Fragrance drifted the air from night flowering flora, creating a heady scent that added to her confusion. Finally she found herself at the wall that surrounded the perimeter and she stumbled along it, one hand grazing the cool brick until she came upon a stone seat set into an arch in the wall. Climbing roses trailed around it, forming a living canopy. Tucking her feet under herself, she hugged her knees, she concealed herself there. The kiss had surprised her, but not as much as the sudden rush she had felt as their tongues entwined. It was like she had recognised a kindred spirit…except there was no such person as kindred to her. She was alone, had always been alone, and would always be alone. That was her curse. Sweeping a gloved finger over her lips she wondered at the strange connection she now felt to this man. She had been positive he was one of the brothers, most likely James but she couldn’t be certain? And why did she feel the urge to run back to him, to search him out and allow him to steal another kiss?
