The force of the collision expelled the air from Bella's lungs, and she would have crumpled to the ground if not for the swift support of a pair of strong hands. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she promptly began to apologize, even though the contours of the figure were still blurry to her.

"My sincerest apologies, I didn't see—"

"No harm done," came the reassuring voice.

The voice sounded oddly familiar – she must have encountered it at some point in her life. She blinked rapidly and focused on the stranger, recognizing a familiar face.

"You?!" she exclaimed in disbelief.

The blue eyes, reminiscent of hers, widened in surprise.

"Lady—"

She swiftly shook her head.

"Miss Ward within these walls," Bella corrected swiftly, "shall we take a stroll to the garden – unless, of course, you have a different obligation at your hands."

"Lead the way," the man replied, and soon they found themselves secluded behind the tall hedge, away from the hubbub of the ongoing soirée within the house.

"Captain Hayes," she addressed him with a touch of sarcasm, "I presume you'll inform me that you are once again accompanying your brother and his family."

He inclined his head.

"No, Lady... I mean, Miss Ward. I reside here in Marlborough."

"Ah," Bella replied, with a bitter laugh, "Marlborough is not terribly far from London, after all."

Christian sighed, realizing immediately that she was alluding to their first and last encounter years ago. His gaze carried a burden of remorse, yet a restrained smile graced his features.

"I... truly could not and did not wish to promise you anything back then, to prevent you from being disappointed. The timing could not have been worse, believe me."

Bella had to close her eyes and bite her lip to keep it from trembling.

"Is something amiss?" a concerned Christian inquired, stepping closer to her.

"I've just learned an unpleasant thing," she replied, swiftly wiping away the tears rolling down her cheeks, "I apologize, Captain; you caught me in an awful moment."

His gaze softened, and he said to her,

"I sincerely apologize if I, too, have let you down – leaving London after our meeting was not easy for me. I've been in Marlborough since February, bought a house here, and somehow convinced myself that you had already forgotten about me and moved on with someone else as it has been years since we met," he said candidly, then added, "Forgive me for the bold question, but may I embrace you, Isabella? You seem like you could use some tenderness, and I won't mind if you happen to dampen my shirt in the process."

She nodded and entered his open arms, where she began to sob. He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other gently caressed her back and hair. They stood by the living hedge wall, paying no mind to whether anyone might spot them and raise a scandal.

Travis St. Arcey graciously welcomed another round of esteemed guests, among them Princess Augusta Frederica, Lady Georgiana Fitzroy and Lady Sarah Lennox.

"Marquess St. Arcey, it is truly a pleasure to see you again after so many years!" Exclaimed Augusta, offering her hand for him to kiss.

"Your Royal Highness, let me present you with a warm welcome to my modest abode," he replied with a practised smile.

Similarly, he extended a cordial greeting to Lady Georgiana, who responded with a conspiratorial wink, and Lady Sarah. Engaging in a few more obligatory pleasantries with both ladies and introducing them to notable figures from Marlborough, he found himself impatient to escape the social formalities and locate Isabella. Eventually, a moment arrived when he could excuse himself, prompting him to embark on a quest to find his governess. Despite the rational inner advice against such an action, another internal force, akin to a wild beast, howled within his core, desiring only her. He longed to comprehend the animosity reflected in her eyes and elucidate anything she sought to understand.

During his journey, he cast a glance at her room, but it resonated with emptiness. Stepping outside into the garden, he realised that she may have sought solitude first, and the space behind the tall hedge provided the perfect seclusion. Strolling along the terrace, he noticed it – first the hem of her dress and then...

...some audacious blond man embracing her.

At that moment, a dagger seemed to pierce Travis' heart, and a crimson fog veiled his vision. He took another moment to regain his composure, as the sight itself stole his breath. Isabella stood there, locked in an affectionate embrace with a man unknown to him, while that stranger held her gently as if she were a cherished paramour to him.

Travis drew in a deep breath, intending to approach the pair and make them break their embrace when the rhythmic tapping of shoes against stone caught his attention.

"There you are!" exclaimed the lively voice of Lady Fitzroy, "I've been searching for you everywhere."

Travis had to muster every ounce of his goodwill to conjure a polite smile. He clenched both fists behind his back, ensuring his knuckles whitened, as he stepped toward Lady Georgiana.

