Chapter 11

After the duke promised to escort her to Vauxhall Gardens and procured gentlemen's clothes suited for the occasion, a part of Elizabeth was skeptical she would ever hear from him again. As a known rake about town, it was entirely possible. She had deeply anticipated a night of entertainment, mystery, and perhaps a little mischief under the magical incognito of her disguise, but she had also prepared for disappointment.

However, the following evening, at precisely nine p.m., Elizabeth couldn't help but marvel at her reflection in the mirror. The transformation from a genteel young lady into a convincing gentleman of leisure was astounding. The tailored dark trousers and matching jacket gave her a sharp, defined silhouette, while the white undershirt and dark blue waistcoat accentuated her eyes, adding a dash of sophistication.

The silken white cravat, although a challenge for the maid to knot, eventually sat perfectly at her throat, completing the upper ensemble with a touch of elegance. Her evening shoes, sleek and properly fitted, complemented the outfit, and the short wig they managed to tuck her hair under was the final disguise that obscured her usual feminine hairstyle. Topped with an evening hat and accessorized with a walking cane, she appeared every bit the part she intended to play.

"I do look incredible," she said to her reflection, a wide grin spreading across her face. Elizabeth turned to the maid and handed her a five-pound note. She was quite aware this amount was several month's wages for the young girl.

"Remember, not a word about this to anyone."

"Yes, Miss Elizabeth," she said, her eyes wide with delight before bobbing and leaving the room.

It was thrilling to see herself like this, and her excitement for the evening ahead bubbled within her. Downstairs, the house was quiet. Her mother and aunt had already left for their own engagements, having accepted her excuse of feeling tired without suspicion. She hurried down the stairs, her steps confident and a little faster than usual due to her anticipation. Outside, the duke's carriage awaited. As she stepped out into the cool evening air and approached the carriage, her heart skipped a beat.

The duke was already there, looking exceptionally handsome in his evening wear. The sight of him, so poised and debonair, caused her cheeks to warm with a blush. An unexpected thrill surged through Elizabeth. There was a wicked, possessive gleam in his gaze. She hadn't anticipated this feeling of uncertain shyness. In the wicked, silver gleam of his eyes, the memory of how he had taken her was there. Her cheeks burned brighter.

James opened the carriage door, and she climbed into the carriage, her attire making the action smoother and somehow more fitting to her guise. "I declare you are a magician. Everything fits perfectly," she said as they settled inside the equipage.

James seemed slightly amused. "I am glad to hear it. You make a handsome, convincing gentleman."

"I do," she said, grinning. Her initial awkwardness melted away. James's exuded reassurance, and his easy demeanor helped Elizabeth relax.

The carriage began to move, rolling smoothly along the cobblestone streets toward Vauxhall Gardens. She felt nervous and excited. Not only was she embarking on an adventure disguised as a man, but she was also spending an evening in the company of someone who stirred complex and compelling feelings in her.

Elizabeth saw a chessboard on the seat and leaned forward to study it. The game set out was intricate and challenging. "Who are you playing with?"

"Myself."

Startled, she glanced up. "Why?"

"I have an upcoming match, and I was trying to plot the possible moves my challenger could make."

Oh!"Would you like to practice with me?"

"You know the game?"

"Yes," she said, plucking up a bishop and making a move.

James glanced down and assessed the board. "Hmm, interesting. I would not have made that play."

"Of course not," she said, "I am too incredible. You cannot match or anticipate my moves."

His low laugh rasped against her senses with delight. "I shall introduce you to my good friend, Lord Radbourne, if you win this game."

"Why?"

A cunning glint appeared in James's eyes. "So I can feel the satisfaction of you trouncing him."

"I see," Elizabeth said, grinning. "He is the only one to ever defeat you."

"Hmm," James murmured, moving a knight in a play she never anticipated despite being able to plot five to ten moves ahead.

"Oh," she said, rubbing her gloved palms together.

To Elizabeth's delight, they started to play in earnest. The duke was an incredibly patient and calculating player, his moves bold and decisive. She matched his patience but was more careful with her moves. As the game progressed, the carriage hummed with quiet tension; the only sounds were the soft clink of chess pieces being moved and the occasional rustle of clothing.

"Your knight takes my bishop. Bold, Your Grace, very bold."

