She bit the inside of her cheek to hold her reply until she could speak in a tone devoid of amazement. He never asked about her plans. “I have nothing specific to attend to today. Is there something you need me to do for you?”
“Actually, I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to a horse race.”
There was a short silence. Taken aback by this sudden offer, Meredith’s befuddled brain was slow to react.
“I have never been to a horse race,” she finally said, wondering if she sounded as much like a simpleton as she felt.
“Why does that not surprise me?” He gave her a wry grin. “I think you might enjoy it. ’Tis a beautiful sunny day, and the weather promises to remain warm. The fresh air will do you good.”
It would be wonderful, Meredith thought, and the sudden quickening of her pulse confirmed the idea. An entire afternoon with the marquess by her side. How could she possibly refuse?
“Are you certain you wish me to accompany you?”
“ ’Tis just a horse race, Meredith. There’s no need to look so astonished. By your reaction, one would think I have asked you to frolic naked in the fountain outside Prinny’s palace.”
She tilted her chin and gave him a wide-eyed innocent stare. “Is that how you celebrate the end of the race? By rompingsansclothing in a fountain?”
Trevor laughed. “You’d cause a riot.”
“ ’Tis better than causing a scandal, sir.”
“And a far more pleasing sight.” He flashed her a sensuous, disarming glance. “Though I prefer privacy when viewing yourau naturelwomanly charms, my dear.”
Flustered, Meredith turned back to her letter. His potent physical presence was beginning to dominate her, and that warm, inviting look in his lovely blue eyes was playing havoc with the speed of her heart. “To avoid the crowd, we would have to swim at night,” she ventured.
“That rather defeats the entire purpose, don’t you agree? Daylight is far more sensuous.”
Her face was flaming red, her breath shallow. Heat prickled across her skin. The erotic thoughts that popped suddenly into her head were so vivid they were almost disturbing. But she wasn’t about to be outdone.
She turned back around and faced him. “Must it be Prinny’s fountain? The garden here contains several lovely fountains. The one near the boxwood maze is particularly enchanting—and private.”
His eyes darkened with a sensual desire that sent a shiver of anticipation up her spine.
“How wrong for society to label me the wild one,” he said softly. “ ’Tis you who possesses the erotic soul.”
For one frantic moment Meredith thought he was going to move toward her and gather her in his strong embrace. Every instinct she possessed urged her to press herself forward, but she knew that would be wrong. No matter how difficult it might be, she had to wait for him to come to her.
He hesitated, and Meredith’s heart sank. If he thought too long about his actions, he would not follow his inclinations. As she expected, he made a muffled comment about seeing her later and quit the room.
Disappointed but not defeated, Meredith returned to her correspondence. Though she had longed to feel his strong arms about her, had wished for his lips to press against hers, she accepted it was not going to occur—right now.
There was an entire afternoon to look forward to, and Meredith was very determined to make sure there would be several opportunities for exchanging kisses. And maybe even a dip in the fountain!
It was a lovely day to be out-of-doors. Meredith had difficulty containing her smile as she perched beside the marquess on his curricle’s box seat. She was glad he had decided to take the open two-seater carriage. It allowed no room for servants, affording them more privacy.
Meredith enjoyed watching Trevor drive. He handled the reins as he did most things, with ease and accomplishment. Though they did not converse in the carriage, Meredith felt relaxed and hopeful. She determined this would be an enjoyable afternoon. Even the weather seemed to be cooperating. The sun was partially screened by drifting clouds, making the temperature pleasantly cool.
They drove to an area on the outskirts of town that was unfamiliar to Meredith. It was less crowded, more rural in nature, with a main road that led past small brick houses, shops, and stables. They rounded a curve and came to a crossroads with an inn on one side and a church on the other.
The marquess hesitated for an instant, then turned past the church. Meredith edged forward in her seat as the muttering sounds of a boisterous crowd grew louder and the smell of fried pies caught at her nose.
“This is not the type of outing you are used to attending.” A shadow came over his face. “The crowd can get a bit rough at times. Are you certain you wish to see the races?”
Meredith turned her head sharply. “You promised me a new experience, and I fully intend to keep you to your word. Besides, I am perfectly safe with you by my side.”
“We can leave the carriage here,” Trevor decided. He deftly maneuvered the coach beside a fancy barouche. “The racecourse is just beyond the lawn.”
Trevor secured the horses, then assisted her from the carriage. The breeze fluttered her bonnet ribbons. Meredith unfurled her parasol and lifted it to protect herself from the sun, which was now out in full splendor.
