Hoping to drop the subject, she added, “We’ll be back in plenty of time to rest and prepare for the ball tonight.”
“Are you being deliberately obtuse to think that might be of concern at this moment? You are among thetonnow, the people whose opinions matter. Even you must know that riding a draft horse in Hyde Park would be scandalous. I could have sworn you promised you would not misbehave in public and embarrass this family.”
Vanessa’s cheeks bloomed with color. She had indeed said that, and she did indeed get Kathleen’s point, but couldn’t her mother have reminded her of that to begin with instead of saying no and expecting that to work as it did on the twins? She hated it, but she was going to have to concede on this one thing.
“As fond as I am of Snow, as uniquely beautiful as he is, and I might add, I’ve never viewed him as a draft horse, he has never been an embarrassment to me. But you are quite right, Mother. He isn’t suitable for a lady’s mount in town.”
“Thank you for seeing reason.”
Vanessa felt a little choked up at having another chunk of her independence whittled away. “Excuse me while I request a new horse.”
She left the room and went outside to do that and also to give Snow a bit of petting. She whispered to him her apology and her promise to still visit him each day to attend to his grooming, then she told the groom holding Snow’s reins, “I’ll need a different mount, please.”
“I honestly didn’t think you would.”
She hadn’t actually looked at any of the three grooms but turned about now with a laugh, recognizing Monty’s voice. “What the devil are you doing dressed like a groom?”
“Because I’m part of your escort.”
“Why?”
“Why not? Charley isn’t the only one who can make sacrifices in exchange for our new lodgings.”
She laughed again. “So you’re going to be a groom for our entire stay in London?”
“Bite your tongue, I’m not subservient enough for that. And I was teasing. Your mother would never request payment for her kindness.”
“A tweed cap and jacket is not much of a disguise,” she pointed out.
“It’s not meant to be other than for your mother who might object to me escorting you. Voilà, a mere change of clothes and I can steal more time with you. How could I resist? And as it happens, I’ll be attending your ball tonight, too.”
“Really?”
He grinned. “Surprised? I just won’t be arriving with you, since that would point out to any interested parties where I’m abiding.”
It was a delightful turn, but she still had to mention, “I thought you were still in hiding.”
He shrugged. “Revealing myself might present a few personal pitfalls, but nothing I can’t handle. It was imperative that Charley change his appearance before we came here, and he’s done a fine job of it.”
“I’m still surprised that you would want to go. As a rake, I didn’t think you would favor balls and the like.”
“To be honest I never have, but I feel compelled to attend this one so I can console you after you meet your fiancé.”
She frowned at him. “That’s not nice.”
“Neither is he.”
“Do stop disparaging him. I’m sure I will find something about him to like, and if not, I shall cry.”
“Good,” he said without any sympathy. “Now I’ll find you a stodgy old mare to ride.”
She choked back another laugh. “Don’t you dare! She at least needs to be spry!”
The twins were coming down the stairs when she reentered the house, Layla in a white riding habit, Emily in a pink one, and both bubbling with excitement. This would be their first ride in a London park. Kathleen had never brought them to London with her, though as Kathleen had told her, she hadn’t come here often herself after William left the country.
“We will be another moment,” Vanessa said. “I’ve had to request a different horse.”
“A shame,” Layla said.
