Page 83 of When the Marquess Was Mine
“We certainly will,” he assured her. “At Salmsbury, we can ride for miles, all the way to the sea.”
“But will Artemis be there?”
Rob grinned. “The stables at Salmsbury are even better. My brother Will has been in charge of the horses since he was twenty—my parents couldn’t keep him out if they padlocked the stable doors. He’ll raise a fine mare for you, like Artemis but taller, so you can win without a head start.”
Her eyes widened. “That will take years!”
“The first few years,” he countered, “of the rest of our lives together.”
One brow went up. “You’re assuming my answer, sir...”
“No, I’mhopefulof your answer.” He tipped up her chin. “Am I wrong to be hopeful?”
Her arms were around his neck. “No,” she whispered, and went up on her toes to kiss him.
They had to go soon. The sky was growing brighter by the minute, and soon other early riders would be in the park. But when Georgiana clung to him, as eager to kiss him as he was to kiss her, his mind emptied of every sensible, logical thought, and he gave himself up to the pleasure of holding—and being held by—the woman he was falling deeper in love with every minute.
With urgent fingers he unbuttoned her riding jacket. She arched against him, sighing into his mouth as his hand slid around her breast. His heart banged into his lungs; she wasn’t wearing a corset. He could feel her flesh beneath the linen of her shirt, the nipple plump and firm against his palm. Yet another happy benefit to surprising her before dawn, when her maid was still abed.
Her head fell back and she gave a long, shuddering sigh as he rolled his thumb over that nipple in fascination. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as he played with her, marveling at her, tormenting both of them. She whispered his name, her voice hoarse with longing. The breath roared in his ears. He wanted to taste her—he wanted to lay her down and make love to her—he wanted to feel her mouth and hands on him. He wanted to hear her laugh as she straddled him and he wanted to see her eyes grow dark and excited when she came...
Tom, with his usual poor timing, turned up then, trotting along the path toward them. At least he had sense enough to do it loudly. Georgiana gave a startled squeak and ducked out of Rob’s arms, hastily doing up her buttons. Rob turned his back to his brother, both to press one last kiss to the nape of her neck and to adjust his trousers. His blood still ran hot and fast, and he stepped away to fuss over the horses.
“It’s nearly dawn,” Tom called. “I thought you wanted Lady Georgiana to be home by now.”
“I should be.” Georgiana, beautifully flushed, smoothed down her refastened jacket. “And I must find my hat.” She made a face. “Lady Sidlow will suspect something if I lose it.”
Without a word Tom produced the hat from the back of his saddle. Georgiana’s lips parted in surprise, but when she walked forward to take it, she took his hand as well as the hat.
“Thank you, Major,” she said. “I hope you can forgive me for lying about your brother’s name.”
Tom looked at her for a long minute. “I daresay it was the sort of lark he’d have relished, were he in his right mind.”
“Damned right,” muttered Rob, busy adjusting the saddle girths again.
Georgiana lowered her voice, but he could still hear her. “Nevertheless, I would like your forgiveness. My actions caused you great distress, and I am sorry for that.”
Rob peeked over Bethel’s back. Tom sat on his horse, one fist on his hip, staring down at Georgiana with an odd little twist to his lips. Her head was tilted back as she waited for his reply. In the glowing light of impending dawn, her hair shone like gold. Her face was patient, sincere, waiting for the reply.
Finally Tom jerked his head. “You have it, my lady.” He met Rob’s gaze. “And not simply to stay in West’s good graces,” he added wryly. “I suppose one should never judge too harshly the well-meant actions of another, particularly those taken in urgent moments.”
Her smile was glorious. She was truly relieved, Rob realized. “Thank you, sir. I hope we can get on better from now.”
“I’m sure we shall.” Tom looked toward Rob again. “Do you need help with that girth? I came to tell you it’s half five. Her maid will discover her gone soon.”
Georgiana snorted even as she hurried to Artemis’s side. “Nadine won’t open my door before eight at the earliest. She likes to take her breakfast leisurely.” She grinned. “And this morning I certainly shan’t mind!”
They rode the long way around the Serpentine, taking one last chance at a gallop. This time Georgiana folded herself low over Artemis’s back and urged the horse on, and won the race by a nose. She let out a whoop and threw her hat, which Rob had to circle around to fetch for her again.
“Well done,” said Tom, grinning at last.
“Thank you, sir, it was my very great pleasure beating you both.” She bowed her head, flourishing the hat before setting it back on her head.
“I have one question,” Tom went on. “Now that we’re friends and all.” Rob growled, and Tom flapped one hand at him. “How did Lady Winston take it when you told her what happened?”
Georgiana went pink. “Oh. Right. Well, I’ve been writing a letter to her. It’s taken some time, you know, because it’s not easy to explain.”
“How are you getting on?” asked Rob.
