If Torie were the kind to actually blush in full force, she would have been as red as her hair! He was quite charming, in addition to chivalrous. His words did soothe her ruffled feathers a little bit, though she still felt utterly ridiculous, she could more easily push down the embarrassment in an effort to be her normal, effervescent self.

The invitation to walk or take a respite was a tough one. They would be due at the luncheon break soon, but honestly she wasn't so sure she could make it more than a few steps without wobbling herself right back into the dirt. The walk would give her a good excuse to hold onto him, and she supposed it would have to happen eventually, but perhaps, if Geary was feeling generous, she might be able to monopolize Mr. Alderton's company for a few moments longer, if only to prove to him she was not a hopeless cause.

"Would you mind terribly if we sat for a few moments, just until I get my knees to stop shaking?" Torie passed him a sheepish smile. Surely there had to be a log or a rock they could sit upon? At this point Torie would plop herself on the ground for a little while, if only to give herself enough time to recover and to be charming at the same time. She was determined to flirt to the best of her abilities and refresh his opinion of her (which didn't seem to be all that bad?) Besides, Geary was right there, it wasn't as if they were unaccompanied this time! "I am uncertain I would make it too far on such unsteady legs." She chuckled, a playful warning she might give out on him again.