When he heard the dogs bark, his body stiffened. He’d thought himself alone; he’d even been sure of it. In any case, his aging hounds never barked at family or familiar servants. Half-hoping for a confrontation, Bennett moved quietly toward the sound.

He heard her laugh and the sound surprised him. It wasn’t quiet and prim, but rich and delighted. As he watched, Hannah leaned down to stroke the dogs, which pressed against her legs.

“There now, what a lovely pair you are.” Smiling she bent farther still to nuzzle. The moonlight slanted over her face and throat.

Instantly, Bennett’s eyes narrowed. She hardly looked plain and subdued at the moment. The moonlight accented the hollows and contours of her face, enriching the soft English skin and deepening the already deep green eyes. He would have sworn that he saw both strength and passion there. And he was a man who recognized both in a woman. Her laughter floated out again, as rich as sunlight, as sultry as fog.

“No, you mustn’t jump,” she cautioned the dogs as they circled her. “You’ll have mud all over me and how would I explain that?”

“It’s usually best not to explain at all.”

She snapped her head up as Bennett spoke. He saw surprise, or thought he did, but it passed quickly. When she straightened, she was the calm, unremarkable Lady Hannah again. He chalked up the passion he’d thought he’d seen to a trick of the light.

“Good evening, Your Highness.” Hannah took only a moment to curse herself for being caught unaware.

“I didn’t know anyone else was in the garden.”

“Nor did I.” And she should have. “I beg your pardon.”

“Don’t.” He smiled to put her at ease. “I’ve always felt the gardens aren’t enjoyed nearly enough. Couldn’t you sleep?”

“No, sir. I’m always restless when I travel.” The dogs had deserted her for Bennett. She stood beside the flowering jasmine and watched him stroke them with strong, capable hands. She was well aware that numerous ladies had enjoyed the same easy touch. “I’d seen the gardens from my window and thought I might walk awhile.” In truth, it had been their scent, exotic and alluring, that had urged her to loiter after she’d noted the layout of the space.

“I prefer them at night myself. Things often look different at night,” he continued, studying her again. “Don’t you think?”

“Naturally.” She linked her hands together just below the waist. He was marvelous to look at, sun or moon. When he’d strode into his father’s office that afternoon she’d thought that riding clothes suited him best. The dogs came back to press their noses against her joined hands.

“They like you.”