Valentine groaned and remained where he landed, a blush climbing his cheeks.
He had not known she could topple a man, but given how strong she had proved to be, he should have expected he’d be rebuffed. “What was that for?”
She stood over him, hands on her hips. “Don’t you dare try to change the subject.”
“I wasn’t. It occurred to me tonight that there might be another reason you keep smiling at me so often.”
She glared. “I want you and my brother to be friends again.”
“I can do without a friend who acts and speaks as he does. But you are an entirely different matter.” He made himself comfortable, shoving aside a scrap of discarded timber that was digging into his aching backside. As much as he’d like to make another attempt to steal a proper kiss, he conceded he was probably safer where he was sitting for the moment. “You’ve come to see me alone, at night, and think yourself my equal. Perhaps we should be in all things. You know what people will assume.”
“They can assume anything they like. We know what happened.”
He scratched his head. That kiss. That brief kiss had affected him indeed. “I
think we have but one choice—and I dare you to marry me to prevent any further scandal.”
Her eyes rounded and she threw his workshop apron hard at his head.
His last sight of Julia was a pair of lean calves as she hitched up her skirts to run back home.
Three
Julia glanced about the foreshore, noticing the attention her presence caused. Some men were staring at her, some turned away. The women were whispering again, trying not at all to hide the fact that she was the topic under discussion between them. The gap between approval and disgust was palpable. She smiled up at Anthony Linden and hoped he didn’t notice or pay any attention to her detractors. “Would you care to join us for a stroll?”
The corners of Anthony’s mouth turned down. “If only I had the leisure, I would be very happy to accompany you all. However, I’m to meet with a friend to discuss an expedition. We mean to conquer Scafell Pike next summer.”
“So you are going to the Lakes District? How wonderful.” The possibilities of the expedition were endless and Julia stepped forward eagerly. Adventure, achievement. The challenge of success. “I meant to tell you earlier that we have old friends who live not far from there. I will write to them immediately and give them the good news to expect a visit.”
“It’s a dangerous undertaking,” Imogen cautioned.
Anthony beamed, his eyes filled with zeal and excitement. “What good is a challenge that isn’t even attempted, Lady Watson? We fellows are a determined lot.”
Imogen lightly grasped Julia’s hand and tugged. The subtle pressure to step back from Anthony was clear but she evaded her friend. “Indeed, yes.”
Sir Peter Watson grinned. “And who is joining you on this madcap expedition?”
Julia held her breath. Linus was fit enough to go with them if he could be convinced the adventure was worth the time. If Linus went, she would surely earn an invitation to join them, since she’d be properly chaperoned in her brother’s company. She could just see herself, scaling the heights, enjoying the clearest views in England with Anthony Linden at her side. It would be wonderful to get away from Brighton and her detractors.
“Oh, the usual fellows, I expect.” Anthony swept his dark locks from his eyes. “Johnson, Gallen, Neal. I’m of a mind to invite Merton. Fellow adventurers.”
Her stomach dropped at the mention of Valentine Merton. She’d been trying not to think of him, and his ridiculous suggestion that they should marry, all day.
“No women in your party?” Sir Peter asked, his brow rising to reveal his surprise.
“Far too dangerous for any woman.” Anthony shook his head, his eyes far away. “But I’m sure we’ll need some help with packing provisions and such. There’s always so much to be done.”
Sir Peter’s eyes narrowed and he glanced at her with an expression loaded with regret as she struggled with her disappointment. “Yes, women are such expert organizers,” he agreed.
Imogen rolled her eyes. “Have a care, husband.”
“You know my views well, darling. There is none more capable than a woman in any endeavor.”
Imogen was lucky that she’d married a man of sense. Sir Peter had never spoken dismissively of any woman, to Julia’s knowledge. He was unfailingly open-minded about many things and a great deal of fun.
Anthony turned to Julia, unconcerned by the debate he’d sparked between the Watsons. “If you could write to your friends and give them my particulars, I would be forever in your debt. Damned expensive undertaking. I’d like to discuss the expedition with them and see how they might help us secure lodgings and supplies.”
Julia winced. Why would Anthony relegate her to the role of helper when she wanted to be intimately involved? She’d thrown out so many suggestions over the past month as he’d shared his dream of conquering the mount. Anthony had lapped them all up and praised her too. “Yes, of course.”