ROMANCE: CLEAN ROMANCE: Summer Splash! (Sweet Inspirational Contemporary Romance) (New Adult Clean Fantasy Short Stories) (121 page)

“Make it four... I’m hungry.”

~

The coastal breeze tickled Isabel’s skin and played with her hair as she licked the marmalade which had found its way onto her rouge lips. Sat on the red and white blanket, she felt amused as she studied Edward who seemed caught in a food induced trance. “So? Do I prepare a good picnic?”

“It’s not a picnic. It’s a feast.”

“Well it’s there to be eaten... not gawped at.” Isabel chuckled as she passed Edward a china plate. “Start with the crackers and French cheese, then move on to the cold meats. But remember to leave enough space because I’ve included plenty of cakes for you.”

“I must try not to be greedy or I risk making a fool of myself.”

“I was going to take you to Lyon’s tea rooms. But with the weather being as good as it is... plus I think I’ve done a better job. Don’t you?”

“I’m sure you have.”

Isabel felt a surge of excitement as Edward took a bite from a cracker topped with brie. “I hope you like it. What do you think?”

“A bit different to cheddar or Lancashire... I tell thee.”

“Different but nice... right?”

“Different.”

“It’s French. I have something else from across the channel too.” Isabel unwrapped a bottle of wine from a protective towel.  “Some Bordeaux, no less.”

Edward appeared like an excited child. “Pass it here. I’ll open that.”

~

Hidden in the tall marrow grass, a stray dog stalked the picnicking couple while sniffing the air with his damp nose. Edward didn’t notice the mutt as he gazed lovingly at Isabel who nibbled on a sugar coated biscuit. “I feel like I’m dreaming.”

“Probably a sugar rush. It happens to me sometimes.”

“Your generosity makes me wonder what I have done.”

“You didn’t have to do much. It’s more of a case of being in the right place at the right time.”

“Well I’m a very lucky man.”

Isabel shyly smiled. “But that’s not to say I don’t like you.”

“Like me? Thank you.”

“You see... I hardly see men. Only those my father lets me see. And his taste in men is worse than his preference of shoes.”

“I guess I am in a rather perilous position then.”

Isabel grimaced at seeing the sudden panic etched on Edward’s face. Despite her reluctance to ruin the mood, she felt it was best not to lie. “I wouldn’t use the word perilous.”

“Oh dear.”

“Please remain calm.”

“But I need this job.”

Isabel could see the colour drain from Edward’s face. Reaching across the picnic blanket, she placed a hand on Edward’s knee while pleading, “I am having the best time with you.”

“Me too. But...”

“I won’t let him do anything to you. I promise. Look. Even if you lose your position. I’d get you a new one... I have contacts, you see.”

“It would be rude to abandon a woman.” Edward quelled his nerves. He then picked a biscuit from an open tin. “Especially when the food is this good.” Forgetting his manners he talked with his mouth full of biscuit. “Almost as good as the company.”

“Father would never let me be alone. That’s why I know he’s lying about his business trip this weekend.”

“I thought it was strange how Mr Crompton hired a private carriage and gave me the weekend off.”

Isabel lifted her glass from the soft dry sand. “He is seeing another woman. But I don’t blame him.” She then delicately sipped from the rim of the crystal glass. “I don’t even know why he insists on keeping it secret. Mother passed over ten years ago. I wouldn’t begrudge him a second chance at love.”

“I guess he just feels awkward. But at least you have a little bit of freedom.”

“It doesn’t mean I’m unsupervised.” Irritation layered Isabel’s voice. “Miss Black, the matron is father’s eyes when he is away. But after much skilled diplomacy she allowed me a day out alone.”

“With me?”

“Of course not. Miss Black thinks I’m at the woman’s institute. I was actually supposed to go today... but once she hurt her back, I just had to take advantage.  It was a true stroke of luck when she pulled a muscle lifting the hamper this morning.”

“You shouldn’t say that.”

“That woman has caused me so much bother down the years.” The look of judgment on Edward’s face filled Isabel with guilt. “But I shouldn’t, you’re right. I hope she’ll be alright.”

“She’ll be fine... it happens to us all from time to time.” Edward began to untie his boot laces. “Let’s go for a paddle.”

“A paddle? You mean for a boat trip?”

“No... as in getting our feet wet.”

Isabel held her glass close to her face while looking out towards the gentle waves. “In the sea?”

“Of course, Isabel.”

“But the water looks so cold.”

“Don’t worry. We’re not going swimming. But only because I haven’t brought my swimsuit.”

“One might not let such an inconvenience deter them.” Isabel glanced at her empty glass. “I have to stop drinking in the company of others.”

“A woman and alcohol is a good mix, in moderation of course.”

“Despite your class, you’re definitely a fine gentleman.”

Edward stuffed his socks into his shoes. “There are gentleman and rogues in every class, Isabel.”

“I know. It was supposed to be a compliment.”

Edward tossed his boots to one side then climbed to his feet. He smiled as he stretched out his hand to help Isabel up. “Come on. Let’s see how long we can last without our toes turning blue.” As Edward lifted Isabel to her feet, he noticed that she locked her fingers with his, leaving them to linger.

~

The welsh mountains appeared painted on the horizon of the estuary. With his trouser legs rolled above his knees, Edward grimaced as the cold surf washed over his naked feet. He turned to face Isabel who had hung back on the dry sand. “Come on, Isabel... It’s lovely.”

“You make for a poor actor. You’re literally shivering like a cat in the rain.”

“It shocks at first. But it now feels rather pleasant.”

“I’m still not convinced.”

Edward coaxed her with his hand. “Just a few steps into the shallows. That’s all I ask.”

