Chapter 1
Part One, Aubrey
Mrs. Ambrosia (Aubrey) Bloomington
A rural inn in South East England, 1823
Mrs. Ambrosia Bloomington leaned forward but held back an appreciative gasp as she caught sight of the creature outside her window. Sleek, muscular… and such a powerful looking behind.
The magnificent beast turned his head, allowing a glimpse of his chiseled profile. In that moment, she wished more than anything that she had learned how to ride. Perhaps after she arrived in London, if funds allowed, she could purchase a horse for herself and pay someone to teach her. She’d purchase a much smaller one than the spectacular animal outside.
Not that she would ride through the streets of London. It might be harrowing to maneuver one’s horse through all the traffic, but perhaps she could ride in the park. She pondered… It was one more thing amongst many that she would have to learn about living in the city where her future lie.
She lowered her cup of tea onto its saucer and, with a sigh, rested her chin on her hand. She was leaving everything familiar behind, and in but a few days, would begin her new life.
She would miss the familiar countryside of Rockford Beach, the cliffs along the ocean, and although tedious, the comfort of routine. At the age of six and twenty, Aubrey Bloomington was leaving her home.
She wouldnotmiss most of the people who had surrounded her over the past year.
Movement outside the window captured her attention once again.
A man stepped out from behind the giant horse and Aubrey jerked her spine so that she sat up straight. He was brushing the horse, rubbing his capable looking hands along the its back and side. He must be the horse’s rider.
Taller than average, his lean physique appeared just as honed and athletic as his mount. Aubrey licked her lips. He had copper brown hair, barely long enough to stay put in the que behind his head, and an errant lock dangled along his cheek. Aubrey slid her gaze up to study his strong, determined features. He was a little scruffy, as though he’d not shaved for a few days, and he smiled as he spoke to the horse. It was a smile that stirred something unfamiliar inside of Aubrey.
Afine-lookingcreature indeed.
An evergreen coat and black top hat lay casually on the ground and Aubrey wondered if they belonged to the rider. He wore nothing over his unbuttoned waistcoat and although the sleeves of his linen shirt were spotted with a few smudges of dirt, the garment itself remained perfectly tucked into tight–fitting breeches.
The black Hessians he wore seemed worn but also well cared for.
Unable to drag her eyes away from him, she couldn’t help but compare the rider to the animal she’d been admiring.
Both exuded unleashed strengths.
She could easily imagine the two of them in battle, chain mesh protecting the horse, the rider wearing knight’s armor, his brilliant cobalt eyes peering out from beneath a steel helmet.
Although frightfully dangerous to his enemies, he would be charming to everyone else, but not too charming, and he would be honorable.
A knight in shining armor must always be honorable.
Her heart melted further when her knight kissed the giant horse just above his snout.
She exhaled a deep sigh.
A heartbreaker, indeed.
Aubrey tilted her head thinking that such a man would not be captured by anything but true love.
He would not be easily tamed.
His scruffy chin and untamed shiny brown hair made him appear wild and fierce, much like the animal who pranced skittishly when a stranger walked too close. Although well worn, his coat and breaches looked to have been well made. He would be a man who wore them out of practicality, rather than to impress.
When she realized her eyes had settled on the man’s firm and muscular behind, she chastised herself and forced her gaze upward to study his broad shoulders, instead.
Perhaps he was some second son of an aristocrat, or perhaps a professional man of business. The splendid horse was obviously valuable, and the gentleman moved confidently, as though he owned the ground upon which he stood.
“More tea, Miss?” The woman, who’d introduced herself as Mrs. Neskers, nearly had Aubrey knocking over her cup. To be caught staring, no, not staring,oglinga gentleman while he tended to his mount—making up stories about the man in her mind, no less, was not at all appropriate. She’d obviously been alone with no one but herself for company far too long. The fatigue of travel was getting the best of her.
