Garden of May - Chapter 66
Chapter 66
“Well? River Ross. Say something.”
He silenced her by capturing her face and kissing her haphazardly. It was barely a kiss, more a brush of lips and breath, but it served its purpose of diverting her attention.
“A-Are you crazy?”
Vanessa’s face flushed crimson as she pushed at his chest and shoulders.
“What if someone sees us!”
“The farmer went inside.”
“Still! This is… this is completely out in the open.”
“You seemed to enjoy it yesterday in the garden. That was out in the open too.”
“That was….”
Vanessa bit her lip, unable to find a suitable reply. Despite her attempts at appearing worldly, she was at heart a proper lady, easily flustered by such remarks.
She subtly shifted her hips away from him, creating a distance that amused him.
“Sit closer. Don’t fall out.”
“…Don’t worry. I’m comfortable here, and it’s… hot.”
He pulled her slender waist closer, cutting short her flimsy excuses. Her warm body, heated by the summer evening, pressed against his arm.
The nape of her neck, bowed in embarrassment, was flushed. He could almost hear the frantic thumping of her heart. It was amusing that she was so flustered simply because they were close together in a public place.
Especially after the things they’d done in the secret garden over the past few weeks. Of course, that was a thought he couldn’t voice aloud. If he did, Vanessa would surely try to jump out of the carriage.
He chuckled softly and flicked the reins. The horse responded, and the carriage began to roll forward.
***
After several attempts, Vanessa finally wriggled free of Theodore’s grasp, scrambling to the edge of the driver’s seat as if fleeing a predator. A strange, one-sided standoff ensued.
“….”
It didn’t last long. River Ross seemed oblivious to her, staring straight ahead in silence. His relaxed lips and thoughtful expression conveyed a sense of tranquility. Even his typically cool gaze held a trace of warmth, like a lingering summer breeze.
Vanessa studied his profile for a while. His calmness gradually seeped into her, slowing her racing heart.
“….”
She carefully adjusted her posture and looked out at the passing scenery. It was impolite to stare, and more importantly, she didn’t want to disturb his thoughts.
The sun was setting over the tranquil countryside. The horizon blazed with intense red light, and the lights of the village twinkled like beacons in the gathering dusk. Fields of ripening wheat and small apple trees stretched endlessly on either side of the road.
There was a time when all this vast land belonged to the Somerset. It wasn’t so long ago. When her father, her mother, were alive, one couldn’t reach Sidron, the largest port in the South, without crossing Somerset land…. Now, all that glory was gone.
“Vanessa, wake up.”
He must have thought she’d fallen asleep with her eyes closed, lost in her memories. River Ross gently nudged her.
“We’ll be in Bath in ten minutes.”
“Oh, already?”
Vanessa glanced at the worn watch on her wrist.
“The circus starts at nine, so we’re about an hour early. We can get something to eat.”
“Are you hungry?”
“Yes, a little.”
He didn’t reply, but the carriage picked up speed. They passed under the Bath signpost as dusk began to settle. The streets were more crowded than usual, likely due to the circus.
River Ross steered the carriage into a less crowded side street. He seemed to know Bath’s geography better than she did, perhaps from his frequent visits. After navigating a few more alleys, the carriage stopped in a relatively quiet lane.
“This is….”
Vanessa’s eyes widened as she stepped down. Before them stood a respectable-looking shop, unexpected in such a back alley.
“A dress shop.”
River Ross answered her unspoken question as he followed her out of the carriage. Vanessa, her curiosity piqued, approached the display window. The glass was spotless, and a warm light spilled from within. The clothes on the mannequins were surprisingly fashionable, reflecting the latest styles from the capital.
It was a far cry from the dress shops her uncle had taken her to. Those shops carried outdated fabrics and rather uninspired designs.
“Let’s go in.”
Seeing her hesitation, River Ross gently placed a hand on her back. Vanessa, nodding absently, suddenly realized his intention and turned to him with a start.
“Here? Now?”
“You need clothes.”
“Me?”
Vanessa blinked in confusion. River Ross prompted her.
“You said your dress was unsuitable for going out.”
“Well, yes, but.”
She did need clothes, technically. Her current attire was a bit embarrassing. But did she need new clothes entirely? The missing button could be sewn back on, the wrinkles ironed out. This dress was the most recent everyday dress she owned.
As Vanessa hesitated, River Ross opened the shop door. A bell chimed, and the shop owner, who had been fitting a dress, turned around.
“Welcome…. Oh my.”
The owner’s eyes widened at the sight of them.
