Page 106 of Lady Waldrey’s Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal

“Of course. I don’t like it—and please refrain from doing so again in the future—but it doesn’t affect my feelings for you one way or the other.” He frowned down at her. “I’m a little confused as to why you think I’d be shocked at this information. You told me yourself that you and Shelbourne kissed, weeks ago.”

“What?”

James tipped his head back and laughed; Candace tried not to get distracted by his tanned throat.

“The day you got into the gin.” He grinned down at her. “You truly don’t remember?”

“Of course not! I never would have been able to face you again if I had.”

He laughed and tugged her back into motion. “At least I know what to do if I ever suspect you’re keeping a secret—I’ll just ply you with drink.”

She shook her head. “That’s a scandalous idea. Besides, I don’t have any other secrets, other than the two we’ve already discussed.”

“What other secret did you have, other than your terrible kiss with Shelbourne?”

“My love for you. Though I suppose one shouldn’t compare the two secrets, as one filled me with utter despair, and the other will now only warm my heart forever.”

“I’ll admit I was quite gratified to hear that the man was a lousy kisser. I sincerely hope that I’ve done better.”

She blushed and shoved at his arm. “A gentleman wouldn’t ask such things.”

“A future husband definitely would.”

“True, but certainly you know that the heart overcomes trifling matters such as a lack of talent. You could be the worst kisser in all of England, and I’d still be thrilled you were mine.”

He arched an eyebrow. “I hope I’m not.”

“How would I know? That would require a great amount of experience that I have no desire to obtain. Does your ego truly demand an answer on the subject?”

“It does.” His solemn answer was slightly marred by the smile still crinkling the corners of his eyes.

“Very well, then. You are by far the best kisser of my albeit limited experience. Though I hardly think it’s fair for you to ask such things when I cannot, in good conscience, ask you for the same reassurance.”

“Ah,” he said, taking her hand in his and dusting a kiss across the knuckles. “Fair enough. Then let me say that from now until death, there is only you, for me. And any lack of experience on either of our parts will be rightfully remedied once we’re wed.”

“A shocking declaration, indeed.” Her cheeks reddened even as she smiled. “Shall I pretend to swoon?”

“If you must.”

CHAPTER 31- CANDACE

From Gardening for the Estate-

A garden maze—that intriguing puzzle of hedge and shrub—provides excitement and mystery to those who venture within its bounds. Although considered by some to be the pinnacle of an estate garden, a caution—a hedge maze takes considerable room and years of effort before it can produce delight to visitors.

Candace could barely remember the journey back to Devon Manor, though she and James talked the entire way home. Her eyes were bright and his grin was always close to the surface. Candace had never been happier. Her steps skimmed the lane, and all of the countryside seemed to take on a sort of glowing pastoral perfection she’d never quite noticed.

James deposited her upon the front step with a brief, passionate kiss, and promised to call first thing in the morning.

“I must go home and tell Arthur we are courting,” he said.

“Would you like me to be there?”

James tilted his head, considering. “I think it best if I tell him alone, man to man. In case he has any questions.”

Her fingers tangled together. “Very well. I hope...I hope he’s happy with the news.”

“I’m sure he’ll be thrilled. He’s quite fond of you, Candace.”