"I was away for just a moment, Lady Fitzroy. Did you miss me so much?" he asked with nonchalance.

Approaching her, Lady Georgiana placed her hands on his chest.

"I've missed you since our night together, Lord Travis," she said in a veiled tone, casting him the most seductive gaze she could manage, accentuating her bosom even more.

Travis gently took her hands off his chest, slung one over his elbow, and led her away from the living hedge. It looked somewhat comical, and even Lady Georgiana seemed perplexed by this behaviour. However, he politely said, "Come, let me show you the interior of the house – you haven't seen such exquisite tapestries, I assure you."

His words managed to sway Lady Fitzroy, for she perceived it as an invitation to continue their discreet liaison, hence she allowed Travis to escort her back into the residence only to be disappointed later. Resisting the urge to glance back at the duo, he realized a fundamental truth – even if Isabella were to become the centre of scandal, he wouldn't allow anyone to take her.

She was his to claim and no one else's, no matter whom she was embracing at that damned hedge. 

Little did he realize what trouble was coming his way – and might continue to vex him in the near future – was that, as he hesitated over the potential pregnancy of his paramour, the young woman of his desires remained blissfully unaware that the balance of his affections had slowly but surely started to sway in her favour. All the while, her own inclinations were tipping in the opposite direction.

Bella withdrew from Christian's embrace after a prolonged moment, gently dabbing her face. She felt considerably improved, now able to collect her thoughts.

"How do you find yourself now, Isabella?" Christian inquired, this time with a subtle smile.

She returned the smile, although it was still a bit of an effort.

"Much improved, Captain Hayes. You've likely salvaged my evening."

He nodded, and since they remained in close proximity, he cradled her face in his hands. The gesture and his gaze flickering with desire took her breath away, and she parted her lips in anticipation. Christian needed no further encouragement – he pressed his lips to hers, initiating a deliberate kiss, savouring the moment. The act itself sent a shiver down her spine, though it wasn't an unwelcome feeling, to have her inner fire kindled by someone who seemed to desire her since the beginning... at long last. Though she felt as if she were betraying... someone, who kindled her earlier, much earlier, without having to even touch her.

Such folly, she admonished herself. I don't owe that rogue, who spurned my affections, a moment of my day.

Bella then felt how the captain's strong hands gripped her buttocks and pushed her to his aroused groins, further fuelling her desire. The height of it all scared her, for the emotions consumed her fully, rendering her mind unable to think clearly.

"This is what I've been dreaming of," Christian whispered, "I wanted to have you the moment our gazes met years ago. I could have you here and now, Isabella, if you allow me."

He gently guided her toward one of the trees that were in a row next to the hedge, pinned her to one of the trunks, and before she knew it, he lifted her skirt and pressed his palm upon her quim, emanating a loud sigh from her.

I shouldn't be doing this.

Aye, cease ere you cause yourself a regret, pleaded the angel.

You should be doing this and more, much more, said the devil to her ear.

Yet as he began to cause her the most imaginable pleasure, all while savouring her lips once more, she was rendered utterly powerless. Nay, she wasn't fighting Christian off; she was trying to break free from a spell she cast upon herself when she met the Marquess for the first time. Indeed, she harboured a mild admiration for the captain in bygone days, and evidently, that admiration persisted to this day.

And yet, she failed once more.

"Christian, cease!" she cried, to which he heeded immediately. "I-I can't anymore."

He loosened his embrace. "Apologies, Isabella, I may have overstepped your bounds too hastily," Christian exhaled. "Is everything in order?"

Bella nodded, straightened her skirt, and endeavoured to regain her composure. "The fault is mine entirely—I shouldn't have permitted such... familiarity."

He shook his head vigorously. "No, it's entirely my fault—I failed to inquire if you find such conduct acceptable... My deepest apologies, indeed, as it seems I may have misinterpreted the signals. Nevertheless, I could relish in the art of kissing you for hours and... attend to your pleasure even longer," he nervously smiled, laying bare his sentiments, "but ultimately, we must both return indoors; otherwise, someone might come searching for us. However, I would be honoured to maintain a connection with you if you would permit," he winked, then extended his hand and planted a genteel kiss on it, reminiscent of our encounter in London.

