Alice spent the next week immersing herself in her work. After receiving a formal letter from Nicholas’s firm about the intended donation, she truly began to believe it.
Overwhelmed with what the Housing Society would be able to accomplish with such a sum, she wanted to do something to show her appreciation to him. She decided to plan a special dinner with the entire board of trustees. Nicholas would be given a chance to address them and outline the vision he had for the donation, and they in turn could honor him with a special plaque.
Perhaps they could name the first terraces after Nicholas? On a burst of inspiration, she jotted down the various ideas she had.
Keeping herself busy with work helped assuage the disappointment she felt at not having seen Nicholas on a personal level. He’d been to see Austen three times, usually taking him to sail his boat, but always when she was at her office.
She bit the end of her pen. Nicholas knew where her office was located, so if he had wanted to see her, he certainly could have done so. He even had a legitimate pretext with the pending donation.
It was for the best, she told herself, looking back down at her notes. Wasn’t it what she’d wanted? Simple friendship and nothing else. She should be thankful things had resolved themselves so satisfactorily. Austen was happy and thriving. And she had peace.
“Hello, are you busy?”
Alice started up at Macey’s voice. Her friend stood at the door of her office. “Oh, hello, come in. I’m never too busy to see you.”
Macey entered the room, pulling off her gloves and smiling broadly. “I mustn’t stay long. I’ve too much to do, but I wanted to say goodbye before I left.”
She looked at her friend in bewilderment. “Left? Where are you off to? What about the dinner I’m organizing?”
Macey sat down opposite her and undid the ribbons of her bonnet. “Oh, I shall be back in time for that. It isn’t for at least a fortnight, isn’t it? Tell me how the plans are coming.”
Alice brought her up to date, still disconcerted that she wouldn’t have her friend’s help in organizing it.
“But you’ve got everything pretty much settled,” Macey said in reply to this. “It’s just a matter of ordering things and securing the ballroom.”
“Where are you going, anyway?”
Macey removed her bonnet and smoothed down her hair. “Didn’t I tell you last week? I’m sure I meant to. I’m off to catch the steamer to Le Havre. I’m taking a holiday in Deauville.”
“Deauville! Goodness, Macey, when did you decide to go to Deauville?”
“A few weeks ago. Elizabeth Wilcox raved about it when she came back.”
Alice made an effort to inject some enthusiasm in her tone while she tried to suppress her dismay. “Well, it sounds lovely. When are you off?” Macey always left London in the summer, but it was usually not far from the city, where Alice could visit on the weekends.
“Tomorrow, my dear. I’m sure I must have told you.”
Alice stared at her. “Tomorrow?” Why did she feel suddenly abandoned? She shook her head with a wan smile. “I don’t remember. It must have slipped my mind, what with going out to Richmond last week and planning this and all…” Her voice dribbled off as she glanced back down at the papers on her desk.
Macey placed her bonnet on the seat beside her. “How is Mr. Tennent, by the way? I’ve been meaning to ask about him. Have you seen him since we came back from Richmond?”
“Yes, once. He stopped by when he first broached me about the donation.”
Macey frowned. “Only once?”
Alice shuffled her papers around. “Yes. But he has taken Austen out a few times—close to home,” she added. “I know he is a very busy man.”
“Taken Austen out, but not you?”
Alice’s gaze shot up. “I beg your pardon?”
“I know he is a busy man, but I shouldn’t think he was too busy to stop by and see you.” Macey folded her hands in her lap.
Alice made a point of arranging her papers in a pile. “Oh, well, I’m busy, too.”
“I liked him.”
“You did?” Why did Alice have the urge to burst into tears and tell her friend all about her wayward heart?
The older woman looked at her in surprise. “Yes, why? Don’t you?”
“Yes, of course. I mean,” she added, not meeting her friend’s gaze, “you are usually so critical of men. Why are you championing Nicholas Tennent?”
