Page 40 of Leap of Faith
“And what does Faith say?”
“That we will be more beholden to you.” She coloured a little as though she shouldn’t have said as much.
“She said the very thing to me, but I see it as a prudent move.”
“You do?”
“It will keep the five of you occupied at least part of the day.”
“Oh, I see. Yes. And exercise is good for the constitution.”
“Precisely. What else would you like to do while you’re in London? Joy and Faith often seem to choose for everyone.”
“I do not mind because they make good choices.”
“Come now, is there not one thing you should like to do?” he coaxed.
“Hampton Court Palace would be interesting, but I confess I would like to climb the steps of Saint Paul’s.”
“Then Saint Paul’s it shall be. You are certain you don’t mind being thrust into this Season so unexpectedly?”
“No, Faith says it is likely to be our only opportunity, so it makes sense.”
“Are you always so practical, Grace?”
“If it makes sense,” she answered with a twinkle in her eyes.
“We have passed the city, shall we gallop? It makes sense.”
She laughed, then was already off and the others followed in rapid pursuit.
He laughed, then gave Maximus his head. The horse lengthened his stride, gaining on the others with ease. Were there any spectators to the event, they might have assumed they were riding to hounds, since they rode in a tight pack as though giving chase.
They crossed Richmond Park and pulled up at a hill overlooking the Thames, all pink-cheeked and breathing heavily from the exertion, yet smiling with laughter.
Who was racing whom and who won was a matter of great debate, as they left their horses at an inn to rest and be cared for while they enjoyed their picnic.
“I won by a length!” Joy exclaimed.
“Not so!” Dominic argued.
“Maybe by just the length a nose, but I did win,” she insisted.
“I wish we had wagered on it and had someone to measure,” Freddy said mournfully.
“Next time.” Then they were back to cordial terms like children would be.
A place had already been set for them in the shade of some large oak trees overlooking the water.
“An idyllic setting,” Rotham remarked in his usual sardonic tone.
“It is rather,” Dominic agreed.
“Although it is altogether unlike you to be entertaining a nursery party.”
“They may be younger than my usual set, but hardly in the nursery. They are all, with the exception of Joy, of marriageable age.”
“Even worse! How long do you mean to dance attendance on them?”
