Page 65 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
The next morning, Kenneth led Beatrice out to the stables, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
“I want to show you something,” he said, his hand resting gently on the small of her back as he guided her.
Beatrice’s eyes widened as they entered the stables, the scent of hay and horses enveloping them. Before her stood a beautiful chestnut mare, its coat gleaming in the soft light.
“This is Firefly,” Kenneth announced, his voice filled with pride. “She’s gentle and perfect for beginners. I thought you might like to try.”
Beatrice hesitated, her stomach fluttering. “I’ve never ridden a horse before,” she admitted.
Kenneth smiled reassuringly. “I’ll be right here with you. Trust me.”
With his help, Beatrice mounted the horse, his strong hands guiding her into the saddle. He showed her how to hold the reins and gently nudge Firefly forward.
As they rode out into the open fields, Kenneth staying close by her side, Beatrice felt a rush of freedom and exhilaration.
The wind whipped through her hair as they picked up speed, Kenneth’s laughter mingling with her own. She marveled at the way he moved with the horse, his motions fluid and confident. Under his patient guidance, she began to relax, enjoying the thrill of the ride.
After an invigorating morning, they returned to the stables, both flushed and grinning.
“You’re a natural,” Kenneth praised, helping her dismount. “With a little more practice, you’ll be outpacing me.”
Beatrice beamed at his words, a sense of accomplishment warming her from within. “Thank you for this, Kenneth. It was wonderful.”
Hand in hand, they made their way down to their private beach, the salt-tinged breeze tousling their hair. The sand was warm beneath their bare feet as they strolled along the shoreline, the rhythmic crash of the waves a soothing backdrop.
As they walked, Beatrice’s thoughts turned to her father. She spoke softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia, “My father used to take me on walks like this when I was a child. He loved the sea.”
Kenneth squeezed her hand gently, silently encouraging her to continue.
“I miss him terribly,” Beatrice confessed, her eyes glistening with tears. “He was the one who encouraged my love for art. He always believed in me.”
Kenneth listened attentively, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of her hand. After a moment, he shared his own story. “My father was quite different. He was consumed by his own desires, neglecting his duties and those who loved him.”
Beatrice looked up at him, her heart aching at the pain in his voice.
“After my mother passed, he lost himself completely. He squandered our fortune and ruined our reputation. When he died, I was left to pick up the pieces.”
“You have done such great work here,” she said.
“Thank you. My only wish is to do better than him.”
Beatrice stopped, turning to face him fully. “Kenneth, I want you to know that you are ten times the man your father was. You’ve taken the broken pieces he left behind and rebuilt something strong and honorable. Don’t ever doubt that.”
Kenneth’s eyes shone with emotion, her words striking a deep chord within him. He pulled her close, his forehead resting against hers.
“Thank you. For seeing me, for understanding me.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Good morning, Mrs. Potts,” Beatrice greeted with a warm smile.
The morning sun was high in the sky when Beatrice entered the kitchen, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She found the cook bustling about, preparing the day’s meals.
Mrs. Potts turned, her round face lighting up at the sight of the young Duchess. “Good morning, Your Grace! What brings you to the kitchen this fine day?”
Beatrice leaned against the counter, her fingers tapping lightly on the surface. “I was hoping you could help me with a little surprise. I’d like to pack a picnic lunch for His Grace and myself. We’re going for a walk on the beach, and I thought it would be nice to enjoy a meal there.”
Mrs. Potts clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Oh, what a wonderful idea, Your Grace! I’ll preparea basket for you right away. Some cold meats, cheeses, fresh bread, and perhaps a few of those lemon tarts His Grace loves so much?”