She nodded and swallowed, sensing the gradual easing of her nerves and tension from within.

"I have another, rather bold request, though," Christian said after a moment, "could I still pilfer a kiss from you?"

Perplexed, Bella found herself nodding as he cradled her face gently, bestowing equally tender kisses upon her lips, even daring to explore her mouth with his tongue. As he withdrew, his voice carried a note of desire.

"Every fibre of my being urges me to never release you again, Isabella. You can't fathom how thankful I am to have encountered you once more. I shall join you inside for a dance or two, Miss Ward, for I'm indebted to you, after all. Now, I beseech you, leave me here as you return to the ballroom—I have a matter to attend to."

Bella inclined her head and made her way toward the residence. She even cast a backward glance to find Christian observing her as she gradually vanished from his sight, prompting a sigh to escape her. The kiss and his touch had certainly stirred something within her; she would be dishonest to claim otherwise... but she didn't wish to cling to it. Bella regarded it as a peculiar nudge from fate, reminding her that there were still attractive, rather well-mannered gentlemen interested in her. Despite her reluctance, she had to return to the house; dusk was settling, and she had no other choice. Thus, she enveloped herself in patience and made her way toward the lively soirée.

She discovered that her concern for whether the old bat Lady Kendall observed her or not, or whether she caught sight of Travis, had completely evaporated. She felt a peculiar mix of numbness and indifference. Amid this emotional fog, the only glimmer of light was little Teddy... and mayhap... the captain's kiss along with his soaring touch. On one hand, she regretted venturing out of her room; on the other, she was grateful for the opportunity to glean more about Travis, even if it proved emotionally taxing. 

And encountering Captain Hayes again was not that unwelcome at all. She appreciated that he refrained from prying into the details of her misery and sought to console her in the best way possible at that moment – with a gentle embrace and whispered assurances that all would be well. The rest was only to her advantage, although she could not fully surrender herself and permit him to provide her further pleasure. 

My foolishness overcame me, but I shall not repeat that mistake. I won't allow you to infiltrate my thoughts again, shall the opportunity present itself, Travis St. Arcey.

Bella moved toward the rhythm of the music, emerging near Lafferty, who scrutinized the guests with a keen eye. He hadn't yet noticed her, but she had already spotted Travis, thoroughly engrossed with Lady Georgiana Fitzroy.

"I'd wager she's just another of his paramours," Bella remarked pointedly, causing Lafferty to start.

"Where have you been?! I've been searching for you everywhere," the butler exclaimed.

"In the garden," she replied curtly, her gaze still fixed on Travis. Where I should have allowed Christian to conclude what he commenced, Bella added inwardly. She felt a brief pang deep inside her core, yet chose to disregard it.

Lafferty sighed and responded, "Marquess St. Arcey is certainly no saint, as you're likely aware. However, his heart and mind are not tethered to any of these ladies. He is free."

She waved her hand dismissively.

"That matters little now, Lafferty." There are at least two sinners here this night.

Deciding to withdraw to the safety of her room, she felt the jubilant atmosphere and merriment of the guests only intensify her inner turmoil. Lafferty made no attempt to detain her, merely regarding her with understanding etched in his countenance.

Yet as soon as she advanced a few paces, a new acquaintance stood before her. Recognizing the lady, Bella promptly curtsied and addressed her:

"Your Royal Highness."

The surprise of encountering her in the corridor without any attendants was evident on Bella's face. The princess carefully assessed Bella from head to toe, her expression filled with curiosity.

"I beg your pardon, but I don't believe we've been introduced, though you appear strangely familiar, as if our paths have crossed before."

Bella paled slightly, beads of perspiration forming on her forehead. Her disquiet was unmistakable, catching the attention of the princess.

"Shall we take a stroll?" Augusta suggested, hooking her arm with Bella's and gently leading her back into the garden. "Your Highness, I expected you to have an escort," Bella stammered in surprise.

Augusta waved off the concern, casting a sidelong glance at Lady Lennox conversing with a gentleman not so far from her sight. "My entourage is preoccupied with various matters, just not my company."

Bella was taken aback by such straightforwardness. "But it's growing dim in the garden," she gently protested.

The princess just grinned and continued. "They'll light torches and lamps for us, won't they? Now begins the most exhilarating game – who captures whom in the dark corners? Who steals a kiss from whom? And who emerges from a scandal unscathed?"

