gestured towards the blanket with his hand. ‘May I?’
She nodded as she took off her least favourite bonnet.
After he had accepted a glass of Madeira, he stretched out his legs. ‘I only decided on this adventure last night. How did you arrange this?’
Katrina wondered why she had never noticed that his legs were so long and powerful. She raised her gaze to meet his. ‘I didn’t arrange this. I assumed you did.’
They both turned to find their friends occupied with viewing the scenery through the trees. ‘You do realise you are on his land?’
It would take a great deal of control not to trip Sarah at some point today. ‘I was not aware. Sarah never said...’
‘They believe they are quite clever.’
‘I believe they are two people who should never be left alone together. In some ways they are far too much alike. Does he know?’
He appeared affronted by her question. ‘About our arrangement? No, I vowed not to tell anyone. Does she know?’
Katrina shook her head. ‘It was difficult not to tell her, but I too have kept our secret.’
He looked back at their friends. ‘I wonder what they would say if we told them we might have been alone in your home if it weren’t for their assistance.’
‘I believe my picnic would come to a rather abrupt end.’
‘And I believe my friend would suddenly remember an important meeting back in Town.’
The sight of Julian’s soft lips curving into a smile left her mouth dry. While she had been attracted to him before, knowing what his kisses did to her was a complete distraction now. Did those kisses have any effect on him as well? Would he want to kiss her again?
She took a sip of Madeira. ‘While we are waiting for them to stop pretending they are interested in the view, I was wondering if you might offer some assistance in a matter that has been troubling me.’
A look of concern crossed his face. ‘Of course.’
‘Recently I received a substantial bouquet of thistle and ragwort. Unfortunately the sender was remiss in signing the card. I don’t suppose you would have any idea who in London might send such a thing?’
His brow creased, but he had a hint of a smile. ‘Someone sent you weeds? How unusual. Does that happen often?’
‘Never. I found the colour combination quite striking, and I wish to show my appreciation to the sender for their thoughtfulness. But, alas, I don’t know who to thank.’ She smiled innocently.
His gaze dropped to her lips. ‘And how would you show that appreciation?’
‘I don’t believe it would be proper to divulge that to anyone but the sender. A pity, that...’
‘Yes, a pity.’ He shifted slightly. ‘You can give me an idea, though?’
‘No. I don’t believe I can.’ Katrina averted her eyes as she tried not to smile.
He leaned towards her. ‘Not even a hint?’
She shook her head and took another sip of Madeira.
Julian swallowed hard.
She bit back a smile. Perhaps he did want to kiss her again. There had to be something they could talk about that did not conjure up thoughts of his lips on her skin. Her breasts began to tingle and she almost spilled her wine.
‘Do you ride here often?’ she asked, all in one breath.
It took him a moment to answer, as if his thoughts had been far from where they were. ‘I haven’t in an age. Although Hart and I have enjoyed racing up this mound for many years.’
‘I assume from the familiar way you refer to him that you are great friends?’
He nodded. ‘We are. I have known him all my life. Our family estates border one another, and we attended Cambridge together. And you and Miss Forrester—are you great friends?’
‘I feel we are becoming so. I was introduced to her years ago in Washington, and now we share a similar circumstance in a foreign land. She has a good heart, and we have similar tastes in amusement.’
‘Is Washington your home?’
‘While I’ve spent considerable time there, my home is in New York. We have a residence not far from New York Harbour, where my father owns a shipyard, but we also own a home further north in Tarrytown, along the Hudson River, away from the hustle and bustle of town.’
It appeared as if he wanted to say something, but he wasn’t sure how to put it into words.
Katrina tilted her head and studied his uncomfortable expression. ‘Is there something you want to ask me?’
‘I understand he is a widower. I was wondering... That is to say...’
‘Do you wish to know about my mother?’
He nodded. ‘Forgive me, I am certain it is a subject you do not wish to discuss.’
‘There is no need to apologise for your interest. My mother died long ago.’
An unsettled expression crossed his face as he turned away. ‘You have my condolences.’
‘Thank you.’
She had never known her mother. From what she could tell from her father, her parents had loved each other deeply. That was what she wanted in a marriage.
She studied Julian’s chiselled profile. He was an honourable man. He was easy to speak with and he made her laugh. Would she find a man like him when she returned to America? Her heart grew heavy, and she reached for more wine.
‘You mentioned you have known Lord Hartwick since you were children. I cannot imagine you so young. What were you like?’
He appeared to consider her question thoroughly. Then his lips curved and his eyes sparkled. ‘I wanted to be a pirate.’
That was an unexpected revelation. ‘If I promise to keep your secret, will you tell me if you were successful?’
He smiled. ‘I did have a swordfight in a boat. Do you suppose that counts?’
‘I suppose. Did it have a crew?’
‘I presided over a crew of one. My first mate attempted a mutiny, hence the swordfight. Apparently he was tired of rowing.’
‘Your first mate didn’t happen to be Lord Hartwick?’
Julian laughed and shook his head. ‘Actually, it was my brother, Edward.’
That was a new revelation. Why had she never seen his brother at any of the social engagements she had attended?
‘I was unaware you had
