Her gaze snapped to him at that. “In London? Are you thinking...” She trailed off, came a few steps closer to him, and whispered, “Do you expect us to carry out our plan in London? Surely that’s an inconvenient location. We could be discovered.”
She was adorable. So concerned with propriety while engaging in this highly inappropriate deal.
“Not necessarily, as long as we are discreet. London is more than just Mayfair. There are plenty of places the aristocracy doesn’t frequent.”
“Even so, the danger of being spotted...”
“Is no greater than in the countryside,” he finished smoothly. “Or do you think the local gentry don’t gossip?”
“But I can’t leave Harold,” she insisted.
“I already spoke with him, and he thinks it is a good idea.” He took another step closer. “Come with me, Duchess. I promise to show you a side of London you have never seen before.”
He saw the conflict in her eyes. Her desire to stay safe warring with the temptation. He silently dared her to break free. To hold his hand and take the leap. Her eyes gave away her decision a moment before she capitulated.
“All right. I will see you in London then.”
The rush of pleasure her words produced was swift and deep. That she was willing to follow his lead was a step in the right direction. She was a woman used to command, to arrangingthings according to her judgment. He had recognized her need to take charge and how difficult it was for her to cede power. It was not a matter of control but of trust. It warmed his heart that she trusted him enough to allow him to set the pace. He vowed he would do all in his power to be deserving of that trust.
“When?” he asked.
She hesitated for a few moments. “I need a few days to arrange matters here at the estate. I will send word when I arrive in London.”
“Very well. I’ll see you in London, Duchess.”
CHAPTER 15
IT HAD TAKEN HER FIVEdays to settle matters at the estate and arrange for her move to London. Five days in which she had not seen Gabriel or heard from him. Of course, it was not such a long time, but she wondered if he would have changed his mind. The small little bubble they shared during his visit had disappeared, leaving her to feel the harsh reality of what their relationship entailed.
As promised, she had sent a note to the Earl of Brentworth’s townhouse as soon as she arrived. His response had been immediate and puzzling.
Meet me tomorrow at the mews behind your home. At dawn. Come alone. Gabriel.
What did he intend? Was he planning a rendezvous in the mews, of all places? No, he wouldn’t be so gauche. Oh! Of course. It was a sign of her befuddled mind that it took her so long to realize his intent. A ride at dawn had always been their thing. She smiled with anticipation as she thought of continuing their morning rides in London.
The next day, before the first rays of sunlight had even broken through the horizon, she was walking through the gardens towards the mews. She had ordered her mount to be saddled and ready at dawn, as she wanted to depart as soon as he arrived. Anticipation lent an extra bounce to her step, and her excitement was not about the ride. She was eager to see him. It was amazing how much she had missed him in the mere five days they had been apart.
She entered the mews building from the garden, pleased to find Thomas, the head groom, leading her mare, already saddled.
“Thank you, Thomas,” she said, walking up to her gray mare and patting it on the neck.
“At your service, Your Grace. A groom is ready to accompany you.”
“No, thank you, Thomas. I won’t need a groom.”
“But, Your Grace, beggin’ pardon. It’s not safe.”
“It will be perfectly fine. I plan to meet with some friends at Hyde Park.” It was a half-truth. She did not know where Gabriel intended to take her, but she would be safe with him.
Not wanting to give the head groom more time to argue, she took the reins of her mare and led it out of the building. Just as she reached the corner, Gabriel materialized from the shadows leading his own horse. His smile set off a riot of butterflies in her stomach, and she put her hand there to placate them as she smiled back.
And then he was in front of her, his eyes roaming her face as if to learn all her contours. His voice, low and velvety, curled around her.
“Good morning, Duchess.”
Without warning, he took her hand and brought her gloved fingers to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. She felt the warmth of his lips even through the leather of her gloves. It sent pleasure curling through her and coalescing low in her stomach.
“Good morning, Gabriel.”
