Livia kept asking herself this question, filled with shame. Was she indeed a wanton, a loose woman? Following that Sunday in the steam launch, to all outward appearances her relationship with Matthew Grayson continued as normal, on a strictly business footing. In reality they met frequently, in secret, to enjoy more of those delicious, exciting kisses. She would take a stroll in her dinner hour by the river and he would follow her, catching her hand and holding it in his, and she would do nothing to withdraw it. Then he’d pull her behind a tree, gather her in his arms and kiss her till she was breathless. The very touch of his hands upon her made her knees buckle. Livia never allowed their love making to go too far, keeping very strict boundaries; nevertheless, she knew she was cheating on Jack. It wasn’t as if Matthew made her any promises. He hadn’t even told her that he loved her, yet somehow Livia couldn’t bring herself to give him up. She needed him, wanted him, could barely concentrate on her work or think of anything else but when next she could be alone with him.
