Page 65 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

CHAPTER 26

The weak March sunshine hit their faces as Louise and Marcus stepped down from the carriage. It was turning into a beautiful day, and several ladies and gentlemen were already strolling through the park ahead of them.

Horses trotted amongst the crowds, curricles wound their way along the paths, and the air was alive with chatter and laughter. Marcus offered her his hand as she stepped onto the pale gravel, and they headed out together.

Hyde Park stretched before them, lush and green and inviting, and Louise smiled at him broadly as they began to walk. Not so long ago, she had walked these very paths with him under the watchful eye of her mother. Now, they could wander without scrutiny.

“Which direction would you like to go in?” Louise asked. “We could walk to the gate on the far side or perhaps go to the lake?”

Marcus’s hair fluttered lightly in the breeze as he looked around them, closing his eyes briefly and inhaling deeply.

“I believe anywhere would be perfect, as I have my friend by my side, but perhaps the water. I enjoy the stillness of it.”

Louise did not comment on his strange mood but squeezed his arm gently as they made their way down the path.

Ladies in their finest clothes passed her by, many with chaperones, and groups of silly girls giggling together sped past, laughing merrily at the jokes of their friends.

“This was an excellent idea,” Marcus said finally. “I have not been out in too long.”

“If you are tired, tell me, and we can stop and rest.”

“I believe it is good to move my limbs. My muscles have been very much weakened since my accident. I cannot bear the sight of my legs—they are as thin as twigs.”

Louise laughed softly. “Nonsense, we merely need to fatten you up. I believe your mother will make sure that they serve double the portions at every meal from here on out.”

Marcus’s smile was warm. “You may be right.”

They continued along the path, Louise’s mind a flurry of thoughts, wondering how best to broach the subject of his absence. Marcus seemed so changed somehow, as though there were a weight on his shoulders, and she did not wish to make him unhappy.

As they continued on their way, they passed a large tree to their left that towered above them, and she found her gaze drawn to its branches.

“That is a cedar of Lebanon,” she noted happily, gesturing to the enormous branches that stretched above her head. “It is one of my favorite trees. It symbolizes protection, strength, and wisdom.”

“Why is it your favorite?” Marcus asked in that same distant tone.

“I think it is the size of it more than anything. It is so lush and green. It looks as though it could protect you, don’t you think? If I were to become lost in its branches, I believe I would feel very safe.”

Marcus chuckled. “It is beautiful. How is your encyclopedia coming along?”

Louise thought of the night before when Christian had pulled the Gallic rose out of his coat pocket. His expression had been more earnest than she had ever seen it. The memory sent a confusing rush of affection through her, and she pulled out her notebook in order to distract herself.

“It is going well. I have cataloged a great number of flowering plants now. I am very interested in vegetables, too, and I have been speaking to Neilson about creating a vegetable patch in the garden. I think he believes me quite mad.”

“Neilson?”

“Christian’s gardener,” she clarified, handing him her notebook.

They released one another as he took it, and he began to leaf through the pages as they continued walking.

“Oh, of course,” Marcus said. “How my mind forgets things these days. Neilson’s father worked with the late Duke to design the garden, I believe. However, my mother was rather fonder of the country estate. She planted a secret garden there behind a little door concealed by ivy. It has a blanket of bluebells every year that are quite exquisite.”

“Did she really?” Louise exclaimed. “I had no idea. I suppose I shall see the country estate someday soon.”

Marcus glanced at her. “Of course, you shall. It is yours now, after all.”

“It is yourbrother’sestate, Marcus. I will simply reside in it.”

Marcus gave her a sideways look but said no more. He leafed through the remainder of her notebook and made a pleased sound as he handed it back.

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