His Wayward Ward - A Regency Novella (Risque Regency) by Kate Harper

 
    Chapter One
     
     
     
     
    ‘I love you Eliza. So very much.’
    Eliza Percival shivered as Grayson’s lips slid down the sensitive column of her throat. She tried to forget that they could be discovered at any second; wanting to lose herself in the moment, but it was difficult. The shadowy arbor they had found in the Summer Garden Pavilion was a poor refuge.
    ‘Grayson -’ she began, wondering if she should push him away. His lips felt warm and so did she but the knowledge that they could be discovered at any time was rendering her enjoyment difficult.
    ‘Shh…’ he murmured, ‘don’t you like me touching you?’
    ‘Of course I do. It’s just that we might be seen.’
    ‘Stop worrying, my love,’ Grayson’s hand had wandered close to her breast, brushing against it through the thin material of her dress. ‘After all, we are going to be married.’
    Eliza stifled a soft gasp. No man had ever touched her so intimately! It felt… well, she was hardly able to decide what she felt. Excitement, trepidation and a strange, breathless warmth suffused her body, spreading from head to toe.
    ‘Grayson! I do not think -’
    ‘The roses are lovely, I suppose, but I do think those pink ones are inappropriate. Not in a garden of remembrance.’
    Both Eliza and Grayson froze. The voice that dripped with disapproval belonged to Lady Sternham, a woman whose good graces were essential if one wanted to prosper in Society; at least in Bath’s Society. It would be fatal to both Grayson and Eliza’s fortunes if they were discovered in such a compromising position. Eliza looked around her desperately, seeking a way out and was relieved to see another opening at the other end of the Pavilion. ‘Come on!’
    Together, they hurried out of the arbor, crouching behind a wall of privet hedges until Lady Sternham and her companion were past. Eliza smiled up at her beau, tapping him on the chest. ‘That was horridly close!’
    He looked down at her, capturing her hand in his. While he was neither a baronet nor a lord and possessed only a modest income, Grayson Henry was not considered to be a marvelous catch by many, but as far as Eliza was concerned, he was perfect. His golden hair, his vivid blue eyes… he was romance personified. ‘You make me forget myself, my darling. I think the sooner we are married the better!’
    ‘Yes, well Aunt Flora has come round to the idea. Now we have merely to secure the permission of my wretched guardian and it can all be arranged.’
    ‘Oh, yes. Your guardian.’ Grayson’s voice took on a slightly hollow note. ‘Is it likely he would object?’
    Elizagave a peel of laughter. ‘Hardly. I’ve yet to see the man and I am beginning to think he’s a mythical figure. Aunt Flora says he’ll be more than happy to get Edward and I off his hands.’ The parklands she and Grayson had retreated to permitted a view of the tower clock and she glanced towards it, then gave a small exclamation. ‘Look at the time! Mr. Henry, you are far too distracting! I will undo all the good work we have done if I am late again. And without a chaperone,’ she added, with a quick, upwards glance.
    Mr. Henry sighed. ‘I understand. I just wait for the day when I no longer have to say goodbye to you. My lovely, lovely Eliza…’
    Fifteen minutes later, Eliza was still smiling as she let herself through the front door, moving quietly so as not to disturb her aunt. Having given her maid the slip again to meet Grayson in the Summer Gardens, the last thing she wanted was another dressing down from Aunt Flora. All appeared to be quiet, however, which probably meant that her misdemeanor had not been discovered. Eliza hurried towards the staircase, untying the strings of her bonnet. With any luck, she could slip upstairs and get ready for dinner without anybody being the wiser. And after dinner, as soon as she could, she would escape to her room and think about the man she had given her heart to.
    Grayson’s parting