“Forgive my lateness.” I glanced at him and forced myself not to look at Damon. “As much as I would like to say that I have never been tardy before, I must confess to having been toldthat Napoleon could have prepared an entire regiment for war in the amount of time it takes me to get ready.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Damon’s eyes flickered up to meet mine, his brow furrowed.
“Miss Kent,” Ollie said, reclaiming my attention. “I do not believe any of your party has had the pleasure of meeting Lady Margaret. Allow me to make your introduction.”
She was even more beautiful up close. Her lips curved in a perfect Cupid’s bow, and not one hair appeared out of place.
“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Kent. I have heard so many wonderful things about you that I was beginning to wonder whether you were fact or fiction.”
I gave Ollie a disapproving look. “Mr. Jennings has a habit of embellishing things, I’m afraid.”
“Mr. Jennings?” She frowned. “Don’t you mean—”
“Lady Margaret,” Damon cut in, “it looks as if the horses will be ready soon. Might I assist you in choosing your mount?” He held his arm out to her.
“You should like to helpmechoose a mount?” She looked at his proffered arm with a raised eyebrow.
“Please,” Damon said, his voice low.
She glanced in my direction, then allowed him to lead her away.
“It appears Lord Jennings’s mood hasnotimproved,” Georgiana whispered to Henry.
Several minutes later, Captain Bromley walked up behind us. “What a fine-looking group,” he said. “Let us see if we can get you paired with the right horses.”
We followed him to where the groom stood with Damon and Lady Margaret. Many horses were already saddled.
“Lady Margaret,” Captain Bromley said, “seeing as your father is a man of horses, do you have a preference in your mount?”
“I should like to ride a filly. One with a little spirit.”
“Very good.” Captain Bromley nodded and turned to the groom.
“I suggest Honeycut, sir,” the groom said.
Captain Bromley nodded his approval. “And Miss Atherton?”
“I would never pretend to be the equestrienne that Lady Margaret is,” Amelia said. “A mare with verylittlespirit will do nicely for me.”
“Take heart, Miss Atherton,” Captain Bromley said. “Few of us are as accomplished on horseback as Lady Margaret.”
Georgiana requested the gentlest mare Captain Bromley stabled, and he happily obliged. “And Miss Kent. What of you?” he asked.
I knew precisely what kind of horse I wished to ride, though I worried that the others would think me unsuited to my choice. “I should like to ride a stallion.”
“A stallion?” His face stretched into a smile. “You are a woman after my own heart, Miss Kent. There is no better way to explore the countryside than on the back of a thoroughbred.”
Damon’s gaze burned warm on my cheek, but I forced myself not to meet it.
“Perhaps the Godolphin Barb,” the groom suggested.
“Yes,” Captain Bromley nodded. “I believe you will enjoy the mount, Miss Kent.”
“Is it safe?” Georgiana asked. “Hannah is a Londoner and not so accomplished on horseback.”
“I believe Miss Kent is capable, madam,” Damon said.
My heart jolted. I had not expected anyone to speak for me, least of all Damon. But when I looked at him, his expression was stony, and he quickly averted his gaze.
