only been there for a few minutes. He couldn’t come right out and ask, though. Not in front of everyone else.
A loud squawk came from his left. A common cuckoo sat perched on the bench where Conrad’s family had previously been. Seemed to be a perfect opportunity to draw Georgiana away from Conrad’s grumping mother. He took Georgiana’s arm. “Have a look over there. At the bench. Do you see it?”
All eyes followed to where he pointed. Amelia clapped. Conrad paled, Cecilia nodded, and the dowager scowled.
But his lovely Lady Peregrine’s expression said it all. Eyes wide in wonder. Smile broad and open, her white teeth just peeking through her lips. Hands clasped in delight. “Oh,” she whispered, “might we get closer?”
“Of course.” Not only would it serve the purpose of separating her from the dowager, it would also give her pleasure. And from the moment he’d met her, doing that had dominated his thoughts.
With hastened steps they hurried toward the bench, slowing a few feet away from the bird. Without comment or a glance to each other, they slowed at exactly the same time, not wanting to frighten the bird. How extraordinary.
Georgiana reached up and placed her hand on Percy’s arm. Hers trembled. Not in fear, he knew, because his did the same. No, in excitement, wonder.
Percy’s heart pounded hard against his ribs. He’d never experienced this before. Never had the joy of having another person take such delight in seeing a bird. How was it possible he’d gone his entire life without it?
No matter. It’s here now. And I intend to enjoy it and Georgiana to the fullest.
With their steps in unison, they tiptoed until they were a scant few feet from the bird. The cuckoo didn’t fly away but sat on the bench, its little head tilted to one side, its dark eyes staring at them. Was it as interested in them?
From behind them, Percy heard laughter and then his name. The others, of course, gained amusement from his love of birds. It used to bother him a bit. But being here with Georgiana, sharing this experience, knowing she felt as strongly as he did, made all the years of good-natured ridicule seem worth it.
The cuckoo hopped closer to the edge of the bench but still didn’t fly away. Somehow, it almost seemed that it knew Percy and Georgiana meant it no harm. It lifted one wing, preened a bit, and fluffed its magnificent feathers, which brought a lovely sheen to its overall appearance.
Georgiana whispered, “Isn’t it extraordinary?”
Percy kept his voice low too. “Indeed.”
Without warning, the bird’s eyes widened and it flapped its wings.
What on earth?
From behind them, stomping footsteps approached. “Go away! You disgusting creature!” It was the dowager.
Percy turned, his mouth dropping open, as he watched the woman storm toward the bench, waving her arms.
Percy glanced back at the bird. Did the dowager have any idea that right at that moment she mirrored the bird as it flapped its wings?
With an indignant squawk, the bird flew away and up, circling around and landing on a branch a few feet above them.
Georgiana, with storm clouds brewing behind her eyes, frowned at the dowager. “Why did you do that?”
The dowager didn’t bother addressing Georgiana, but instead pointed at the bird. “Those things are repulsive. I don’t want it anywhere in my vicinity.”
“I’m quite certain it wanted nothing to do with you, either!” Georgiana leaned forward as if ready for battle.
Oh dear.
Percy grabbed her arm and propelled her back toward the others. Instead of embarrassment at the scene between the two women, he felt pride. Yes, his Lady Peregrine, defending the bird, had warmed his heart as nothing else could have possibly done.
Ah, Georgiana, where have you been all of my life?
Chapte
r Four
Miriam Croome, dowager of the Lofton estate, nearly salivated at the sight of the elder Mr. Radcliff. She’d seen him in the past but hadn’t exchanged more than a few words. Why hadn’t she noticed his appeal before? The man had an almost feral quality about him, as if he were one with nature.
Heat crept up her face. What are you thinking? One with nature? You despise nature. Hadn’t she always tried to keep her son Conrad from any outdoor activities? Demanded that he stay clean and tidy, having nothing to do with dirt and animals? Not that it mattered now, as his wife, Amelia, had put a stop to that.