Macey sat back. “There’s something forthright about him. He appears a strong, yet not overbearing, person. I don’t get the impression with him that he would be afraid of a woman who knew her own mind.” She nodded, warming to her view. “A woman could form a true partnership with a man like that.”
Alice stared at the older woman. She’d never heard her talk like that of any man.
When she said nothing, Macey asked gently, “Has something happened between you two?”
“Oh, no,” she said quickly, too quickly. “Why should it have?”
“Then what is it?”
“Nicholas and I are…only acquaintances,” she began.
“But I thought you two had known each other years ago.”
Alice studied the neat words on the stationery before her. “Yes.” That magical period of hardly more than a week. “It was so long ago. He was with Father’s firm for a very short time. Until Father dismissed him.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. He struck me as someone who would have been an asset to the company.”
“It was all my fault.”
Her friend gave a small gasp then she leaned forward. “I’m sure you did nothing so terrible.”
Alice had never told anyone about that day. Only her father had known. Long minutes passed before she was able to speak. “I fancied myself in love with him.”
“Oh, my dear…”
Alice swallowed. “I was a foolish young girl looking for attention. Mr. Tennent seemed to notice me. For the first time, someone was genuinely seeing who I was.” She held up a hand before her friend could say a word. “Don’t misunderstand. He did nothing wrong, nothing improper. It was I who pestered him.” She pressed her lips together, finding it difficult to tell the rest. “It was I who threw myself at him, until one day—” her voice lowered to a mere whisper “—I demanded a kiss from him.” Her face flamed with the recollection. After a few seconds, she continued. “Father caught us.”
“Oh, no!”
“He immediately dismissed Nich—Mr. Tennent.” She shook her head, still grieved by that act. “The poor man was completely innocent. He was out of a job, with no references, just because of my silly schoolgirl behavior. That’s why he was forced to emigrate. Father sent me away to live with relatives.” She said softly, “I never saw him again, until the other evening.”
“Your father could be quite harsh.”
When Alice made no comment, Macey reached across the desk and patted her hand. “What an awful thing you both went through. Young love can be very painful. But that’s all in the past. Your Mr. Tennent has returned and you’ve been able to renew the acquaintance. It sounds like a storybook.”
Alice put a hand up to her mouth to stifle her emotions.
“What is it, Alice?” Her friend’s low tone was filled with concern.
Unable to sit still, Alice got up and walked to the window overlooking the street. “I don’t know.” She hugged her arms to herself, wishing she could understand what she was feeling.
Macey came up behind her and touched her on the elbow. “Did he say something to you—or Austen?”
She shook her head. “No…no, it’s just me. I don’t know what I’m saying. Don’t mind me,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I’m just tired and confused,” she added under her breath.
“Don’t be afraid of your emotions, my dear.”
Alice pressed her lips together, trying to regain her composure. After a moment, she said, “I have never sought anyone since Julian. I loved him. I can’t…” She shook her head, unable to say anything more.
Macey put her arm around her. “There, my dear, don’t fret. Your heart won’t be betraying your late husband if you still feel something for Mr. Tennent.”
“But I don’t know what kind of man he is!” She didn’t voice her greatest fear. What if he was a man just like her father?
Her friend patted her arm and stepped away. “Well, perhaps you need to take the time to find out.”
Alice turned slowly to look at her. “What do you mean?”
“I mean just that. Get to know him.”
She swallowed back a bitter laugh. How was she to do that when he wasn’t even around? He was too busy with his business concerns. “It’s for the best if we leave whatever was in the past, in the past,” she finished with more firmness than she felt inside.
Alice turned back to her desk. “Come, I’ll ring for some tea. Tell me more about Deauville before you leave. I envy your being able to just take off at a moment’s notice.”
“Well, why don’t you come with me?”
