<em>"Well we could always have you learn them in the customary fashion ... by hide and seek …<br/>"Of course, that might better await a quieter house."</em><br/><br/>Katie’s free hand pressed to her lips in an attempt to stifle the laughter at Covington’s response. “My Lord!”  She leaned slightly closer, eyes twinkling with the laughter she managed to keep silent, her voice low.  “Whatever will the servants think?  Truly I have not played such a game since I was a child.  I highly doubt my dresses could suffer the dust and cobwebs, nor my body fit within the best of hiding places.”  Oh how her mother would die if she heard their conversation.  But Katie simply could not keep the response silent.  And Covington certainly did not seem to mind.  She felt rather bold and risque, making her glow with their shared secret conversation.<br/><br/>She was saved from making a fool of herself by the turn of conversation.  Discussion of gardens far more acceptable than two adults playing hide and seek among a country estate.  The very idea left the corners of her lips twitching with a giggle that sought to escape.<br/><br/><em>"And I can't think of a more charming lady to escort.  I think you will like our gardens here, as they are most expansive, something that is possible only in public spaces in the city.  Here it is all our own."</em><br/><br/>The prospect of such a large garden of her very own to enjoy drew a faint gasp of surprised delight.  Her hand slipped along his, allowing their palms to press together more intimately, separated only by her glove.  She could not think of a response to such a delight, her imagination already running rampant with the planned walk in the morning.  Of spending the fall and winter among hedges and flower beds full of promise.<br/><br/><em>"I enjoy the country immensely, personally; there is certainly solitude to be found, and privacy when one wants it.  There is something to be said for not having the Ton look over one's shoulder night and day.”<br/><br/>"But we are hardly isolated.  The Estate employs nearly a hundred in productive endeavors of various sorts.  In that, it serves as a traditional Baronial manor, with a community and economy of it's own.  It actually makes a tidy annual profit.”<br/>"In London, you are Lady Katherine, soon to be Lady Covington, one among many, if a lovely one.  Here you will be The Lady, on the estate, and in the nearby village.  People will look to you for wisdom and guidance, as well as offer their loyalty and respect.  And you will feel a sense of responsibility for them.  It is the kind of nobility that the Ton has forgotten.  And to me it's as heady as the clean air and the dark starry sky at night ..."</em><br/><br/>Her imagination was brought to heel as her betrothed continued.  The shadow of the column went unnoticed, her eyes upon his expression as he expounded upon what her life would be like.  It was...fascinating.  She’d not expected any responsibility beyond managing the simple finances and the home.  Perhaps arranging dinners for her husband’s friends and business acquaintances.  Even more intriguing was the passion she heard in his voice.  A care for those of the lower status.  It sounded oddly romantic and far more fulfilling than spending her days worrying over the latest fashions.  She found herself drawn to her husband to be, thinking perhaps his lower status in the Ton offered an insight she never considered.  While Lucy was truly her dearest friend, she’d always considered the woman different than all others, better and bolder than others of her caste could dream of.<br/><br/><em>"That does sound exciting; I shall have to take you to the city for the spectacle again some time.  We did have a single balloon land here last year, when he got blown off of course.  The large open space was apparently an attractive target, and I told the operator that he was welcome to land here any time.  So perhaps he will come again, and tempt your daring more directly."</em><br/><br/>Emerging from their brief respite from prying eyes, Katie blinked and lowered her gaze.  How she wished fans were in fashion, feeling the need to cool her flushed skin.  It was rare for her to speak of her love of watching the balloons.  Or her dream of one day finding herself among the birds.  That Covington did not chide or scoff and instead offered her hope of such fulfillment endeared him to her.  As did the promise of taking her to see them lift off once more.  With a garden of her very own, that would truly be the only thing she missed about London.  She felt the urge to thank her father for recommending this young man.  Not only was he pleasant to look upon but she was finding him pleasant company, something she could only hope he reciprocated.<br/><br/>“Do not jest, sir!  A proper, married lady climbing into one of those contraptions?  While surely I dream of touching the clouds, I would not dare to think it something that would come true.  It is kind of you to offer such a hope.”  Her tone was playfully chiding free hand pressing to his fingers for just a moment before falling to her side once more. Though the smile remained, having grown as they walked.  For a moment she realized she had not paid attention to the other guests or her surroundings, feeling every bit a fool for allowing herself to become so distracted.<br/><br/>Though it was a feeling that was quickly forgotten as they were once more isolated.  Only this time her husband to be had paused and was facing her.  The gesture leaving her feel so very vulnerable.<br/><br/><em>"And is my lady betrothed daring so daring that she might have wondered what it would feel like to be kissed by her husband to be?  Surely the thought has occurred to him that her ruby lips look most inviting."</em><br/>Her breath stilled though her heart beat so rapidly she could feel the throbbing on her delicate and exposed throat.  Her treasonous blue eyes moved from his to his lips.  Finding herself staring at them once more, sure he knew she'd been drawn to them earlier.<br/><br/>"Yes..." The whisper escaped with a sigh,  not realizing it was spoken aloud.  Her breath tickled at his lips they were so close.    She should move. Should joke and laugh, verbally pushing Covington away.  Never had she felt the kiss of a man except the chaste kisses pressed to her forehead by family.  In truth the only kiss that was scandalous was with Lucy so many years ago. Both girls giggling nervously as they wondered what it would feel like. Both blushing furiously after the quick peck.<br/><br/>"I have.  I have..." It was silly and made her blush brightly.  "I have often kissed your letters, imagining you doing the same.  Often pressed my lips to paper before posting my letters to you "  Why did she tell him? He would laugh, think her a silly girl.  Not even Lucy knew.  She prayed he would not kiss her. Afraid she'd be unable to keep her cheeks from growing war every time she looked to him.  And yet.  She wondered.  She wanted.