Still, she was inexplicably drawn to Mr. Radcliff. How extraordinary. She hadn’t wanted to be with a man since the one who had actually fathered Conrad a few months before she married Lord Lofton. And that had been…
Well never mind how long ago. Parts of her person that she’d thought dead and buried were suddenly springing to life. But that woman, the one who had accompanied him. She was quite attached to the man. Literally. She seemed to not want to stand apart from him.
Can I blame her? Surely she senses the masculine sexual attraction rolling off of Mr. Radcliff?
Blast it all. Why did that Lady Ollerton have to be here anyway? Miriam, aghast at the way her body was reacting to the man yet loath to part with the sensation, was sure she could come up with some way to get to know him better. They’d been previously introduced, so that wasn’t an issue. But simply talking to the man wasn’t really what she had in mind anyway.
Miriam! What has come over you?
She tamped down her conscience, something she’d never let interfere in what she wanted to do in the past. Now was not the time to start listening to it whine and wheedle. No, there had to be a way, some way, that she could get Mr. Radcliff to notice her. But what?
After having words with the simpering Lady Ollerton, Amelia had hurriedly called for food to be brought out. Had she been hoping to diffuse the tension between the two women? Everyone had gathered around the tables, waiting for their meal.
Impatient at having to wait to eat, Miriam wandered away from the group and returned to the bench to sit and gaze at her new obsession. She eyed the seat carefully first, making sure not to sit on anything unmentionable or disgusting that might have been left by that bird. Why did these people always long to spend time out-of-doors, anyway?
Sitting in the shadows as she was, Miriam was somewhat hidden from view of anyone coming from the house. Two maids walked past, each carrying a tray of food. Miriam, seeing servants as lazy and mostly worthless, did however perk up her ears when she heard her own name.
“Why is that awful dowager Croome even here?” asked one. “She is so unpleasant.”
“I agree,” said the other. “A maid in her employ told me how disagreeable she is to work for.”
The two young women reached the table and set down their trays.
Miriam’s blood boiled. One of her own servants badmouthed her to another maid? The gall! Too bad Miriam didn’t know which servant, then she could merrily torment the girl and make her life miserable for spouting off.
Mr. Radcliff laughed from across the yard, drawing Miriam’s attention from the stupid maids. She gritted her teeth together when Percy took hold of Lady Ollerton’s hand and placed it on his arm.
Why can’t that be me? Though if she was close enough to him to do that, she’d want to do more. So much more. Her fingers ran a circle around her knee, imagining it was his knee instead.
The maids, now empty-handed after delivering the trays, passed by Miriam’s hiding place once more. Though Miriam didn’t believe they were right, that she was so disagreeable, was that what Mr. Radcliff would think? If a maid in his household had heard the lies, it was entirely possible that he’d heard something of the like too.
That wouldn’t do. Not at all.
How could she convince him otherwise?
She still couldn’t believe she was actually considering all of this. What was it about the man that beckoned to her? Caused her to think thoughts she’d not had since she was a girl of seventeen?
She hadn’t a clue. All Miriam knew was she didn’t want to let it, let him slip away. The rush of physical sensations was too wonderful to let go.
Glaring through narrowed eyes at Lady Ollerton, Miriam almost wished some harm would come to the woman. Then there wouldn’t be an obstacle to the dashing Mr. Radcliff. As she watched, Lady Ollerton stumbled. Mr. Radcliff quickly came to her aid, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders. And pulling her much too close.
That’s it!
Miriam could stage some sort of accident while in Mr. Radcliff’s presence. Of course, she’d have to tag along with her son and daughter-in-law once more, but it would be worth it. Mr. Radcliff seemed the sort to come to someone’s rescue. She’d just have to convince him that she wasn’t as bad as others made her out to be. A bump on the head from a faked fall and temporary amnesia just might do the trick. After that, she’d make sure to get him in her clutches.
And never let go.
