Page 33 of Ladybird

“Because the last time I removed clothing in your presence, it only seemed to cause problems, that’s why.”

She giggled. “I suppose you have a point. Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”

He was silent for a moment and then his smile disappeared. It seemed as if he became suddenly serious. “Never mind.” He looked the other way. “It was nothing.”

“No, tell me.” She reached out and laid her hand on his arm. “It sounded so important a moment ago.”

“It’s probably not.” He was closing himself off from her and it made her sad.

“Mayhap I should start,” she told him.

“Huh?” He turned to look at her.

“I admit, it bothered me a little when the ladies started the gossip about us being together down by the lake.”

“I’m sorry. That is all my fault. I sometimes do things before considering the consequences.”

“Nay, don’t apologize. Those ladies are haughty and would only have found something else to gossip about if it wasn’t you.”

“I don’t suppose I’m making a very good impression, am I?”

“On the contrary, every one of them is infatuated with you. Especially since they’ve heard about you being naked.”

“Really?” He looked at her from the corners of his eyes. “All of them?”

“Mmm hmm,” she said with a nod. “Especially Lady Gertrude.”

“Lady Gertrude?”

“The old one.”

“Oooh. Oh!” He cringed and made a face, causing them both to laugh once again. “Regina, since we are talking about attraction, I must admit that I am very besotted with you.”

Now it was her turn to say, “Oh!”

“Too bold of me to admit my feelings to you directly?”

“I suppose it is better than having to hear it from wagging tongues.”

He slowly reached out and took her hand in his and she let him do it. “I know nothing can happen between us, but since I’ve met you I cannot stop thinking about you, my lady.”

“Please, just call me Regina when we are alone.” She interlocked her fingers with his, and they sat there holding hands.

“I’m not sure I can do that.”

“Why not?” she asked. “I call you Lord Hunter in front of everyone, yet you are not even a noble.”

“I know. That bothers me.”

“Why? It is part of the ploy. Your alias. So you can do your job undetected.”

“I suppose,” he said, letting out a deep breath. “But there has been too much lying in my life. I’m afraid it might be leading Luke down the wrong path.”

“Too much lying?”

He nodded. “I often rely on it when I do my work.”

“So, it is needed.”