“I’ll test it with me big toe. If it’s cold, then I’m going back to my champagne and strawberries.”

“That’s fine.”

Isabel baby stepped towards Edward who stood at the tide line. Lifting her long frock to her knees she then dipped her toe. “Wow! That’s cold.” But before she could pull back her leg, Edward grabbed Isabel by the waist and hoisted her off her feet, before swinging her around and plonking her feet-first into the water. “Edward, you cheeky rascal.”

“Stop being a bloody mardy bottom.”

“That’s so cold! And my dress is wet.”

“Just wait.” Edward placed a finger on Isabel’s lips, causing her to fall into silence. “Take a deep breath.” Feeling her tremble under his touch, he then slowly lifted his finger from her lips. “Now... not so bad, is it?”

“Edward..?”

“Yes.”

Isabel peered down as the water swirled around her mid shins. “You’re right. It feels rather nice, actually.” She then smiled awkwardly. “The sensation of the water and the sand feels lovely... in a strange way.”

“Come on; let’s go for a paddle down shore.”

“As long as you hold my hand so I don’t fall.” Isabel smiled as Edward bent his arm so she could link arms with him. “No silly.” She grabbed hold of his hand. “I said hands.”

~

The reflected sun sparkled on the crest of waves as the couple walked through the surf. As they continued their walk they could hear the squawks of seagulls while they circled above the fishermen who brought home their catches.  Isabel glanced at Edward then brought him to a stop.  “Thank you for a great day, Edward.”

“I should thank you. It was your idea.”

“I know. But you made it. So much so, that I don’t want to go home.”

Edward raised his eyebrows. “It’s getting late and if you’re not back before dark, it will raise suspicion.”

“I know you’re right.”

“Come on. It’s not over just yet.”

“What do you want to do now?”

“Steal a kiss?”

Isabel froze in shock. “I think someone should remember his place.”

“I’m sorry, Ma’am. I just... thought.”

“Oh Eddie.... what have you done?”

“Ma’am. I...”

Isabel chuckled as if she was a schoolgirl. She quickly glanced about to make sure no one was prying. “A quick one.” Standing on her tiptoes, she reached up and pecked Edward on his cheek.

“Thank you kindly.”

“You know how to woo a woman... as well as make her risk getting a reputation.”

“You’re the only woman I want to woo.”

Isabel’s heart suddenly felt heavy. “Why couldn’t you be a man of status... we could be together without any problems.”

“I don’t know why you’re so excited by me.” Edward chuckled, but noticed the sincerity on Isabel’s face. “You can do better.”

“I like you, because you’re caring and simple. We have only spent a couple of hours together but I have never felt this way... this excitement.”

Edward peered down at his ghostly white feet. “I would only cause you much ridicule.”

“Life is so cruel.”

“No.” Edward let out a sigh. “It’s not life, its people that are cruel.”

“Do you think you’ll ever be rich?”

“Driving a carriage?” Edward gazed out into the estuary, as if he was searching for answers.  “Sadly, I’m never going to be rich.” He then took Isabel by her hand before peering into her eyes. “You’re going to have to be find yourself another man. One more suitable.”

“No.”

“As hard as it is for me to admit... It’s your only choice in this world.”

Isabel felt her heart sink. “I really don’t want to.”

“I’m sorry”

Isabel felt Edward place a finger against her cheek to catch her tears. She embraced him tightly while nuzzling the side of face against his chest. Staring out towards the Irish Sea, she wished their futures were entwined.

Chapter
5

Albert felt lost in the music as he played his beloved piano, but his concentration was broken by the presence of his daughter. Peering over the sheet of music he watched Isabel hurrying through the room. His fingers immediately stopped dancing on the ivory keys, allowing his voice to be heard. “Isabel.” However, his daughter continued with pace, causing him to raise his voice. “I said... Isabel!”

“Sorry... I thought you were singing.”

“Poppycock! Come and stand next to me. I want to talk to you.”

“Whatever for?”

Albert closed the fallboard of the grand piano. He then placed his elbows on the polished surface before resting his chin on his hands. “What am I going to do with this rebellious daughter of mine?”

“I don’t know what you mean? I waited like a good daughter while you were away on business.”

“I have heard rumours.”

“About what, Father?”

“I think you know already.”

Isabel clasped her hands behind her back just as a schoolgirl would when listening to her head teacher. “I’m as clueless as a newborn... and just an innocent.”

“I have heard whispers on the wind that a certain somebody seems rather taken by Edward the driver.”

“That certain somebody is probably his own mother.”

Albert raised his voice as his patience melted away. “I wish not to play out this laborious game of smoke and mirrors. Now tell the truth.”

“If it is Miss Black who is spreading such rumours... then I have already told you. That woman has a vivid imagination. I have being warning you about that glorified maid for years.”

“So vivid that it’s true.”

“The darn woman should write for a living. Bloody nuisance she is, sprouting endless tales of yarn.”

“Even I have seen you talking to him.”

Isabel felt the pressure grow, stamping her boot on the oak floorboard. “Is it a crime?  We have shared a conversation or two. That’s all. I don’t see what is wrong with that.”

“Don’t stamp your foot like an impudent toddler, Young Lady. The reason you don’t like Miss Black is because she catches you out time and time again.”

“So... what has the housekeeper, or should I say... spy, seen this time?”

“You tell me?”

Isabel couldn’t meet her father’s eyes as she spoke. “Edward dropped me off at the women’s institute. Miss Black had to stay at home because she hurt her back preparing the picnic for the WI.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Albert rubbed his chin. “Miss Black trusts you... Is she right to?”

“Of course.”

Albert pushed back the piano stool causing it to scrape of floorboards. He then rose to his feet. “But Miss Black’s trust is misplaced, isn’t it?”