Chapter Five
Percy gave a pat to Georgiana’s hand that rested on his arm. “I thought perhaps we could do some bird-watching here at Hyde Park.”
“Wouldn’t a better place have been the Bird Sanctuary?” She arched one eyebrow.
“My dear Lady Peregrine, that’s where everyone goes to see birds. This is more original.”
“I must agree about the original part. That is, you are certainly an original.”
He puffed out his chest. “Why, thank you.”
Georgiana laughed and lightly smacked his shoulder. “Are you certain that was a compliment?”
He frowned. “How could it have been otherwise intended?”
“I must say, I’ve never met anyone quite like you.” She tilted her head and studied him closely, her gaze roving over his face and shoulders.
“Why thank—” Percy snapped his mouth closed. Another questionable compliment? A man could get a complex after too many of those.
Georgiana squeezed his arm, seeming not to notice his mental discomfort. “Hopefully we’ll see some birds while we’re here.”
“That is the general idea.” He stopped so abruptly they both nearly stumbled. “Do you like secrets?”
She raised one eyebrow and smiled, looking every bit like a little girl who’d hidden something special and wouldn’t share the details of where she’d put it. “I live for them.”
He angled his head until he was close to her ear. A few wisps of her hair tickled his lips. “Another reason for not going to the Sanctuary was so a certain attractive woman wouldn’t fall out of any trees.”
She straightened. “But it wasn’t so bad. If you hadn’t seen me in a lump beneath that tree, we wouldn’t have met.”
He nodded and drew his arm across her shoulders, glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby. “That would have been a terrible shame indeed.”
“Besides, there are trees here.” She waved her hand vaguely to the side.
Oh no… “But, Georgiana, you wouldn’t. Surely.”
“And why not? Who’s to prevent me?” A light shushing sound came from below them as she tapped her boot in the grass.
Percy leaned down until his forehead nearly brushed hers. “I believe I’m the man for that position.”
“Do you?” She poked his chest. “That confident of your qualifications, are you?”
“If I must say so, yes.” If there was one attribute of which he could be sure when it came to ladies, it was confidence. He pushed away the dawning realization that with this woman it might be different.
She ran one finger coyly down his chest. “I do like a confident man.”
Percy stood up to his full height and took a deep breath.
“Though… over confidence isn’t very becoming.”
“I see.” Deflating indeed. His shoulders slumped.
“Oh, I didn’t mean you.” Georgiana grabbed his arm and held it so tight to her side that his
sleeve brushed against her breast.
Warmth caused perspiration to form around his cravat. “I… that is… well now I’m not at all sure what I’d intended to say…” He tugged at the piece of cloth to try and breathe a little easier. Why did men have to wear the blasted things anyway?
Some geese flew overhead, honking and flapping their wings in a steady beat.
Georgiana shaded her eyes as she tilted back her head. “Don’t you find geese fascinating?”
“Quite.” But he wasn’t watching the geese. With her head angled back, all he could think of was placing kisses up and down her throat.
“And I love it when they honk.”
“Um-hmm.” He could imagine running his tongue right below her ear.
“They speak to each other while in the air, signaling who should be next in line to fly to the front and lead the formation.”
“Certainly.” Was there someplace private nearby where they could be alone? Being so near her yet unable to act out his thoughts was a torment he nearly couldn’t stand.
“Such a pity people can’t get along and be more like the geese.”
“Oh, I agree.” Perhaps he could unbutton the top of her dress and press his lips to her bare shoulders.
“Wouldn’t it be lovely to be up there with them? To flap our arms and peer at the world below?”
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.” And after that I could—
She changed her focus back to him, her light brown eyes wide and unblinking. “Why are you looking at me? The geese are up there.”
“Because you’re more beautiful than geese, my little peregrine.”
“Oh, Percy, you do say the sweetest things.” She giggled and fluttered her long eyelashes.
Percy smirked. “So I’ve been told before.”
That seemed to have gotten her attention. “Oh? By whom?”
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