“Allow me,” he said, claiming her hand and steadying her as she put her foot in the stirrup and positioned herself as comfortably as possible on the sidesaddle. Everywhere he touched, tingles raced through her body, and her stomach fluttered uncontrollably.
Stop it, she chastised herself.You’re supposed to be moving on from him, not mooning over him.
As a distraction, she focused on the way the sidesaddle felt beneath her bottom. It must have been a man who designed sidesaddles because she doubted any woman would create something so impractical.
Unfortunately, society demanded that she use one when riding in London. Whenever she was in the country, she gleefully rode astride.
In order to occupy herself so she wouldn’t stare at Nicholas as he mounted his horse, she rearranged her skirt. She’d made the mistake of watching him do so before, andthe way his clothing strained against his leanly muscled body was practically indecent.
Once he’d settled astride, she guided Dandelion toward the street. “Thank you for inviting me to ride. I’m looking forward to being out and about.”
Once again, the weather was lovely, and flowers were blooming in the greenery at the center of the square, so she was certain the park would be stunning.
Nicholas guided his handsome brown gelding alongside Dandelion. “You’re very welcome. Our goal is to have it be seen that I’m courting you, and I won’t have anyone claim that I’m a boring suitor. Walking is for the Mr. Garfield’s of the world. It requires no initiative. Riding is much more interesting, and makes it easier to avoid people you don’t wish to converse with.”
Sophie giggled and checked over her shoulder to make sure that Betsy was staying in sight behind them. “I can’t deny that.”
Nicholas glanced over. “It would be better if I could take you to Hensley, but I doubt your parents would approve, so you’ll have to settle for a jaunt on Rotten Row.”
Her heart pumped faster at the idea of attending the races. She wished she could tell him to ignore her parents’ concerns and take her there anyway. For once, it would be wonderful to do what she wanted rather than what everyone else thought she ought to.
But Nicholas was already going out of his way for her, and she didn’t want to put him in a difficult situation by asking for more. That would be selfish.
They turned onto Rotten Row, and Sophie gasped. Daffodils and primroses stretched in all directions, beautifully bright and cheerful beneath the blue sky. A few tulips had popped up here and there, their petals open to the sun.
Spring truly was her favorite time of year.
There were only a few other riders in the area, and sheallowed herself to hope that they might stretch their horses’ legs a little. She adored the feeling of the wind in her face as Dandelion picked up speed.
“How are your courtships coming along?” Nicholas asked, drawing her attention away from their surroundings.
If any other gentleman had asked, Sophie wouldn’t have answered, but considering their unusual arrangement, she owed him a response.
“As you know, Mr. Garfield is interested, but I don’t favor him at all, and I hope I’ve made that clear. I’ve seen the colonel again since we last spoke. He’s interested in music, and I think he might eventually consider me as a possible bride, but he seems in no rush to court anyone, and I’m running out of time.”
“Colonel Moore has a lot to learn before he can be confident in his ability to manage land and provide for a family,” Nicholas said.
Sophie nodded. She understood that, but it was frustrating that their timelines didn’t coincide better because, while he was more reserved in his attentions than Baron Sylvestor, she found him more intriguing. He had depths that the baron didn’t.
“And Baron Sylvestor?” His tone was strangely hesitant. “He’s attentive, and I doubt anyone would be unhappy with him as a match.”
“That seems to be progressing well,” she admitted, hoping he wouldn’t see it as a reason to end their fake courtship. She enjoyed spending extra time with him. “Are you certain you’re willing to attend the house party? You were adamant in your refusal at first.”
“I am.” He guided his horse into a trot, and Sophie followed suit, picking up the pace. “My concerns stemmed primarily from private family matters, but I’ve discussed them with my brother, and he practically ordered me to go.”
“I beg your pardon?”
He’d had to beorderedto assist her?
Did that mean he’d rather not?
She didn’t want him with her purely out of duty to the Viscount. In fact, she wouldn’t tolerate it.
“Do you need me to speak with Theodore?” she demanded, her insides a seething mass of insecurities and ugly emotions. “If I tell him I no longer require your assistance, I’m sure he’ll rescind the order.”
To her surprise, Nicholas chuckled. “Calm down, firebrand. I don’t need you stomping into my brother’s office and demanding an audience with him. I misspoke. He merely cleared the obstacles so I could agree to go with you. He would never force me into anything.”
“Are you sure? I won’t have anyone misusing you. Even on my behalf.”