James had made a move that significantly strengthened his control of the board's center.

"It is a strong position, but not invincible," James replied with a slight smirk, silver eyes glinting with amusement. "Your move."

"Prepare to be awed." Elizabeth leaned in closer, her mind racing through scenarios and potential counters. She moved her queen, setting up a defensive stance while also positioning herself for a more aggressive play. "There, let us see how you handle this."

"Easy," he drawled provocatively.

James studied the board; his brow furrowed in concentration. After a moment, he chuckled softly, clearly impressed. "Very clever, Miss Armstrong."

"Impressed?"

"Yes."

She grinned. Their back-and-forth continued, each move punctuated by playful banter and the growing respect for each other's skills. Elizabeth took a risk, capturing one of James's key pieces and tipping the balance slightly in her favor. "Checkmate."

James leaned back, evaluating the board with a raised eyebrow. "Well played," he conceded, his voice rich in admiration. "It seems I may indeed have to introduce you to Lord Radbourne sooner than expected."

Elizabeth laughed. "Shall we go again?"

"Best out of three games," he said.

They reset the board and started playing. Several minutes later, the carriage had rolled to a stop, and Elizabeth looked up, momentarily distracted from the intense chess game.

"I suppose this is our stop," James said, observing her surprised expression with a good-natured gleam in his eyes. "Unless you want to forgo the gardens and play chess instead."

"No," Elizabeth replied, reluctantly setting aside the chessboard. The game had been absorbing, and she was genuinely impressed by James's playing. The journey had flown by, filled with unexpected camaraderie and the thrill of intellectual challenge.

As they stepped out of the carriage, she adjusted her hat and straightened her jacket, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The cool night air was fragrant with the scents of the gardens, and the sounds of merriment beckoned enticingly. At the entrance to Vauxhall Gardens, the gateway was brilliantly illuminated by the array of lanterns. She was conscious of the curious glances they attracted—her disguise was effective enough at a glance, but Elizabeth feared that up close, her softer features might raise suspicions.

"Relax," James said, "Your disguise is impeccable, and you make a very convincing gentleman even if your derriere is a bit too lush."

Elizabeth blushed, pleased and a bit flustered by his words. James paid the fee and they entered. The gardens were bustling with people, laughter, and music filling the air, creating a lively atmosphere that promised a night of delight and diversion. She felt a thrill of freedom mingling with the novelty of her disguise.

"Goodness. My brother mentioned this place to me in his letters, but I never imagined it would be this lovely or large! It is impossible to explore everything they have to offer tonight. Oh, James, do say we will come again."

"We can visit as much as you want to."

Looking about, she continued, "One of the reasons I longed to visit London was for the pleasure gardens and the museums! I confess my family has only been concerned with balls and more balls! Where else do you recommend that we explore?"

"How sturdy are your feet?"

Elizabeth gracefully stuck out her right leg. "I would say I have about four hours of walking."

James chuckled. "We can explore the Grand South Walk, Lovers' Walk, a couple of pavilions, and the Dark Walk. The paths are illuminated by as many as fifteen thousand colorful, glass lanterns hung among the trees."

"Fifteen thousand?"

"Some reports say over twenty thousand."

"How impressive."

"We can also visit the Chinese Temples and the Cascade—a faux waterfall that is lovely. There will also be a fireworks show soon and a balloon ascent. Another section of the gardens will have acrobatic shows and tightrope acts, equestrian feats."

"Oh, I cannot choose! Can we see them all?"

James's mouth curved, and her heart twisted at the beautiful sensuality inherent in that smile.

"We shall see."

They started their adventure along the Grand South Walk, the main thoroughfare lined with the promised fifteen thousand glass lanterns. The lights cast a magical glow, illuminating the path in a kaleidoscope of colors that bathed the surrounding foliage and the faces of the visitors in a warm, ethereal light. The walkway was bustling, filled with people of all ages, the air alive with the sound of music, laughter, and the distant calls of vendors selling fruits.

They paused at Lovers' Walk—a more secluded pathway known for its romantic ambiance. That pathway was scandalously lined with smaller, more intimately placed lamps that created a soft, inviting glow. Here, couples walked hand-in-hand, stealing quiet moments away from the larger crowds.

