The Unthinkable by Monica Mccarty Read Free Book Online Page B

with a singularity of purpose, distinctly at odds with the lighthearted young man she’d grown to admire and esteem above all others.
    He was so different from what she’d expected of a man of his rank. Blessed with wealth, position, and incredible good looks, rather than inspire envy, he wore his largess as one deserving of such gifts, benevolently bestowed rather than entitled. The good humor that she’d admired from their first inauspicious meeting had not waned, but rather seemed to permeate every corner of his character.
    And this amazing man was courting her: singling her out at the weekly assembly balls, attending the same small soirées as she, calling at Kington House every day. Everyone knew. Though only a few knew just how intently. She was floating on air. How could anyone be this happy? It was perfect. He was perfect. There was an ease of conversation with him that she’d never experienced with another man, not even her brothers. It felt as though she’d known him her entire life.
    As promised, he’d called the very afternoon of their first “chance” meeting along the footpath of the castle’s park. Even her parents, initially hesitant because it had taken him so long to call, had begun to consider the possibilities.
    With Lizzie and Fanny’s assistance (it hadn’t taken long for the sixteen-year-old girls to become fast friends), there had been many more chance meetings on the country lanes of Thornbury. The girls delighted in the romantic intrigue and they fancied themselves quite the matchmaking mamas. Even now, the two little scamps were off “foraging berries” (out of season no less), while Genie fished and Hastings relaxed in the sun.
    She’d never had so much fun; the clandestine meetings only heightened the excitement. Yet a twinge of uncertainty niggled her conscience. Being alone with him was highly improper. Her parents would be horrified. But, she reminded herself, she and Hastings weren’t doing anything wrong . Hastings was the perfect gentleman. He’d never even attempted to kiss her, though she knew he wanted to. But Genie had never done anything that might cause her parents displeasure before, and the guilt chafed uncomfortably at times. It was all for a good cause, she reminded herself. Soon he would ask for her and her conscience would be blissfully unburdened.
    The sun beat down on his fair head, his discarded hat and cutaway coat strewn in a heap along with her gloves, bonnet, and spencer. He lay stretched out on a blanket amongst the remains of their picnic. He’d rolled up his shirtsleeves, revealing tanned, muscular forearms covered by a thin layer of fine golden hair.
    She never tired of looking at him, memorizing every detail no matter how infinitesimal. Savoring each day as if it could be the last. He looked so peaceful, so young and handsome, basking in the unexpected warmth of a sun-drenched day.
    Despite the unusual patch of dry weather, the days were getting shorter. Summer’s last hurrah was upon them, and Genie desperately wished she could halt its determined march. She never wanted this dreamlike existence to end. Too soon, the cold gray rain would descend, and there would be no more picnics along the bucolic banks of the river Severn.
    “Hmm.” She put her finger to her chin and tapped, contemplating his question. “Since your parents are hosting a soirée tomorrow evening for your house party, it must be a quick walk about the park. I shall need time to prepare; I want to make a favorable impression.”
    “They’ll be enchanted,” he said softly, his eyes lingering on her face. “What’s not to love?”
    Genie’s heart jumped to her throat. She tried not to show how affected she was by his careless use of the sentiment that she felt so strongly. Like a moth to the flame, she was irresistibly drawn to this vibrant man. But the deeper her attachment grew, the more she worried about their difference in rank. “Your brother does not approve of