Alice laughed as she went toward the corridor. “Yes, I’ll just run away from all my responsibilities for a few days and not tell a soul where I am—”
“I’m serious, Alice. Take some time off for a proper holiday and come along with me. You know I’ll pay all your expenses. You don’t have to worry about a thing. It will do you the world of good.”
Alice shook her head at her friend. “You know I can’t go anywhere right now. What about the dinner I’m organizing?”
Macey took her seat once again. “You have a good staff here. They can carry out your instructions, we’ll be back in plenty of time for the finishing touches. If you need, I can put off my trip another day or so to give you time to get your things together.”
Alice walked slowly back to her own seat after requesting the tea. “Are you serious? You know how busy I am. I couldn’t possibly just leave for more than a few days.”
“Yes, you can.”
“What about Austen?”
“What about him? Take him along. Children love the seaside. Think of it. A sandy beach and plenty of sunshine and fresh air, just what he needs.” Macey nodded at her for emphasis. “And you, too. You look tired, my dear. If you continue as you’ve been, you’ll work yourself to exhaustion and then where will your son be?”
“Hush, Macey. Don’t say such things, even in jest.”
Her friend’s tone softened. “There now, Alice, I’m not trying to frighten you. I just want you to get away from things here for a little bit and take some time to enjoy yourself. The time alone with Austen will do you good. What do you say?”
Get away from things here for a little bit. Alice focused on those words and, suddenly, the plan sounded all too agreeable. If she left London, she wouldn’t have to think about Nicholas Tennent. Wouldn’t have to wonder why she was missing those dark eyes looking into hers, demanding something from her which she was afraid to respond to.
Nick paused in the letter he was dictating to his secretary and stared out the window. Would Alice be in her office at this time of day? It had been over a week since he’d last seen her. He’d kept away from her deliberately, sensing she needed time. He’d also needed the time to get over his anger.
The anger had long since dissipated. He’d thought by keeping away longer, he’d hear from her, if only on the subject of the donation.
But all he’d received was silence. Any communication about the donation had been from the treasurer of the society.
His strategy clearly had not worked. He gave a derisive snort. Was she really glad to be rid of his presence? Perhaps she’d believed even more slander from her brother or that sly Victor.
A soft cough interrupted him. He glanced at his secretary, who sat with pencil poised over his pad. “I’m sorry?”
“You were saying?”
“Oh, yes, where was I?”
The young man looked at his notes. “The share price of Henderson Limited fell two points yesterday.”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat and continued. He needed to stop dwelling on Alice and concentrate on his business concerns.
Two sentences later, he snapped open his pocket watch. Perhaps he could stop by to discuss the housing project. He knew she was planning a dinner where he would present his ideas to the board of trustees.
Four o’clock. Was it too late?
He turned abruptly to his secretary. “Excuse me, we’ll have to finish this tomorrow. I’m going out.”
The man blinked at him. “Oh. Very well, Mr. Tennent. Do you want me to continue when you return?”
“No, I probably won’t be back at the office until late.” With some final instructions, he bid the man goodbye and left the office.
A young woman sat at the front desk of the Housing Society.
Nick presented her with his card. “Is Mrs. Lennox in?”
She looked at him in surprise. “No, sir. She’s away.”
He eyed her more closely. “Away?”
“On holiday, sir.”
“To Richmond?” She’d probably left early for the weekend, he thought, stifling the sense of disappointment he felt that this time he’d not been asked along.
“Oh, no, sir. She’s gone to France.”
He stared at her. She might as well have said to China.
“Is there some message you’d care to leave for her when she comes back?”
Nick collected his thoughts. “Er, no. That is, can you tell me how long she will be away?”
“A fortnight, sir.”
Another tremor jolted him. “Do you know where she went exactly?”
“I’m not at liberty to say, sir. I’m sure her family can inform you if you are a friend of theirs.”
Nick replaced his hat on his head. He was no friend of the Shepard family, that was certain. It looked like someone was trying to separate them again. “Thank you. Good day to you.”