When they reached the beginning of the garden under the rose arch, the princess stopped. "I sense from your expression that you're not entertained, as if I were expounding on the laws of physics to you."

Bella quickly shook her head and glanced into Augusta's eyes. "Not at all, Your Highness, but I hoped to retire early. Tomorrow holds a demanding day in my work."

The princess smiled, mischief gleaming in her eyes. "Ah! You must be Miss Ward, the governess of young Darlington. Your name is on everyone's lips tonight."

Bella gulped at this remark and averted her gaze, uncertain whether to continue the charade in front of her or confess.

"Come now, tell me what troubles you. I can see it in your eyes, and don't lie – I engage with people daily and try to read them like a book, as I've dedicated my life to assisting the less fortunate."

Bella sighed. "I... I am Isabella Price, the daughter of the Duke of Hertfordshire."

The princess's reaction surprised her – she chuckled softly and walked with her into the centre of the garden. "I suspected I'd seen you before, Lady Price!"

"Please, Your Highness, not so loud," Bella hushed her.

"But of course," Augusta looked at Bella with a demure smile, "I just found it amusing that I hold the main intrigue of the evening in my hands. My life rarely grants me such exciting moments."

When she felt Bella's hand slackening, Augusta stopped again.

"Fear not, Lady Isabella, I would never expose you to society. But allow me this question – every woman in your place would immediately provoke a scandal just to end up with such a handsome man as St. Arcey, but not you. You act as if you were going to the galleys. What is the reason behind it all?"

"I've decided not to marry and have children," Bella said firmly.

At that moment, Augusta stopped and turned to her, taking both of her hands. "Your words wounded me, Lady Price."

Bella was taken aback. "I beg your pardon, Your Highness. My words were inconsiderate, and I did not mean to offend."

The princess offered a gracious smile. "No offence taken, Lady Price. I merely wished to share my perspective. You are a commendable young lady with a noble heart, taking on the responsibility of being a governess despite its challenges, and risks stemming from your own status. I admire your courage. My health prevents me from bearing children, and for that, I won't seek a man's love. I'm not here to sway your decisions, but if there's a chance for your heart to embrace love and bring forth its cherished fruit, consider giving it an opportunity," she sighed, concluding, "Some wise souls forego or are denied the gift of children, while others, driven by folly, create them without much thought. But such is the course of the world, it appears."

Bella reciprocated the princess' firm grip, a vision of Travis cradling a child lingering in her thoughts. Their child. The thought of this unattainable dream caused her heartache, yet she managed to muster a smile for Augusta.

Before Bella and Augusta departed for the garden, Lady Kendall managed to catch a glimpse of their departure, though only their backs as they retreated. She responded with a disgruntled snort and turned to face Travis St. Arcey.

"Marquess St. Arcey," she addressed him sweetly, a smile gracing her lips, as was her custom when a figurative dagger lurked behind her back, poised to strike.

"Lady Kendall," he replied tersely.

"I've heard that young Silas now has a governess. Pray tell, is the young lady or madam in our company this evening?"

This time, Travis allowed himself a sly smile. "Why is your interest piqued, madam? Do you suspect my brother has fallen into improper care on my behalf?" 

The seasoned matron raised a discerning eyebrow. "I have reservations about the situation, and truth be told, you're not renowned for making the most judicious decisions, whether in your own interest or that of others, St. Arcey. Hence I wish to ascertain who is entrusted with the significant role of governess for my grandson."

"He's not your—" Travis started to respond but halted, realizing the futility of arguing in a battle already lost. He offered an excuse along with a sly smile and, shortly after, found himself approached by Lydia Winthrop.

"Marquess St. Arcey! We are grateful for the invitation to this delightful gathering! Mary has been anticipating it eagerly throughout the week," Lydia said, drawing her daughter closer, who hardly restrained any sign of exasperation.

Travis sighed, understanding the obligations of a gentleman for the evening and promptly engaged in a dance with Mary. As the musicians concluded, the collective gaze of the attendees shifted abruptly. Travis, too, turned to witness the entrance of Princess Augusta Frederica, accompanied by none other than Lady Isabella Price. Although Lady Kendall stood at a distance, Travis could almost hear her ironic laughter in his mind. The princess and Isabella approached him, the latter skillfully avoiding direct eye contact.

