Page 15 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
Which was why she had worn part of the set to Almack’s. To generate interest. Helmut. So handsome, debonair and charming, he had swept her off her feet and into marriage. Only after they’d wed had she discovered he’d had a string of mistresses.
Everyone else had known. Including Father. But as usual he had seen Helmut as a valuable conduit to his ambition to become Ambassador and hadn’t said a word.
How they must all have been laughing behind her back.
Men. It was all about whattheywanted.
From now on she would please herself and Society could go hang.
Which meant she really had to put herself beyond the pale as quickly as possible. Hopefully before Father turned up.
As she passed through Hyde Park’s gate, she took a deep breath of sooty air and glanced around.
As she had been informed, the park at this time of day was quiet, with only a few gentlemen out for their morning exercise. She glanced at Jack. ‘Let us put him through his paces, shall we?’
Jack looked about to argue, but she urged the animal into a canter and then a full-fledged gallop.
Oh, my lord. The horse had seemed placid enough up to now. But given its head, it took off like a racehorse. Never in her life had she ridden a horse with such anawkward gait. It bounced her all over the place and she was hard put to keep her seat.
From out of nowhere, another rider appeared at her side and grabbed the reins, as well as put an arm around her waist to steady her.
Immediately she knew exactly who had his hands on her from the way her body tightened.
‘Your Grace,’ she said. She thought she spoke, but the feel of that iron hard arm around her waist made her feel weak. Hot.
He brought both of their horses to a standstill.
Breathless and flustered, because of her struggle with the horse, she told herself, she glared at him. ‘What the devil do you think you are doing?’
Derbridge gave her a considering look. ‘Stopping you from making a complete cake of yourself.’
‘I had no need of your assistance.’
At that moment Jack arrived looking hot and anxious. Realising the situation was under control, he drew back to a respectful distance.
‘Your groom didn’t seem to think so,’ the Duke said mildly. His gaze narrowed. ‘Whatever possessed you to ride such an abomination?’
Barbara glanced around. Several gentlemen were watching them with interest. They were making a scene. Not quite the one she had planned for, but equally as good. And he still had his hands on her reins.
‘Remove your hand.’
He drew back as if stung. Thensomething changed in his expression. He looked…annoyed. ‘You did that on purpose.’
She tried to look affronted. ‘What are you talking about?’
His gaze narrowed. ‘You set that horse galloping on purpose. Once more you would be the talk of the town.’
She lifted her chin. Oh, dear. Could it possibly be that the Duke saw too much? Surely not. ‘I have no idea what you are talking about.’
‘Do you not?’ His face was grim.
‘Certainly not. I merely came to Hyde Park to get some exercise, which I am informed is the only place one may find to ride out in London.’
‘It is not the only place. Allow me to escort you home.’
‘My groom will—’
‘Your groom is useless. Or rather, his horse is useless. Come along.’
