He swallowed hard and instead of allowing his desire to have free rein, he leaned forward, just enough so that he could inhale her scent, just enough so that he could feel the warmth of her cheek along his.
When he turned his head, it was so that he could drop a chaste kiss at the side of her lips. When he touched her, he felt as much as heard the hitch in her breath.
HisPrincesse.
His!
“Until tomorrow,Mon cœur.” And then he pushed himself up from the floor, feeling bereft but hopeful as well.
As she rose, he took her hand. “How did you get here. Tell me you did not walk alone.”
She laughed, shakily. “Mr. Daniels drove me, of course.”
“He has proven to be loyal? He has treated you well?” Chance would make the blighter regret it if her answer wasn’t that what he expected.
“He has.”
Her arm felt small and fragile in his as he led her to the front door and down the steps to the street. Even walking with her like this felt right. Not only wonderful but it felt normal—as though they ought to have been doing this for years now.
Mr. Daniels stood at the carriage with the door open. “Your Grace.” He nodded in Chance’s direction.
“Take good care of her.” It was the second time that day he’d given this instruction, but it felt one thousand times better now.
Chance leaned down. “I will arrive for you at noon.”
“But the driving hours aren’t until much later?” She smiled up at him in surprise.
“Who said we’d be driving through the park?” Hell if he was willing to share her with all of Society on this one, his first, opportunity to spend an afternoon alone with her.
Aubrey had begun to step into the carriage but paused and turned back around. “I will not betray Richard—Mr. Cline. He has been very good to me. I won’t disrespect him.”
Chance stiffened. This was not what he wished to hear.
“You’ll have to tell him eventually.”
Aubrey reached out then, almost regretfully, and placed her hand along his jaw. “We will be friends, Chance. It’s all I can promise you.”
“Presently.” He added, making her laugh.
“Goodnight Mr. Bateman.” This time she climbed all the way into the carriage and sat primly on the forward-facing seat.
Chance leaned in and winked. “Goodnight Mrs. Bateman.”
“Excuse me?” She leaned toward him with furrowed brows.
“Good night Mrs. Bloomington.”
Chapter 21
Chance
“But! I thought we were to go driving.” Aubrey stepped off of the step and onto the pavement, staring up in awe. “It is Guinevere!”
Chance rocked back on his heels, pleased at the look of pleasure on her face. Every time he saw her, she appeared more beautiful than the time before, and today was no different. She wore a jaunty blue hat that barely covered the silken auburn tresses that had been pinned and curled into a most delightful style. Her gown matched the hat, only hinting at the curves he craved beneath it.
“I thought you’d like to see her again.” The mare, indeed, was still as magnificent as she had been on the day they met.
“But I do not ride. I wanted to get a horse and learn but changed my mind…” The shadow that crossed his face reminded him that her decision may have had something to do with him, with her miserable state upon arriving in London.