“Good day, sir.”
When he returned to his office, his secretary hadn’t yet left.
“You’re back, sir?”
Nick sighed heavily. Another long evening behind his desk awaited him. Although he’d told himself it was time to make some changes in his life, he found he had no heart to go to concerts or to the theater by himself.
“I’m glad you returned, sir.” His secretary laid an envelope on his desk. “This came by the late afternoon post.”
“Thank you.” He didn’t recognize the neat script on the front. “Why don’t you get on home?”
“You don’t wish to finish your letter?”
He shook his head knowing he’d not be able to concentrate on figures now.
“Very well, sir, good night.”
After he’d left, Nick looked at the envelope more closely. It was postmarked Deauville. His pulse quickened. Could Alice have written him? But it wasn’t her writing. He turned the letter over. On the flyleaf was written M. Endicott.
He picked up his letter opener, more puzzled than ever, and slit the envelope open. Could something have happened to Alice?
Dear Mr. Tennent,
Greetings, or should I say “bonjour,” from the coast of Normandy. At the last minute, I invited Alice and Austen to accompany me on my annual holiday. The outing has really done wonders for both of them. The weather has been wonderful and this lovely resort village is perfectly charming.
I am writing to suggest that if you can spare a few days from your business—or if you can perhaps find some business to do in France—that you come to Deauville. I recommend the Grand Hotel. It is very pleasant.
I look forward to your arrival.
A bientôt!
Macey Endicott
Nicholas reread the letter two more times before it began to sink in. Alice’s friend was on his side.
He stuffed the hotel stationery back into its envelope and stood. Glancing at the wall clock, he saw it was only five o’clock. But he mustn’t waste any time. He had a lot to do before catching a boat across the Channel.
“Mama, may I go back on the beach after tea?”
Alice looked at her son across the wide wicker table on the hotel veranda. “It’s a little late in the day. Perhaps tomorrow.”
Austen was distracted by the waiter who set down a platter of pastries and teacakes in the middle of their table.
“Oh, don’t those look delicious,” Macey said. “Which one would you like?”
Austen examined them carefully, his brow scrunched up in indecision.
Alice smiled then allowed her gaze to wander beyond their table to the ocean view on her right. She hugged her teacup in her hands. Macey had been right to urge her to take this holiday. In the few days she’d been here, she already felt a calming of her spirit.
The excitement of the journey across the English Channel and their location by the sea had also distracted Austen enough so that he hadn’t mentioned Nicholas more than a few times. As for herself, she’d managed to push him to the recesses of her mind, at least during the daylight hours.
Nicholas. As she said the name to herself, she suddenly saw him walk out onto the terrace from the hotel lobby.
She blinked. Was she dreaming? How could she suddenly be thinking a name and conjure up the person in question? She lowered her cup, barely aware when it hit the saucer.
He was surveying the hotel guests on the veranda. In a few seconds he’d see them. Her heart sped up. She wasn’t ready to face him. At the same instant she felt a burst of elation and longing so acute, it laughed to scorn all her illusion of having forgotten him. What was he doing here?
His eyes met hers and she had to clench her hands together to keep from springing up from the table and running toward him.
He made his way across the other tables to them.
Then he stood before her. “Hello, Alice.” He gave her a brief nod, before turning to Macey, breaking into a smile. “Miss Endicott.” His smile widened as he came to Austen. “Hello, Austen, fancy seeing you here.”
Austen jumped up from his chair, almost sending it toppling backwards. “Mr. Tennent! How jolly to see you here. I’ve been bathing. Can we go into the ocean together? Mama won’t let me go beyond the very edge.”
Nick glanced briefly at her before turning his attention back to Austen. “I should like that very much.”
Macey extended her hand to Nicholas. “I’m so glad you could come. Please, sit down.”
Nicholas glanced back at Alice, as if asking her permission. “Yes, yes, of course, please sit down. What are you doing here? Did you know we were here?”