"Marquess St. Arcey, I must extend my compliments on your choice of governess for young Earl Darlington. Miss Ward is, indeed, a captivating lady," Augusta declared with a gracious smile, and Bella reciprocated with a modest one.

The princess then excused herself, mentioning that she intended to search for Lady Sarah Lennox, and Lady Kendall assumed her position, a smirk gracing her countenance. Travis also approached the ladies, mindful of the potential scandal that the old matron might orchestrate. Lady Kendall waited for a suitable moment, allowing the assembly to divert their gazes elsewhere, before speaking up:

"Well, Miss Ward, who would have thought you were such a veritable woman possessing greatly varied talents? I would never have imagined it would be you to attend to my grandson, especially not after the treatment you received from his pigeon-hearted lordship," she remarked with a touch of irony. "How fortunate I am today to hold the fates of both you and the Marquess in my hands."

Isabella refused to be cowed and cast a piercing, unyielding gaze upon Lady Kendall.

"You certainly do not, Lady Kendall. If you utter a single word, I assure you, you will never see your grandson again – I'll ensure it. The princess knows my identity, so if I were you, I'd keep your tongue in check for once in your life."

Lady Kendall's smile stiffened under her icy tone, and Travis found himself oddly pleased with this new Bella, standing up to someone like the veritable matron. Bella then excused herself and walked away with her head held high.

"Well then," Lady Kendal remarked, "I don't know what exercises she has undertaken in Newcastle, but in her threats, she got even more adept than you, Marquess."

Travis remained silent as he watched Bella retreating. She walked past the dancing couples and stopped only when she reached the man with whom he had seen her embracing in the garden, increasing the blood pressure within him since they had taken to the dance floor.

"Oh, let's see, Isabella and Captain Hayes make a splendid pair, don't they?" Lady Kendall commented, relishing Travis' stern gaze. "He's a wonderful man and a good person, unlike you."

"Indeed, if you insist," he muttered between tightly clenched teeth, while a broad smile from ear to ear adorned the aged matron's features. 

"Ah, Mrs. Gilchrist!" Lady Kendall exclaimed suddenly, her gaze directed beyond his back.

Travis turned, acknowledging Miranda and Charles, who had paused by him and Lady Kendall.

"I nearly forgot to offer my congratulations," Lady Kendall continued, "I possess an eye for the signs of expectancy – into which month have you progressed, my dear?"

Travis felt the world spin around him, yet he miraculously managed to remain upright.

How could I have failed to notice this? raced through his thoughts. Miranda smiled, her hand tenderly gracing her burgeoning belly, which was much more visible from the side than from the front.

"I am at the commencement of my fourth month," she replied with pride.

Quickly calculating the months in his mind, Travis realized it was still June, and the last time he was with Miranda was in late January, nearly half a year ago. A sudden sigh of relief escaped him, beads of perspiration forming on his forehead.

"Is there anything amiss, Lord St. Arcey?" inquired Charles Gilchrist, a quizzical brow raised.

"Not in the least! I propose a toast to such joyful tidings!" Travis exclaimed, donning a feigned smile and an air of merriment.

He sought to quell his fraying nerves, as well as the wild beast clawing within, longing to burst forth and rend Captain Hayes asunder. Avoiding eye contact with him and Bella became an arduous task, prompting the Marquess eventually to position himself with his back to them, lest he stir unwarranted talk.

Meanwhile, Bella basked in Christian's company, skillfully suppressing any inclination to cast a glance toward the Marquess St. Arcey. Engaging with other young attendees, she diverted her thoughts. Eventually, she exchanged contact with Christian, who gallantly kissed her hand and remarked,

"Should you require assistance, I stand at your service. Day or night, you have my unwavering support, Miss Ward."

Bella sighed and responded, "I shall need your assistance, Captain Hayes."

Arching an inquisitive eyebrow, he inquired, "Assistance in what way?"

"Help me forget," she added with a wistful smile.

"Most willingly," he assured her, a mischievous twinkle appearing in his eyes.

Later, as she retired to her bedchamber after the soirée, she found solace in immediate sleep. For the first time in a considerable period, her dreams remained undisturbed.