“No, you are not, but Grandmother would not agree,” Noah pointed to Miss Penny, the child’s nursemaid, who waited for him. “Now hurry along. You wouldn’t wish to miss the cherry tarts Cook prepared.”
“Yes, Papa.” Ethan darted across the green, his chubby legs gaining ground. The nursemaid wrangled him inside, leaving the three of us alone. I loved all my nephews, but Ethan and I had the closest bond. It might have been because I lived at home until he was two years old. The twins were born while I was at school, and after I returned to London, I’d been so caught up in the season I didn’t pay them much attention. That all changed after Sally died.
“Oh, bother,” I said, my bottom numbing from my precarious perch. I adored being outside, and Oliver shared my love for the outdoors. The hem of my skirt snagged on a tiny branch, liftingthe material to expose my stockinged foot. Since Oliver still held me on the other side of the tree, Noah came to my rescue. His head bent, he freed the wool fabric, his arm brushing my ankle.
The two men touching me at once sent a thrill of excitement along my every nerve. Noah’s tawny eyes met mine, the pupils enlarging. Something thrilling passed between us, and I had difficulty catching my breath.
“I am told Aether will run on Saturday,” Noah said, his voice a touch on the husky side. He knew of my love of horses and often kept me apprised of which racehorse had gone to the winner’s circle.
Horse racing was an exceedingly popular sport, and most ladies could attend. My mother, however, had an abhorrence for horse racing. Her father had squandered their fortunes on foolish bets at the tracks. Thus, I was forbidden from attending. Once Oliver and I were wed, I would insist we go frequently.
“Aether, how thrilling.” I cleared my throat, unsure if I was picturing the spark between Noah and me or if it was simply a misinterpretation on my part. After all, I’d carried a girlhood infatuation with the dashing baron, but Noah had shown no genuine interest in another lady since Sally’s death. “Will you be attending?”
“I will have to check my schedule. Her Majesty has asked me to attend to the ambassador from Turkey while the man is in the country.” Oliver pressed his lips in a tight line. Tensions between Turkey and Great Britain had escalated over the past few years. Oliver was quite adept at diplomacy, which increased my pride in his abilities.
“Enough said. Perhaps another time.” Noah held out his hand, and I adjusted the fan on my wrist before placing my palm on his larger one. My sense of awareness increased, and I shook my head to clear it. It had to be my overactive imagination. What other explanation could there be?
“Yes, another time.” Oliver released my waist and allowed me to accept Noah’s help.
“Come along, dear sister.” Noah tucked my fingers into the crook of his arm. Hard muscle met my fingertips, and I resisted the urge to squeeze his biceps, shameful but true.
“If Oliver can’t come, perhaps I could go with you,” I said, hopeful he’d say yes. The life of an unmarried woman could be rather dull, especially during mourning, when my activities were even more restricted. I hated the idea of wasting my time by following the usual pursuits of needlepoint and gossip while the world was out there, ready for me to discover. “I can say I’m attending tea at a friend’s house. Mother needn’t know.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. It would put both you and Noah in an untenable situation if they caught you,” Oliver said, falling into step beside us as we walked toward the mansion. With Noah on my right and Oliver to my left, an unexpected tingling sensation shot along my nerves. Goosebumps broke out on my arms beneath the sleeves of my military-style jacket. The more I was around men, the more I longed for passion’s embrace. It was very unladylike and wanton, yet my unmentionables throbbed with anticipation for when I could finally be intimate with Oliver. Except I had to become the duchess first, which meant Oliver needed to propose on time.
By rights, I shouldn’t be outside alone with the two men. However, Noah was my brother-in-law, thus a suitable chaperone. “I simply wish to watch the race. It’s not as if I want to disguise myself as a jockey and ride like Lady Prudence did,” I said, referring to the daring Duchess of Hillsboro who shocked society by competing in a horse race.
“If given the chance, I wouldn’t put it past you to don such a disguise.” Noah released a soft chuckle and patted my hand, a rakish tilt to his mouth. The dark sideburns enhanced the angular shape of his jawline.
“Then your instincts are strong. I once dressed up as Romeo.” Wearing a tunic and tights and being unhampered by skirts had been a freeing experience. My mother had been appalled by my behavior and locked me in my room without supper. But no matter how much she tried to control me, I wouldn’t let her break my spirit. I just had to survive long enough to have my real freedom as a duchess.
Chapter Two
Lord Oliver, Duke of Hayesford
“She played a very convincing Romeo,” I said, glancing down at Amelia’s delicate profile. Vibrant red curls were artfully arranged around her narrow face. While not beautiful in the conventional sense, her even features and haunting brown eyes were very pleasing.
“Why didn’t you play Juliet?” Noah asked with one dark brow lifted.
“Because Romeo has better lines, or so she claims.” Even as a child, Amelia had been headstrong and determined. I admired that about her and often wished I had the nerve to be bolder. Since I was old enough to understand, I had been reminded of my duties and how a duke must always present himself with dignity and poise. Lady Ellen had tried to instill the same traits in her daughter—but with much less finesse. Amelia had rebelled at the restrictions given by such a heavy hand, and any moment, I expected her to throw caution to the wind and confront her mother. “Unlike Amelia, I have no talent in that arena.”
“She does have a flair for the dramatic,” Noah said, tilting his head to look at me. Amusement enhanced his eyes, along with another emotion that looked suspiciously like desire. He was seven years older than me, and we’d never been close friends because of the age difference. That all seemed to have changedover the past year. He’d invited me numerous times to attend the races with him, but nothing untoward had ever happened. My interest in horses paled in comparison to my growing infatuation with him. With his bold nose and strong jaw, he was a very appealing man.
“Indeed, she wore a tunic and tights, a very unladylike ensemble, but in her defense, she is quite the thespian.” I slowed my steps, not wishing to rush, as I dropped Amelia’s arm. We were gaining ground toward the mansion with every step, and soon, our inappropriate conversation would have to come to an end.
