Page 157 of From Rakes to Riches

“That’s ridiculous. I’d be lost without my closest friend. Who am I going to share flavored ice with?” Lola teased. “Why don’t I come by the day after tomorrow? I need to check my post and collect a few last things.”

“That sounds perfect.” Sofia grinned. “And it’s good timing. I think your room is already rented for next month. Francesco saw the landlord shake hands with a young man on the front steps yesterday.”

“A young man? Was he handsome?” Lola asked with a playful note in her voice.

“That doesn’t matter,” Alessandro answered from over her shoulder.

“Sofia needs to stay focused on perfecting her double somersault,” Francesco added as he appeared as suddenly as his brother.

“Dio mio!Were you both listening to my conversation?” Sofia’s stern tone expressed her displeasure. “You’re unbearable.”

“It’s our responsibility to watch over you, dear sister.” Alessandro softened his words with a smile before he and Francesco walked away.

“See what I’m up against?” Sofia said despairingly. “It will be a wonder if I ever find romance again.”

“Don’t say that.” Lola clasped her friend’s hand. “If love managed to find me while I was using a different name and hiding high above London on a tightrope, I know love will find you.”

“I hope so, Lola,” Sofia said with a slight smile. “I’ll keep my eyes and heart open to be sure I’m ready.”

“Good. Now, let’s go talk to my parents and sister.” Lola tugged on Sofia’s hand. “I want them to meet you.”

Sunshine filledthe sky the following morning and Theodore couldn’t be more pleased. After breakfast Lola had gone upstairs to change into the new riding habit he’d had delivered from his tailor. Today they intended to share a quiet day, just the two of them, riding in the park. He’d already arranged to have the horses saddled and a picnic hamper packed. Everything was in order, though he couldn’t contain the pulse of restless energy that caused him to pace across the carpet in the drawing room while he awaited her return downstairs.

“I’m ready,” Lola called from the hallway before she swept into the room. “What do you think?”

She looked stunning. The royal blue riding jacket with frothy lace cuffs was cropped at her waist, where a sleek skirt flowed down to meet her glossy leather boots. The impeccable fit of the ensemble hugged her curves perfectly and provoked thoughts of activities other than riding.

“What is it?” she asked, her expression alarmed. “Do I look all right?”

He eyed the petite velvet top hat set at a jaunty angle upon her head. “You are a vision.”

“And you are a scoundrel,” she said with a beguiling smile. “Are you ready to ride?”

“More than ready,” he replied as they walked into the hall and through the house to the back of the property.

He helped her into the sidesaddle atop Venus and then mounted Mercury before they rode into the street toward Hyde Park. Once they passed through the wrought iron gates and trotted beyond the pedestrian promenade, he indicated a deep-set clearing near the bank of the Serpentine River where a patch of lush grass was surrounded by clusters of pink primrose and lily of the valley, their fragrance light on the breeze.

“This is a lovely spot.”

“Almost as lovely as you.” He dismounted and reached up to grasp her waist, lifting her swiftly to the ground, though he didn’t immediately release her. “I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than right here with you, Miss Morgan.”

“Such flattery this morning, Lord Essex. Are you angling for a kiss?” she said in a teasing tone. “I’m happy to oblige. Kissing you is one of my favorite things to do.”

“And your other favorite things?” he asked as he removed his gloves and took the liberty of removing hers. He tossed them atop the saddle and tilted her chin upward so their eyes matched.

“I’ll show you the rest of my list later this evening.” Mischief gleamed in her gaze before she lowered her lashes. “Besides, all my kisses are yours for free. You needn’t offer compliments and work at grand gestures.”

He chuckled, anticipating her objection to what he was about to say. “Well, today I do have a little surprise.”

“Theodore!” She said, her voice firm yet elated. “The sapphire necklace, a beautiful horse and new riding habit—your generosity has proven overwhelming. No more presents, please.”

“It’s a small token. Very small actually.” He cleared his throat and tried to suppress a grin.

“It’s sweet of you and I appreciate your thoughtfulness but you don’t have to shower me with extravagant gifts,” she said sincerely, her voice going soft. “You’ve given me your love. There’s nothing else I could ever want.”

“Well, I’m hoping you’ll want this one last gift,” he said as he reached into his waistcoat pocket. “Especially since it’s meant to last a lifetime.”

Her delicate brows rose, but she didn’t say another word.

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