I didn’t want to tell him how frightened I was because of how difficult my mother’s pregnancy with me had been. He sensed my nervousness, put his arm around me, and kissed my cheek.

“I won’t wait for our nuptials to begin protecting you, Corrine. Worry not,” he said.

I relaxed against him. My parents disappeared around a corner.

“Hope your father doesn’t get too rambunctious out there,” he quipped, his meaning in his coy smile.

“My father? Doubt it.”

“I would,” he whispered. “But I don’t want to exhaust myself before the evening starts.”

I glanced back at Mrs. Steiner and Dora, who were sitting in the carriage, waiting to serve us. It didn’t seem right to have servants at a picnic watching our every move to anticipate something we might want. I imagined most women, especially young women my age, would be jealous of me, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever get used to this life.

“I have a great idea. Later, let’s practice the waltz for your parents. Your mother claims she never saw us dancing at the Wexlers’. I bet we can get them up and dancing, too. Great rehearsal for our wedding reception, us dancing alongside your parents. I can hear the applause now.”

He smiled and then kissed me softly.

“You are so lovely, no matter what time of day,” he said.

Would I ever be happier than this?

Close to an hour later, my parents returned, my father looking hot under the collar from the effort to cross the lake or, as Garland was suggesting with his laughing eyes, something else.

“Shall we call it midday delight?” he whispered.

I quickly covered the expression on my face. My parents? In broad daylight? On someone else’s property? However, I did look at them with some suspicion. My mother appeared a bit guilty. Perhaps Foxworth Hall could be magical, I thought, especially when it came to love.

After lunch, Garland suggested we all take a nap. He had planned another big dinner and sent for a violinist from Charlottesville to entertain us while we dined.

“And Mrs. Wilson has made us one of her wonderful golden rod cakes,” Garland said. I wondered if it would be half as good as Hazel’s. “After dinner, Corrine and I will have a surprise for you in the ballroom.”