Page 29 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
She immediately rang for her maid.
Eilidh’s face was full of concern. “Your Grace, is something amiss?”
The poor girl still had traces of sleep in her eyes, as though she’d been jerked forcefully out of her dreamland.
“No,” Aurelia replied quickly, “but help me with my morning dress. We must do it quickly,” she said as she ran to the bathroom to wash her hands and face.
Eilidh, though confused, wasted no time obeying Aurelia’s command. When Aurelia returned with wet hands and face, she laced up the back of Aurelia’s gown with deft fingers, smoothing the fabric and ensuring every pleat was perfect.
“Where is His Grace?” Aurelia asked, turning to the mirror to inspect her appearance.
“He is still in his bedchambers, Your Grace, but he will be heading out soon for his morning ride.”
Perfect.
Aurelia rushed out of the room, her skirts swishing against the polished floors as she made her way to the parlor.
Her heart pounded, though she wasn’t sure whether it was from her fast pace or her anticipation at seeing Philip again.
The memory of the previous night’s dinner still lingered in her mind; the charged looks and the way his touch had burned through the fabric of her dress.
When she found Philip in the parlor, he was dressed for his morning ride in a dark riding coat, the cut of his attire emphasizing the powerful build of his body.
He stopped when he saw her, surprise registering in his eyes, though he quickly concealed it with his usual look of cool indifference.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Aurelia greeted him, her voice soft but warm, offering him a sweet smile. “I trust you slept well?”
Philip studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. “Well enough,” he replied shortly.
Aurelia hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of his scrutiny, but she steeled herself.
“I should like to accompany you,” she announced, lifting her chin slightly, determined to hold his gaze. “On your ride.”
For a moment, Philip’s eyebrows rose in surprise, his eyes narrowing just a fraction as he studied her.
“You wish to ride with me?” he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of amusement and skepticism.
“Yes,” Aurelia replied firmly. “I have never ridden on horseback before, and I find myself longing for it.” She offered a faint smile, her eyes alight with challenge. “Besides, I am certain that you could use the company.”
Philip felt a glint of genuine surprise as he listened to her request.
By now, she could tell that he had uncovered her plan; that her attempts at seduction were as transparent as the fine silk gown she had worn to dinner.
And yet, she persisted.
He studied her for a moment longer, trying to discern her true intent.
“I do not think you will enjoy riding with me,” he said, his voice cold and dismissive. “It is not a leisurely pastime, wife. It is best that you stay behind.”
Aurelia met his gaze with unwavering determination. “I insist,” she pressed, her voice soft but resolute.
Philip’s jaw tightened. “I take my rides very seriously. I would rather ride in solitude,” he told her, making his rejection plain.
“I only wish to ride, but I cannot ride alone,” she said, trying not to sound too petulant.
Philip opened his mouth, and from the look on his face Aurelia was certain that he was going to reject her once more, but she was surprised by what he said next.
“Very well,” he relented. “Come along, then.”
