He’d never known her humor to be sarcastic, but it was quite funny and yet pointed. He liked it. “Yes, well, I thought to keep you from spending a fortune, but let us make our way toward the front so you can see the next horse.”
She gave him a wicked grin. “I do believe that would be lovely.”
Enjoying her more every minute, he directed them through the crowd which loosened after the final bid was called. Some would remain but others would look to examine more potential purchases. As they neared the center, he halted. “What is your sister doing here?”
Mariel looked at him quizzically. “She came with us. Remember?” Her expression turned to true concern. He could almost read what she was thinking that he’d been shot in the head and had lost his mind.
He straightened his shoulders even as they approached Lady Sommerset who was seated directly across from the auctioneer before the space where the horses were shown. The earl stood behind her. “My lady, how is it that you have come to be in this coveted position?”
Lady Sommerset looked up at her husband with that secret smile of hers before facing them. “It was no easy task, I assure you. I requested a seat from a groom, who did my bidding, but when he put it against the wall over there, Andrew moved it here. Immediately, there was an uproar.”
That was no surprise. “Did they request that you move?” Taking permanent space before every horse shown was considered poor etiquette.
“Not at all. They demanded it. Can you imagine?”
He glanced at her husband who obviously found the entire episode amusing.
“Of course, I refused. How could I possibly sketch a horse perfectly if I’m over there?” She gestured toward the wall where presumably they had set her chair.
“Oh, dear, Amelia. What happened?” Mariel’s concern for her sister reminded him that they were unfamiliar with how Tattersall’s operated.
Lord Sommerset couldn’t seem to hold back. “Tattersall himself came out to see what the fuss was about.”
“Yes.” Lady Sommerset nodded. “And when I explained to him what I was attempting to accomplish, he was so excited that he has commissioned a number of sketches. Not all today, of course. But since I’m here, I have done a few of the crowd and auctioneer.”
He was stunned by the entire event. Perhaps Mariel had been correct in stating that her family was odd, but he had to admit, it was the type of eccentricity he quite enjoyed. “Your sister would like to see an auction take place. May we join you for the next one?”
Lady Sommerset nodded. “Of course, just stand to the side so I might have a clear view of the horse.”
Mariel leaned in, the scent of citrus filling his senses. “She tends to be a bit demanding when it comes to her artwork. Let us stand over there.” Her breath against his jaw had him suddenly remembering they would have his coach to themselves. He hoped she didn’t want to stay much longer. He valued every moment with her until they parted.
They moved to a spot where they could both see the horse and her sister. Another was brought from the stables, the young mare who appeared to preen with all the attention. Again Mariel leaned in. “She would not do well in my stables. Zephyrus expects all other animals to praise him, even the local rabbit family.” She chuckled as the auctioneer started the bidding.
As with the last auction, her hold on his arm tightened as the bidding intensified. It was all very gentlemanly, but voices definitely raised and murmurs floated through the crowd when a large jump in price was offered. He caught Lady Sommerset watching them more than once, but between the auction and Mariel, he didn’t wonder much about it. Finally, the auction was called and the new owner patted on the back for his good fortune.
Mariel leaned heavily on his arm as she let out a breath. “Now that was much more exciting. I’m sure that pretty horse is going to be spoiled, which is exactly what she wants.”
He wanted to spoil Mariel just as much. He shouldn’t allow himself to become accustomed to having her on his arm, yet he patted her hand upon it. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. There is something else I’d like to show you today, if you are willing to take a short ride with me.”
“A ride to where?”
“Now, it wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.”
She nodded. “I like a surprise. Let us tell Amelia we’re leaving, then.”
“Of course.” He led her back to her sister. Wishing to talk to Lord Sommerset, he scanned the area nearby. The blond man, who always wore tans and browns, was easy to find. He leaned against the back wall, arms folded. After conferring with the man, he waited for Mariel.
When she had finished her conversation, he offered her his arm and they strolled toward the exit.
She practically floated alongside him. “Amelia already has at least a dozen sketches. She even did one of you and me.”
“She did?” He led her through the final arch that announced the entrance to Tattersall’s. “How could she do that?”
“Oh, my younger sister is quite adept at catching people unawares. She sketched us while we were watching the last auction. I didn’t see her looking at us.”
So that’s why she kept looking at them, sometimes squinting her eyes. He’d thought she’d judged him and found him lacking. Obviously, he wasn’t very good at reading faces. “I noticed her watching us, but had no idea she sketched us. Was it good?”
She halted just feet away from the coach, forcing him to stop.
