Page 48 of A Tenuous Betrothal
But he found his faculties quickly enough to jump down and help her into the equipage.
Once seated, she leaned down to speak to Henri. “Thank you for a lovely walk and much to think on. I shall be intrigued for the rest of today, at least.”
Henri’s smile couldn’t possibly be any larger.
Was his brother enamored of Miss Davies already? Of course he was. Who wouldn’t be?
Marc clicked his tongue, and the horses responded immediately.
Miss Davies rested a hand on his arm to steady herself, and he knew right then that he was going to enjoy this ride.
“What an excellent pair.” She admired horses like he did, another thing they shared in common.
“Yes, Bartholomew has excellent taste in horseflesh. In all things, actually. We have found so much to be grateful for in our friend.”
“He speaks very highly of your whole family.”
“His is an interesting history. We’ve been friends with the dukes on his estate for generations, with my youngest brother’s wife’s family.”
“Similar to the relationship your father had with mine?”
“I believe so, though I don’t know the full history of it. I’m interested to hear it from Father’s own mouth.”
“As am I.”
Marc turned to her. “Will you come to Oldenburg?” He cleared his throat. “To meet us all and see what it is like?”
Miss Davies’s cheeks colored prettily in a charming shade of pink. “I would like that very much. If our situation allows.”
They rode through the more populated parts of the park first. It was good for her to see and be seen with the others of thetonwho promenaded the place. He knew how things worked in London. Hopefully, time spent with him would be helpful to her. He couldn’t resist a smirk when they passed by Lord Carmine, his face clearly unhappy with the sight.
Her soft sigh at his side surprised him.
“What is it?” he said.
“Lord Carmine. Why does he seem so quickly and singularly attached? Should I suspect him of insincerity?”
Marc could have told her about the wager. Perhaps he should have. But what woman would be pleased to hear she was the subject of a bet that was one of the most talked about wagers in London? What woman wanted to know a monetary competition was the reason behind a suitor’s attention?
No woman. He was certain. So he said nothing. Lord Carmine might be a decent enough chap. Plenty of men would have fallen prey to such a competition. Plenty of men did idiotic things.
And so, instead of telling her anything useful, he turned to her with a grin. “Who can say? Would you like to take the reins?”
Her eyes widened in pleasure. “Yes.” She moved closer and grabbed hold.
As soon as they were clear of the crowds, she twitched the reins, and the horses took off at a faster gait. Though he thought it mildly inadvisable, with such a grin on her face, he could not deny her. He kept a sharp eye for anyone who might be at risk while she enjoyed her newfound freedom. They traveled to the farthest edge of the park and then out onto mostly empty roads.
“Where are you taking me?” Marc asked.
She tipped her head back and laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He rested his arm across the back of the seat behind her and then just shook his head. “I am in your hands, fair lady. Take me where thou wilt. Though, keep in mind, we have a picnic.”
“Oh! A picnic.” Miss Davies grinned. “You and Prince Henri are just what I needed.”
He pressed his lips together.Henri.What on earth could a paltry walk with him have to recommend itself after an adventurous ride in the phaeton?
Marc grudgingly admitted that Henri would be the perfect partner for her—any of his brothers would. And Henri was likely never to be at risk, either, unless he went out in the ship with Layton, and they were still highly unlikely to encounter a pirate Layton couldn’t handle. Marc, on the other hand, would be at risk until Europe was at peace.
