“Guinevere is sturdy enough to carry both of us.” And then requiring little effort at all, Chance sprung himself into the saddle. Holding out one hand, he smiled down at her. “Plenty of room for you to ride in front of me.”
“Shouldn’t I change my gown? Despite never riding, I do happen to own a riding habit.”
“No need. Give me your hand,Princesse, and put your foot on my boot.” Would she be as open to adventure as she’d been two years ago?
After glancing up and down the street, she bit her lip but then stepped forward and placed her hand in his. Even with both of them wearing gloves, her touch sent sparks of life racing to his heart.
Hitching her skirt up with her other hand, she grinned and then awkwardly lifted her slippered foot and set it on his.
A rush of laughter escaped her as Chance pulled her up to sit in front of him in one easy motion. He finally had her where he wanted her. Pressed against him, safe in his arms.
“We’re so very high up. Are you certain we are not too heavy for her?’
Chance leaned forward, patting Guinevere’s neck, at the same time enjoying Aubrey’s nearness.
“Gwennie is larger than most horses. Besides, you’re just a slip of a thing.”
“How do I do this?”
Guinevere danced a few steps to the side and Aubrey stiffened.
“Relax,Princesse,” Chance drew her back against him. “Hold the rein with me. Are you afraid?”
She shook her head without hesitation. “Not with you.”
God.
This woman.
“Just relax into me,” he instructed and then urged Guinevere forward. “She’s sensitive, so not much effort is required to let her know what you want.” Covering Aubrey’s hands with his, he showed her how to hold the leather strap, how to communicate with the animal. As they left the street and entered the near empty park, hisPrincesseseemed already more confident and relaxed.
“Oh, but this is wonderful. I feel…”
“Free?” Chance finished for her.
She nodded, her head brushing the side of his face. “And powerful.”
“I’ll teach you how to ride on your own. We’ll find you a mount perfect for your size.” He didn’t stop to think that they would not have a future together. This felt too right. Too perfect.
She didn’t respond though. Perhaps he ought to have withheld his comment, his confidence. And yet he needed her to know their destination. He needed her to realize the extent of his intentions.
“Tell me everything.” Chance spoke softly near her ear. “I want to know you again.” He wanted to knowall of heragain, but he’d best keep some of that to himself.
Although he did not think he was not mistaken, she was excited to be near him. Her flushed cheeks and shallow breaths were not just a result of riding Guinevere.
Chance loved the sound of her laughter. “Everything?”
“I want to know about your first salon. I want to know who befriended you.”Do you think of me when you lie in your bed at night? As I have you? Do you taste the same?
She paused. “It was difficult in the beginning.” She spoke softly. “I was lonely, and yet I wanted to be alone.” Branches hung in their path as they entered a treelined trail. Chance swept them away so that they wouldn’t bother either Guinevere or hisPrincesse.
“Lady Longewood’s son became a good friend to me.” She continued. “When he indicated that he wanted to court me… I could not. We became friends and I told him some of what happened with you—of course, he has no idea who you were—who you are. He’s gone on a tour of the continent now. He said if he ever met you, he’d plant you a facer.”
Chance hated that she’d had to turn to another man, but on the same hand he was glad she’d not been completely alone.
“I’ve met a few ladies close in age to me, as well. I’m on the periphery of Society and that’s more than I could ever have hoped for.”
“You did well for yourself. You would have succeeded without my interference. And Mr. Dog,Lancelot,” Chance turned the conversation. “Is he too, on the periphery of Society?”
