When emptiness descended on her, she held out her hand. Peter captured it and brought her against his side. The crowd gasped, a few laughed. “They’re at the water’s edge. Merton appears a little startled by your friend’s attire and I must say I do wish he had not refused me the privilege of laughing along with them. Where did he acquire such an outfit? I must ask him when this is over. I’ll say this: Miss Radley’s bathing costume does not leave much to the imagination. Hopefully, the sight of her shapely long legs won’t put him off his game entirely.”
Imogen sighed wistfully. “I’d be more afraid his attire was going to have the same affect on her. I’d heard you fellows bathe sans clothes in the sea, and although I don’t particularly care for that view en masse I do wish I could see him today.”
“We normally do. But not whe
n there are so many witnesses.”
He moved behind her, fingers grazing her hip, breath beating against her ear. He gripped her arms. “Ready for the starting shot?”
Despite the brief warning, the pistol shot caused her to jump. Peter chuckled and rubbed her arm. “They’ve dived through a wave. Julia is clear first and swimming for the distant boat that marks the turn. Good lord she’s quick. Merton better get a move on or he’ll be left behind.”
Peter kept a running commentary, so good Imogen could almost see Julia sprinting for the distant sail boat. Peter caught her fingers in his when the pair rounded it. “Merton is in the lead. No wait. Damn, they’re neck and neck again.”
“Yes. Yes. Heaven help us. She’s going to beat him back to shore.”
Peter’s grip tightened and then he hugged her tightly. “She won. She won.”
He urged her forward, hands gripping her firmly as she wobbled across the uneven ground. Julia’s breathless laughter sounded and suddenly she was enveloped by a pair of wet arms. “I did it. I proved them all wrong,” Julia chortled and gasped.
Imogen hugged her friend. She jumped up and down too. “I heard. Peter was good enough to commentate.” She awkwardly captured her friend’s face to hold her still. “I’m so proud of you but dear, you’ve wet my gown completely.”
Julia giggled and embraced her again. “I’m sorry, but I’m too happy to stop now. Berate me tomorrow.”
Julia was suddenly gone, pulled away from her grip, shrieking in protest. Imogen swayed but Peter slipped his hand into hers and squeezed. “Merton is being a good sport about his defeat. Oops. I may have spoken too quickly. He’s just tossed Julia onto his shoulder. I think he intends to dunk her back into ocean.”
When Imogen turned in that direction, Peter held her back. “She’s fine. They’re both laughing their heads off.”
To her right Miss Merton spoke suddenly, “Well, I’ve never seen such scandalous behavior. Come along, Teresa. I must write to Father about this. I’m sure you are positively scandalized too, Sir Peter.”
“Actually,” Peter murmured. “I was just debating challenging Julia myself. I’m usually faster than your brother.”
Around them, voices rose to encourage the challenge. The noise was deafening and from all directions and Imogen almost covered her ears. The sensation was extremely disconcerting. Peter slipped her arm securely back through his. His breath whispered across her ear. “Miss Merton’s gone, dragging poor Miss Teresa Long with her.”
“Poor Teresa. She misses out on so much merriment.” Imogen lifted her face. “Would you really challenge Julia to a race?”
“Absolutely.” He laughed again. “Miss Radley,” he called. “I challenge you to a race in a month’s time. Same conditions.”
The crowd around them laughed uproariously and Imogen felt a part of everything for the first time in a year of abstinence. The race wouldn’t be the same thrilling event without Peter’s commentary, but perhaps Valentine Merton could be recruited to assist if she asked nicely. She didn’t need to miss everything if she dared to ask for help from the right people.
~* ~
Peter hadn’t enjoyed an hour by the sea more than his brief time with Imogen. She had enjoyed herself immensely he thought. Her smile was bright and her eyes had sparkled, even if she couldn’t see what happened around them. He’d enjoyed talking to her about the race too. She didn’t seem to mind he’d babbled far more than he would normally.
He patted her hand on his arm, content and happier than he’d ever been. This was definitely what he wanted from his life; Imogen on his arm, laughing and talking to their friends. They strolled slowly toward their townhouses, a thinning crowd all about them. Walter was somewhere nearby laughing with Julia Radley and Valentine Merton.
He saw many a happy nod in Imogen’s direction. Seeing her out and about had pleased many more people than Imogen would realize. Of course, he would tell her everything when they were alone and convince her she need not shut herself away.
Imogen stopped suddenly and moaned, lifting a hand to cradle her forehead.
Peter bent to peer at her face and found her with her eyes scrunched closed. “What’s the matter?”
“A sudden sharp headache.” She leaned heavily against him, clutching at his coat. “Perhaps I’ve been in the sunlight too long.”
Peter pressed a hand to her forehead. She was a little warmer than he expected. “Has this happened before?”
“No, but then I’ve kept to the house a great deal of the time.” She moaned again and seemed to buckle.
Peter quickly scooped her up into his arms, ignoring her squawk of protest. “Let me look after you.”