“What you say is true, but let us be realistic. Because of his awkward gait, the chances of Spencer hurting himself are greater than someone who can walk normally.”
“I agree, which is merely one more reason why I think these lessons in basic pugilism are a good idea. They will strengthen him. Help him gain balance. And that in turn will boost his confidence in himself. You could see how pleased he was with himself when he flattened me.”
“Yes. However, I think you helped him a bit there. And please do not forget how he’d almost fallen just before that.”
“Catherine, I’m not going to lie to you. He’d almost fallen a dozen times before you arrived.” Her eyes widened, and her cheeks paled. “But I steadied him each time. And each time, more minutes passed before he lost his balance again. He improved rapidly, and only after one lesson. Just as he did yesterday with the riding.”
“I actually tried to interest Spencer in learning to ride when he was younger. But he never wanted to try. Believing that the size of the horses frightened him, I purchased Aphrodite as a pony, but Spencer was not interested. Just as I did with venturing off the estate grounds, I finally stopped asking.” Her eyes met his, and his heart performed its familiar Catherine-induced roll. “Your presence here seems to have the effect of making my son wish to expand his horizons and try new things.”
“Does that upset you?”
She considered for several seconds, then said, “No, but I must admit that the cautious mother in me would have preferred that Spencer ask for lessons in backgammon rather than riding, pugilism, and fencing.”
Andrew smiled. “Believe me, the boy does not need any lessons on how to play backgammon.”
“But the nurturing mother in me wants my son to have as normal and full a life as possible. When I think of the added mobility learning to ride will afford him… I’m thrilled for him.” She blew out a long breath. “I cannot allow my fears to dampen his enthusiasm and his budding independence. But even as I say that, I’ll worry and be concerned for his safety. I’m entrusting his safety to you, Andrew.”
He brought her hands to his mouth and touched his lips to her fingertips, enjoying the way her bream caught at the gesture. “I am honored and humbled by your faith in me, as I know how important Spencer is to you. I swear your trust is not misplaced. Now, has this matter been settled?”
“Yes, I suppose it has. But be warned: I’ll be keeping my eye on you.”
He smiled. “How delightful, as I relish having your eye upon me. A moment ago you said that my presence here seems to have the effect of making your son wish to expand his horizons and try new things. Does my presence perchance have the same effect on his mother?”
His heart skipped at the unmistakable flare of awareness in her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I’d like to invite you to try something new with me. I’ve never taken a moonlight stroll through an English country garden. Would you care to join me tonight?”
“You’ve a sudden yen to smell roses under the cover of darkness?”
“No. I’ve a long-standing yen to walk with you in a garden under the cover of darkness.” He very much enjoyed the way her eyes flickered at his admission. “If we were in London, I’d invite you to Vauxhall. Since we are in Little Longstone, I am forced to improvise.” He gave in to the overwhelming urge and trailed his fingertips over her satiny cheek. “Will you join me?”
She said nothing as her gaze searched his, and his heart pounded so loud he swore she had to hear it. He was asking for more than a simple walk. They both knew it. But surely she’d thought about last night’s conversation. He’d thought of little else. Surely she’d reached some sort of conclusion. Yet with each passing second of silence his hopes faded, as he could see she was still wrestling with her decision.
Then, finally, she cleared her throat. “Yes, Andrew. I will join you.”
He supposed that in the history of mankind sweeter words might have possibly been spoken, but he’d be damned if could imagine what those words might have been.
Catherine spent the entire evening in a mood of unprecedented heightened awareness that pushed her toward a state of near giddiness. Everything seemed sharper, clearer, all her senses fully engaged. She could not recall a time when mutton had tasted so savory, carrots more delicious, or wine more heady. With her every movement, her aqua muslin gown brushed against her uncommonly sensitive skin, skipping tingles along her nerve endings. The flickering pale tapers in the silver candelabra glowed brighter, the sound of Spencer’s laughter delighted her more, and the deep timbre of Andrew’s voice shivered thrills of anticipation down her spine.
Had any man ever looked so enticing? So tempting? The muted candlelight highlighted his dark good looks, casting his face in an intriguing array of shadows that lured her gaze again and again. Dressed in a dark blue jacket, snowy shirt, and fawn breeches, he looked masculine, imposing, and utterly delicious.
Every look that passed between them inflamed her, heating her skin. Every smile he gave her fluttered excitement to her heart. She knew that her upcoming moonlight stroll with Andrew was responsible for a good portion of her giddiness, but the rest of it was due to the course of action she’d mapped out for herself. She was resolute. She knew what she wanted. And after several hours of mulling over her options this afternoon, she’d finally figured out how to get it. Now she just hoped that she could stand the anticipation until she could put her plan into action.
After dinner the three of them retired to the drawing room, where she watched Andrew and Spencer play a spirited, highly competitive game of backgammon.
“This is your last roll, Mr. Stanton,” Spencer chortled, rubbing his hands together with glee. “You are about to be defeated.”
“Perhaps. But if I roll a double six, I win.”
Spencer gave a derisive snort. “What are the chances of that?”
Andrew smiled. “One in thirty-six.”
“Not very good odds.”
“They could be worse.”
Andrew rolled the dice onto the board. Catherine stared in amazement at the pair of sixes.
Spencer’s eyes goggled, then he laughed. “Blimey. I’ve never seen such luck, have you, Mum?”
“No,”Catherine said with a laugh. “Mr. Stanton is indeed very lucky.” Her gaze shifted to Andrew, and when their eyes met, he smiled.
“Yes, I am indeed a very lucky man.”
His smile wrapped around her like a warm cloak, surrounding her in an aura of pleasurable heat.
Spencer rose, then extended his hand. “Excellent job. But I’ll emerge victorious when next we play.”
Andrew stood and solemnly shook his hand. “I shall look forward to the challenge.”
Spencer yawned, then shot Catherine a sheepish look. “I’m tired,” he admitted.
“You had a busy day.” She sent Andrew an arch, sideways look. “What with knocking Mr. Stanton on his bottom and all.”
Spencer chuckled, then stifled another yawn. “I think I’d like to go to bed. I need to rest up for tomorrow’s riding and pugilism lessons.”
Catherine ignored the brick of worry that landed in her stomach at the thought of those lessons. “All right, darling. Do you want me to help you with the stairs?”
“No, thank you. I can do it myself.”
Catherine forced herself to nod and smile. And accept but yet another step in her son’s need for self-reliance. “Sleep well.”
“I always do.” He kissed Catherine’s cheek, shook Andrew’s hand, then quit the room, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.
Andrew’s gaze met hers, and his eyes were filled with quiet understanding. “The closer to adulthood we get,” he said, “the more we want to do things for ourselves.”
“I know. Deep down, I’m very proud of his emerging independence, but there’s also that part of me that misses the little boy who needed me for everything.”