Chapter 14

Carina had never been courted before and now there were two gentlemen doing just that. One was pretend, and she did not mind playing along so long as Lord and Lady Dargate did not attempt to force a betrothal.

The second courtship was to be real, though it was very odd to have them take place in the same home while both gentlemen resided with her.

Yes, very odd indeed, but it could make for an interesting summer.

At least they weren't trying to occupy her time at every turn. After dinner last night, the men had gone to play billiards, leaving her alone with Gaia. Carina could understand why Angelo would do so, as there really was no reason for him to request a moonlight walk in the gardens. As for Knight, if he were serious about courtship, wouldn't he have asked her to stroll? His arm remained in a sling so that he could heal, so could he truly participate in the game?

Or maybe he truly was waiting for the fortnight to conclude. Except, she didn't want to wait.

"Carina, the blooms within this garden do not come close to matching your beauty."

She set the book aside and glanced up to find Knight strolling toward her.

"Am I disturbing you?" he asked.

"No. I was simply reading." Or, she had been attempting to read.

"May I join you?"

"Of course," she answered and lifted the book so that he could sit beside her.

"Tell me of Florence."

She'd not expected the question and was at a loss for a response. "What would you like to know?"

"I have never been so you tell me why you love it so."

Visions of her former home came to mind and Carina sighed. "Lady Dargate's father had an estate in the country, a villa, where we spent most of our time. When he passed and it was inherited by a nephew, Lady Dargate was no longer welcome, nor Gaia or me," she began.

Felix frowned.

"I do not know if you are aware, but despite a happy marriage, Lord and Lady Dargate lived much of it apart. She could not be so long from Italy and duties required him to be in England. Each winter, and before the Christmas Season, Lady Dargate and Gaia would sail to England and I would visit my mother. In the summer months, Lord Dargate and Bolton would travel to Florence. The nephew did not approve of a wife being apart from her husband and had all belongings shipped to England."

"I had not realized."

"It occurred last year while Gaia and her mother were still in England. All the trunks arrived with a letter of explanation and they have never returned."

"You still haven't told me why you love Florence so much."

Carina supposed that she hadn't. "Happy memories, I suppose, of when Lady Dargate's father was still alive. Florence is fascinating and I love to visit Piazza del Duomo, the city square which contains Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. Gaia and I used to climb the stairs to the top of the dome. Not far from the square, Michelangelo's David can be viewed among other works of art. Sometimes we would stroll the streets, past Piazza della Signoria, another historic church on our way to Ponte Vecchio, where we enjoyed shopping." Carina sighed.

"Would you want to live in Florence, or visit?" Felix asked.

"As I will likely never return, it is a question I cannot answer."

"You do not know what the future holds any more than I do. You could find yourself back there one day. If so, would you stay or visit?"

Oh, to return would be wonderful, but the more Carina remembered Florence, the more her heart ached to return, which would only bring on a melancholy. "It is foolish to discuss, as it will likely never happen unless Lady Dargate or Gaia decides to visit family. If that were to occur, then I would request to go along. Otherwise, I see no future where I can return."

"That is what dreams are for, Carina," Knight said softly. "If you had the power to live where you wished, or visit, what choice would you make?"

Was there really any danger in dreaming?

She supposed there was not if she reminded herself that none of it was real.

"I am not certain," she finally answered. "My friends are now in England, so I am not certain that I would want to live so far away. Perhaps live here and visit Florence. Though I could live in Florence and visit Gaia in England on occasion." Then another idea occurred to her. "Or I could suddenly find myself wealthy and purchase my own villa, then Gaia and Lady Dargate would always have a home if they wished to visit Italy." Carina ended with a laugh. "That is the beauty of dreams because we can make anything happen in our imaginations, but one must always stay grounded in what is possible so as not to suffer disappointment."

He would take her to Florence. Felix knew without a doubt that they would go there. Whether it was to live or visit, it did not matter but he would take Carina to the one place she loved.

Perhaps as a wedding trip and she could spend the day showing him all that she loved and at night, he could love her thoroughly alone in their chamber.

"What of you, Mr. Knight? Where do you wish to live or visit?"

He looked into her warm brown eyes. "I believe I want to see Florence."

"That is my dream," she reminded him.

"Yours are mine."

Her plump red lips parted as she gasped and Felix took that opportunity to lean in and put his lips against hers. He'd been longing to kiss her again. When she sighed, he placed a hand behind her head and delved. Her hand came up to grasp his forearm. It wasn't to push him away but to hold on. She tilted her head and offered better access and he wrapped his free arm about her waist and drew her closer.

Desire built as she returned his kiss with as much passion as his.

He needed her and loved her. Somehow, he had to make Carina his.

"Carina, are you out here?"

At Lady Lydell's voice, Felix broke the kiss and pulled away from Carina.

It was probably best that they were interrupted because the kisses were getting heated and he was contemplating more than kissing.

Carina went about nervously smoothing her skirts, her face a bright pink as she called out, "I am here, Gaia."

"Ah, I should have known that you'd be on your favorite bench, hiding in the garden."

Felix did not know Carina had a favorite bench, but when looking for her, he would definitely come here first.

"Mr. Knight, I did not expect to find you here as well." Lady Lydell hitched a brow as the side of her mouth quirked. No doubt she suspected they'd been kissing because not only did Carina still blush but her lips were slightly swollen.

"We were discussing Florence," Felix offered. "I hope to see it one day."

"And I hope to return," Lady Lydell offered. "That will have to wait, however. Angelo is going to escort Carina to The Pump Room for tea."

His stomach tightened at the thought of Bolton squiring Carina about in Society. If he wasn't injured, he could drive them to keep an eye on how the courtship was proceeding. Except, if he wasn't injured, he'd not be living in the house and his time would be occupied with his duties.

Felix came to his feet. "I hope you enjoy the afternoon, Carina." He lifted her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles then took his leave.