Next, they explored a couple of the pavilions that offered a picturesque view of the gardens and a brief respite from the bustling main paths. Each pavilion had its own unique design, some adorned with intricate woodwork, others with floral decorations that complemented the natural beauty of the gardens. James then guided Elizabeth toward the Dark Walk, a path known for its mysterious, shadowy atmosphere, and where people clearly indulged in wanton debauchery. Elizabeth paused, astonished, peering at a couple leaning against a tall elm tree, kissing each other.

"Are you also seeing this?"

"Yes," James said, his tone darkly amused. "Are you seeing everything?"

"They are kissing."

"They are doing more. One of his hands is under her gown. Given how her hips are arching … and his arm moving, he is fucking her with his fingers."

She gasped.

"Is that a blush, Elizabeth?" James drawled. "It is a bit too dark to clearly tell."

Her cheeks heated under his provocative regard. It felt … indecent.

She sniffed, and continued walking, his low, amused laugh following her. They continued their exploration, heading toward the Chinese Temples next. These structures were beautifully crafted, with ornate, pagoda-like designs and delicate, hand-painted decorations that reflected the ton's fascination with Oriental décor.

"James, how beautiful!"

They continued exploring, and soon, the sound of cascading water drew Elizabeth to the Cascade. The faux waterfall tumbled down a cleverly constructed rocky outcrop and was illuminated by nearby lamps that made the water sparkle as it fell.

Almost five hours after entering, Elizabeth was awed and a bit tired. The pleasure gardens were a captivating oasis with its multi-colored lamps and lanterns shaped like constellations, stars, and suns turning the gardens into a fairyland of blue, yellow, and purple lights. The grounds were rather lush and expansive with a canal running through with two elegant cast-iron bridges. A faux castle was also prominent and planted with several pieces of cannon, bowling greens, swings, and thatched umbrellas as a shelter from sudden rains and storms.

"Just in time," James murmured, glancing toward the sky.

The fireworks began, painting the sky with bursts of color, and Elizabeth watched in awe. After the show, they made their way to an area where acrobats and equestrians were performing, each act drawing cheers and applause from the gathered crowds. She was captivated by the array of performances, astonished to see daring ladies who stood gracefully atop galloping horses and men who deftly traversed tightropes strung high above the ground. Each heart-stopping moment of the acrobats' precarious acts had Elizabeth instinctively gripping James's arm with her breath held in suspense. He bore her reactions with impressive grace.

Though she yawned behind her gloved hand, she said, "I must see the hot air balloons soar in the air tonight. I declare I cannot wait to see such a spectacle another day, James."

He obliged whatever she wanted, and they strolled toward where dozens of people were setting up for the balloon ascent. Her belly rumbled, and she sheepishly grinned.

"I missed supper, and I am famished."

"The Gardens is famous for its arrack punch; I will treat you to it with a cold supper."

"Arrack punch?"

"A drink made by mixing arrack, which is a liquor derived from areca nut, rum and sugar."

"Rum?"

"Hmm."

Elizabeth grinned. "I am already anticipating the taste."

"Then we shall continue onward, eat, drink, and make merry."

She found herself laughing more freely than she had in a long time. Another hour slipped by, filled with laughter and lively conversation, drinking punch, and eating. They talked about several topics, from gossip to political debates. Elizabeth was increasingly captivated not just by the duke's charm and looks but by his droll wit and intelligence. More so that James willingly talked about topics her mother often warned her were unsuitable for discourse with men of the ton. Her throat went tight, and an unfamiliar sensation lodged inside her chest.

He faltered and glanced at her when he noted she had stopped. His expression grew serious at whatever he saw on her face. "What is it, Elizabeth?"

She swallowed against the ache of emotions that rushed inside her. Elizabeth was trying to calm the wild pounding of her heart and the foolish ache for more with this man that had stirred to life.

"James … thank you. This night has been incredible and far more fun than I expected. It is wonderfully liberating, being someone else for a night."

He cupped her cheek with a hand, uncaring that a few people glanced at them in astonishment. "There are no thanks needed between friends," he murmured, his gaze enigmatic.

She breathed in the scent of the man, all warmth and masculinity. Longing rose inside her like a great swell, and her breathing fractured. Elizabeth smiled, knowing this night would be etched in her memory forever, a bright spot in her life, regardless of what the future held.

You are incredible, James, and I hope that during our time together, you also find me a bit wonderful.