As he pulled out the chair, Macey touched her hand, drawing her attention away from Nicholas. “Mr. Tennent is here because I invited him here.”
Alice stared at her friend. “What?”
“I thought it would be nice if Mr. Tennent joined us here at the hotel for a few days, so I wrote to him.”
Nicholas cleared his throat. “I was so glad to receive Miss Endicott’s note and decided to combine a short holiday with business. I have been meaning to cross the Channel to look at a few firms I’ve had my eye on.”
“I see.” She nodded, understanding. Of course, business had brought him. “Well, I wish you success then.”
“I came principally to enjoy a holiday, if you don’t find my presence an intrusion to your own.”
“N-no, of course not.” She looked away from his keen observation.
Macey signaled the waiter for more tea and an extra place. Alice was able to compose her thoughts somewhat as Nicholas turned his attention to Austen.
She sighed, listening to Austen’s chatter. Nicholas was remarkably patient with him. It was hard for her to believe the picture of him as a ruthless business executive. Her father had never exhibited the kind of attentiveness Nicholas was showing her son.
Was it all a front? Would it endure after Nicholas obtained what he wanted?
What did he want? Did she want to know?
The question left her full of expectancy and fear.
Mid-morning the following day, Alice emerged from a beach hut and stood a moment, shading her eyes from the bright sun, as she searched for Austen and Nicholas along the crowded seashore.
The Normandy beach was a wide, flat expanse of sand, the sparkling water lapping softly at its edge. Shouts of children came to her from the water’s edge and she strained to hear her son’s voice.
She squinted at the two figures far out in the water, and she felt a momentary rise of panic. Austen had never ventured so far out. Her worry eased only slightly when she saw Nicholas standing right beside him. Her son was splashing around, clearly showing him he could swim.
Alice and Macey had only been on the female beach up to now. But today, with Nicholas’s appearance, they had chosen the mixed beach so that he could teach Austen to swim. Alice had been reluctant at first until Nicholas had convinced her that there was less danger in the water if he knew how to swim.
Alice smoothed down the hip-length skirt of her dark blue wool serge bathing costume, hesitating to join Nicholas and Austen out in the water. Here in France, she’d noticed the beaches were less formal than across the Channel. Even some of the newer bathing costumes of the women had shocked her at first with their bloomerless skirts above the knee.
Still, she felt self-conscious appearing before Nicholas in the outfit. It was short-sleeved, with narrow bloomers beneath the skirt. Dark blue hose and espadrilles laced around her ankle and calf completed the suit.
Finally, seeing no help for it, she began walking over the hot sand, skirting the holiday goers. Family groups sat together on canvas chairs on the sand, and dozens of children played along the water’s edge. Others, fully dressed, wandered through the crowds.
She reached the edge of the water and allowed the mild surf to sweep over her toes, cringing a bit as the cold water seeped into her shoes.
“There she is!” Austen waved both arms at her. “Mama!”
She ventured farther in, allowing the water to swirl about her ankles.
Nick and Austen begun running toward her, their legs kicking up the water. She hugged her arms to her chest as the water splashed her. “Stay away from me! You’re getting me wet!” she scolded in mock anger.
As their intent became clear, she screamed, “Oh, no, you don’t!” Before she could back away far enough, they grabbed her hands and pulled her into the water.
She cried out at the shock of cold water. “No!” It was useless to struggle against their firm tugging. Her feet stumbled in the wet sand but Nicholas’s strong grip didn’t let her fall.
“Oh, it’s too cold!” The next second, Nicholas lifted her from behind and threw her into the water. She was plunged in up over her head and screamed as she went in.
She came out, spluttering and dripping, determined to exact her revenge. “How dare you throw me in!” Laughter mingled with outrage in her voice.
“You’ll soon warm up.” Nick laughed, but before he could say another word, she lunged toward him, toppling him backwards. “Hey!” he went under, his legs pulled out from under him.
