He’d walked away from the people he cared about before. Left them without a backward glance. This time was no different, surely.

But perhaps he was.

Chapter 13

Laura settled the strap of her waterproof mackintosh bag more firmly over her shoulder as she crossed the beach with Henrietta. It was—along with the woolen bathing costume within—yet another item she’d borrowed from her friend. Though Henrietta could be pettish, she was really quite generous most of the time. Generous, kindhearted, and worthy of every happiness.

Or so Laura had been telling herself since last evening.

She was determined to be happy for her friend. There would be no more pining after Alex Archer. Instead, Laura was going to refocus her attention back where it belonged.

“Don’t do anything foolish,” Henrietta said. “The sea is too dangerous for ladies to be mucking about in it.”

“It isn’t dangerous. Only look.” Laura nodded at the water. The morning sun was shining brightly, reflecting down upon a sea that was as smooth as a sheet of glass. “There’s not a wave in sight.”

“It is rather calm this morning,” Henrietta conceded. “Though why you should want to swim in it, I don’t know. I’d never expose myself to those old biddies with their telescopes. And they weren’t the only ones ogling bathers yesterday. I saw a fellow or two with a telescope as well. Horrible creatures. I’ll not call them gentlemen.”

“I don’t know what they imagine they can see,” Laura said. In truth, she didn’t really care. Her borrowed bathing costume covered her from shoulders to knees in acres of dark blue wool. It was modest enough by anyone’s standards. Besides, she hadn’t come this close to fulfilling her dream only to forgo it because of a few beach-faring busybodies with spyglasses.

“It’s a shame we can’t stay another day,” Henrietta said. “How divine it would be to go dancing again this evening! But Papa is anxious to get home. He can’t be away more than three days without fretting about the estate. If it were up to him, we’d have already left this morning.”

Laura was glad they were taking a later train. It gave her one last chance to go into the water. And this time, she was determined not to abide by the silly rules.

“Perhaps I’ll have a dance at Edgington Park when we return?” Henrietta suggested. “Or a ball?” Her eyes brightened. “I know! I shall plan a betrothal ball. Something grand. An event the villagers will talk about for years to come.”

Laura gave her a sharp look. “He didn’t propose last night, did he?”

“Gracious, no. There wasn’t any privacy. But when he danced with me, and when he gazed into my eyes… Oh, Laura. I pray that one day you shall know what it is to be admired by such a man.”