Page 13 of The Seductive Love of a Lady
She smiled through the rest of their breakfast, as they talked about things they would add to their shopping list to make his rooms more comfortable for her.
When she had finished eating, she said, ‘Will you help me dress?’
‘Yes. Find your riding habit, I shall be there in a moment.’
Their ride was exhilarating, the fine rain only served to keep her cool. Though it dampened her hair and habit, the rain meant they had Hyde Park virtually to themselves, so they rode across the grass at a gallop, laughing and shouting. She felt as happy as when she rode at home with Robbie.
Andrew’s horses were fast. She rode Athena, he Hera. There was no need for a whip to make Athena run. The horses had wonderful temperaments, because he spoiled them with affection. When he greeted them in the stables, he petted them and whispered to them. Every day she learned something new about her husband. He had told her his horses were important, now she knew they were as important as his friends.
She watched him as they rode back at a trot, side by side. His eyes were gleaming. His wet riding coat clung to his body, but he did not seem to care. He sat a horse well, his strong thighs and calves pressing against the animal’s flanks, his back straight and his hold on the reins relaxed. If she saw him from a distance across a field, she would think him handsome, without even seeing his face. He radiated strength and masculinity.
A smile lifted her lips –it seems I like spirited men, as much as spirited horses.
When they reached the stables, he swung down from the saddle, dropping to the cobbles. Then came to help her dismount. His hands held her waist.
She rested her hands on his shoulders. ‘I understand another fragment of you, Andrew Framlington.’
‘Do you?’ He took her weight and lifted her down. ‘Should I be concerned?’
‘You are an escapist.’ They faced one another, her hands still on his shoulders, his lingering at her waist. ‘I have found you out. You hunted an heiress rather than settled on an occupation, so you could ride not work.’
He smiled. ‘I suppose that is not a compliment, but you can hardly judge, you are the same. I would guess you would rather be riding than sewing in a parlour.’
‘Guilty.’ She laughed.
He released her, reached past her and patted Athena’s side.
‘I know something else about you too; you like people to think you don’t care about anything. But you have always cared for something or someone.’
His gaze met hers, and his smile twisted as a groom led the horses away. ‘Pray, do not tell a soul.’ His hand caught hold of hers. ‘Come, let us eat luncheon before we go to your brother’s.’
5
When Drew arrived at the Duke of Pembroke’s town house two hours later, he felt like a king because Mary was in charity with him.
They had walked there, because the rain had ceased and they both liked exercise.
She had donned a bright indigo blue day dress, beneath a navy spencer. Her bonnet was also navy and sported a small clutch of silk bluebells above her right ear. She looked charming, and he was not the only one who thought so, many men noticed her as they walked. Even the attention she drew had not dampened his mood. When they eloped, he told her his horses were the most valuable things he owned. They were not now, she was priceless.
The front door opened. Pembroke’s imperious butler stared at him.
‘Mr Finch,’ Mary acknowledged. The man stepped back, letting Mary pass and with her fingers around Drew’s arm, she took him with her.
‘Is everyone in the upstairs sitting room?’
Drew’s discomfort rose like mercury in a thermometer. He doubted he would be welcome here, but he was here for Mary’s sake.
The butler bowed towards Mary. ‘Yes, ma’am. They are. Shall I show you up?’ He looked down his nose towards Drew.
Drew’s devil spiked. ‘Don’t worry, Finch, we can take ourselves up.’
‘May I take your outdoor garments, my lady?’ the butler offered, ignoring Drew.
‘Thank you.’ Mary smiled as she pulled the ribbons of her bonnet loose. ‘I am still not used to being called a lady, Finch.’
Drew took her bonnet and handed it to the butler, along with his hat and gloves. Then helped her remove her spencer, lifting it from her shoulders. He lay that across the butler’s forearms as his hands were full. He smiled, enjoying putting the butler in his place.
A moment later they climbed the stairs; she eager, he reluctant but enduring.