He easily fought free of her grasp and came up from the water, shaking the water from his hair. Austen laughed with glee. “You both went under!”
Nicholas began walking toward her again, a glint in his eye. “Does she realize the penalty she must now pay?” The words brought back a flash from that day over the chess board and its dire consequences. A part of her thrilled as it had then when she’d ventured such a daring challenge.
Seeing his intention, she backed away, shaking her head. “No, you don’t! Now we’re even.”
Austen began clapping his hands. “Mama, you’ve got to swim away!”
But before she could make another move, Nick lunged for her and, grabbing her by the waist and plunging her under. Alice struggled to loosen herself but he only tightened his hold around her. She grabbed him by the arms and attempted to push herself upward and him down, but he moved his arms around her, bringing her against his chest. Although she kicked her feet, he held her fast.
He rose, bringing her head out of the water but not loosening his hold.
Austen came up beside them. “Mama, Mr. Tennent has caught you!”
Alice’s hands were flattened against his chest. He gazed down at her and chuckled. She felt the sound resonate against her palms.
“Yes!” she managed breathlessly. Before drawing away from him, she looked up into his eyes and found herself captured by the look in his eyes. It both frightened and exhilarated her as nothing had since that long ago day above the chess board. She felt as daring as the girl she’d been then. If they’d been alone, she would have reached up on her toes and kissed him.
“Mama, he won’t let you go!”
Suddenly she became aware of their scandalous position. She pushed herself out of his embrace and was almost surprised—and a little disappointed—when he let her go immediately. He turned abruptly to Austen and pulled him out of the water by the armpits and splashed him back down again. “And now I’ve got you!”
Austen shouted with laughter. Nicholas repeated the dunking. As if hiding herself, Alice crouched down in the water up to her neck and watched them. Nicholas stood waist-high in the water, and she couldn’t help noticing his muscular upper arms and shoulders through the short-sleeved suit whose dark wool material clung to his skin. When he glanced her way, she turned quickly toward the beach.
Her eyes scanned the crowds until she spotted Macey holding her bright blue parasol.
Alice whirled around when Nick approached her from behind. “Oh—!” She gave a nervous laugh. “I was afraid you’d try to drown me again.”
“Drown you? What are you talking about?”
“I’m not lowering my guard around you and Austen again.”
He smiled, standing tall above her. “All right, let me see your stroke.”
She adjusted her oiled silk bathing cap. “I told you, I’m a very poor swimmer.”
He frowned. “How is that, growing up in Richmond?”
She averted her gaze, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny. “Well, the river has too strong a current, and there was nowhere else appropriate. Remember, I grew up in London.”
His next words took her by surprise. “I can teach you the basics.”
“Oh, I’m too old—”
“Nonsense, I didn’t learn until I was out west in the States.”
His dark brown eyes held a teasing light. “Think of it as recompense. There’s finally something I can teach you.”
A flutter began in her stomach at the thought of his holding her the way she’d seen him hold Austen.
“Mr. Tennent is going to teach Mama to swim!” chanted Austen, jumping up and down in the water. The ocean reached his upper chest, and Alice admonished him to be careful.
“He’ll be all right.” Nicholas turned to Austen. “Show your mother what you can do already.”
Austen promptly flopped onto his back and floated on the surface, the soft swells carrying him. “See, Mama, I can float!”
“My goodness. That’s wonderful.”
She turned to Nicholas with a smile. “So quickly!”
“Now, it’s your turn.”
“Oh, I don’t think—” she said, backing away.
He stepped toward her. She backed away some more, but that only brought her into deeper water.
Before she knew what he intended, he bent to lift her. She yelped and circled his neck with her arms, afraid he was going to dunk her into the water again.
“Relax,” he murmured, holding her above the water and cradling her body against his chest. “I won’t let you go. I’m just teaching you to float.”
