Page 12 of A Duchess Mistaken
“Mother,” Agnes said quickly. “Didn’t you say you were looking forward to getting a bit of fresh air?”
“Did I?” Mary asked innocently, eyes wide.
“Yes, I am most certain that you did,” Agnes pressed, her smile forceful.
But Mary simply tilted her head to the side. “Perhaps I did, but I am feeling a bit tired after such a heavy breakfast. I am actually looking forward to resting in my chambers.”
Agnes turned to her father. “Father?—”
“Solomon, won’t you join me? I may be terribly lonely without you.”
If the viscount knew what his cheeky wife was up to, he made no indication. He simply said, “Of course, dear.”
Mary grinned and Agnes stifled her sigh. It seemed her mother was content to leave her in the hands of Lord and Lady Reeds. Paul did not bother to state what he was doing and Agnes could only hope that he did not get himself in any trouble.
Lord Christopher offered his hand to Agnes, helping her to a stand. She smiled softly at him and tried to ignore the duke doing the same to Caroline on the other side of the table. She liked how tall Lord Christopher was, enjoyed the way she felt being tucked closely to his side as they made their way out of the castle and out into the fresh air.
“This is a lovely property,” Agnes commented politely as the walk commenced. They strolled idly, Lord and Lady Reeds maintaining a decent distance behind, much to her relief.
“Yes, it is,” Lord Christopher responded. “I grew up here, you know. Spent my entire childhood in this castle.”
“Was it a happy childhood?” Agnes asked.
He nodded, gazing out at the expanse of grass in front of them. “Quite so. I was able to indulge in a great manner of activities.As such, I could determine which of those activities I fancy the most.”
“And which would you?—”
“Horse riding was my first love, you see,” he barreled on as if Agnes had not spoken at all. “I was racing my horses across this very same meadow from the age of ten. There was a mare I loved and she gave birth to a male horse that is currently my preferred steed, now that the mare is too old to continue with the intense method of riding I enjoy.”
“I see. Perhaps?—”
“But I do enjoy other things, you see. While I do ride my horse every day, I also partake in fencing, croquet, and pall mall. I excel at any outdoor activity you can think of, in fact. It is my favorite pastime.”
Agnes paused, expecting him to say more. Lord Christopher spoke with such exuberance that he didn’t seem to realize that she was trying to respond in kind. She quelled her irritation every time he cut her off or spoke over her as if she was not talking at all.
But he seemed to be waiting to hear what she had to say about everything he’d just told her so she said, “You seem to be quite athletic.”
He chuckled. “That is an understatement. I excel at every physical sport I set my eyes on. Though not always physical, I suppose. I am rather good at cards as well. But rest assured, I do not partake in betting.”
Agnes shot him an odd look. Surely he wasn’t talking about cards with her? He didn’t notice her appalled look, his eyes trained ahead and his face full of excitement. He had such a jovial countenance about him that Agnes could not even be mad at his insistence on talking without waiting for her reply. It was clear this was a topic he was passionate about and far be it from her to berate someone for talking about such a thing.
“There is a horse that I enjoy watching in London. His name is Sprite, simply because he is always the smallest horse on the track. One would think that his shorter legs would put him at a disadvantage but he has such power and drive that…”
Agnes stopped listening. Lord Christopher didn’t seem to care for her response either way. So she simply let her mind wander.
And wander it did, mostly to the couple who were walking ahead of them.
She hadn’t noticed when they’d passed them but she couldn’t take her eyes off them now. They made a lovely couple, she realized. Caroline’s head barely peeked over the duke’s shoulder and it would have been a rather adorable sight if she placed her cheek on it. The direction of Agnes’ thoughts brought nothing but annoyance.
“But what of you? Certainly there must be something you take interest in? I would love to hear about the things you like to do, Miss Agnes.”
Caroline was saying something and the duke seemed to be listening intently. He even nodded now and again, a clear indication that he actually cared what she was talking about. A bit of envy came to mingle with Agnes’ annoyance.
“Or perhaps there is nothing? Miss Agnes?”
She shook her head slightly as if that would be enough to banish her thoughts. But her eyes fell on the duke again. His back was broad and imposing, the curl of dark hair on the nape of his neck far more endearing than it should be. Agnes wondered what it would be like to thread her fingers through them. Or at least to have those intense eyes of his focused so steadily on her, as if nothing mattered but the words pouring from her lips.
“Miss Agnes?” A hand touched her arm and Agnes jolted from her reverie. She looked up to see Lord Christopher looking down at her with a frown.