“All right,” she stuttered, letting go of his neck.
“We’ll go where it’s shallower. Come along, Austen.”
Austen splashed along beside them.
Nicholas began to ease her into the water. She couldn’t help grabbing one of his arms, feeling the rock-hard biceps beneath her fingers. She bit her lip to keep from crying out.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Besides, the water is only about three feet deep here.”
She glanced up at his amused tone. “Just don’t let me go, yet.”
“I won’t, I promise.” His eyes met hers and she felt for a few seconds that the threat of drowning didn’t presently come from the water beneath her. As if unaware of the sensations he was awaking in her, he drew his glance from hers and said in a calm voice, “Your body will naturally float, if you let yourself relax.”
She marveled how anyone could sound so normal when her whole body had gone rigid from the feel of his arms under her and his body so close to hers.
“You must relax.” His tone became soothing.
She tried breathing deeply, looking beyond him at the puffy white clouds overhead.
“Put your head back and stretch your arms out.” As he spoke, he pushed her torso upward, so she felt as if her head were going to sink into the water. She resisted at first but then as the soft swell of the water beneath her bore her up and down, she began to marvel at the ride atop the gentle waves.
He was soon able to let go and she gave a little laugh. “It feels wonderful, just floating.”
“Mr. Tennent, let’s build a sandcastle!”
She started at the sound of her son’s voice, she’d felt so tranquil.
“Very well, let’s ask your mother.” Nicholas’s dark eyes loomed over hers again, his head blocking the sun. “Are you game?”
“All right.” She smiled into his gaze, wondering at the feelings this man was reawakening in her. She felt like an adolescent once again.
“Come on!” shouted Austen.
They followed Austen out of the surf and chose a location near the water’s edge, where the sand was hard-packed and wet.
She retrieved her straw hat from beside their beach chairs, trading her beach cap for it, and went to kneel beside her son, who was already busy digging in the wet sand with his two hands. “You know, when the tide comes in, the castle will disappear.”
Nick looked up from where he was beginning to heap up sand into a mound. “That’s all right. The tide is going out now, so it’ll be hours before that happens.”
They worked together for a good while, the shouts of other children on the beach floating around them.
Soon, a small crowd of children had gathered round. Some began to build their own castles nearby, chattering in French as their sturdy hands heaped up the sand.
Alice was decorating crenellated walls with seashells. She glanced over at Nick, whose head was bent near her son’s, both concentrated on their side of the now sprawling edifice.
She felt a pang at the sight of the two dark-haired heads, one whose straight hair flopped over his brow, the other, whose crisp waves glinted in the sun.
It gave her a good feeling to see her son so active and normal. She paused over the word, realizing how worried she’d been about him since Julian’s death, and her own move back to London. How would Julian view the scene?
He had been such a gentle man. She was sure he would be happy that his son had someone he could look up to. But could he? Once again, her brother’s and Victor’s warnings came back to her.
She pushed their ugly words aside. Her thoughts returned to what she’d felt earlier held against Nicholas’s chest. How different from what she’d known with Julian. She pressed her lips together, resisting a comparison. Julian had been so good to her. He’d offered love and solace to a lonely, unloved young woman. But he’d been sick much of their married life. She’d never undergone a sense of wanting to abandon all moorings to an unknown, unfettered experience as she had in Nicholas’s arms. It frightened her. It meant a letting go of all that was safe and calm.
She glanced over at Nicholas now, remembering he was the one who had first kindled these yearnings in her so long ago. He looked up at that second, and her cheeks grew warm. He lifted his brows in inquiry but she shook her head and bent over her work in the sand once more.
Why had Nicholas come to them now and why was he being so kind? What did he want from this friendship? The questions she’d thought to escape by leaving London resurged and she saw only danger ahead with a man who’d awakened her once before and was doing so again. Once before her heart had known devastating heartbreak because of this man.
Could she trust it to him again?