If he wished to continue their conversation in two days’ time, then she would be open to it. And if he didn’t wish to resume their topic, she would anyway. Rising, she laid her hand on his arm, and he walked them back into the light of the terrace.
“Oh, there you are.” Lady Blackmore stood on the top of the steps. “I was looking for you. It is almost the supper dance and I do believe you two should lead it off.” She practically exuded excitement. “It’s time everyone saw how well you two suit each other.”
She was quite willing, but Marcus would need to ask her.
As they approached his mother, she started to think he wouldn’t do as suggested, but when they were on the top step, he turned to her. “Lady Beaumont, would you do me the honor of allowing me to partner you for the supper dance?”
She smiled, her belly jumping with happiness. “I would enjoy that immensely, Lord Blackmore.”
His mother sighed. “Perfect.”
Marcus held his arm out to his mother. Once she took it, the three of them returned to the ballroom just in time for the dance.
As they lined up opposite one another, Mariel’s mind was spinning with ways to convince Marcus that he was far more important than a family. She’d already lost him once, and she didn’t plan to lose him again.
As everyone moved into position, the couple she and Marcus were with suddenly left their places, and the Duke and Joanna replaced them. Her sister leaned in. “I thought it best to show our guests that James and I approve of this match.” Her smile was triumphant as she stood straight again and grinned at her husband.
It was no secret that Joanna and her husband often danced the waltz while at a ball, but they never danced the Quadrille. Looking at the duke, she could tell it wasn’t his favorite activity, but he willingly did so for her sister.
Now if she could just get Marcus to do what she wished him to do. She’d have to ask Joanna how she managed it.
Joanna winked at her husband just as the first strains of music started and the duke’s nostrils flared.
Mariel missed the first step, she was so surprised by the man’s reaction, but a note in the book Joanna had lent her answered her question. Joanna had promised the duke they’d make love if he did this for her!
As she linked arms with Marcus, then separated back to her place, she grinned. It looked as if she’d be busy reading a certain book over the next two days, so she too could entice her man to do as she wished.
Chapter Fourteen
Marcus handed Marielup into his phaeton, not unaware of her dress choice for their ride in Hyde Park. The shimmering pale blue and gold brocade pattern would turn many heads and was a reminder of how she’d dressed before he’d left the country. It even appeared to make her happier. She also wore a simple bonnet made of the same material tied beneath her chin with pale blue ribbons that matched. Mariel’s quiet elegance had always made her stand out from other ladies.
Walking around to his side, he climbed up, taking the reins and nodded to the footman holding Legend and Lore. As soon as the man stepped aside, he set the horses to moving down the curved drive to the street. It had been only two days without her, yet upon waking, he found himself smiling, knowing he would be with her soon.
It was the perfect Sunday afternoon for a ride through Hyde Park in his open conveyance. The sun shone, the air was a pleasant temperature, and there was a slight breeze keeping the usual smells of the city at bay. They had very little time left together, and he intended to enjoy every moment with her. Though he’d planned to take her to see the latest art exhibit at the London Academy of Art, when the day dawned, it promised such fine weather, he’d sent a note earlier. “I hope you don’t mind the change in our plans.”
“Not at all. It feels so good to be outside after a whole year of gray skies. Though truth be told, I’d rather be about on Zephyrus.” She leaned closer, a whiff of orange blossom floating past his nose. “Don’t tell anyone though. It just wouldn’t be proper for me to traipse about Hyde Park on my steed.”
He glanced at her to find a teasing light in her eyes. “I promise it will be our secret among all the others.”
“Oh, I’m sure there will be many more as well.”
At her sly tone of voice, he looked at her, but she faced forward and all he could see was the edge of her bonnet. Focusing instead on driving the pair of thoroughbreds, he navigated around the more congested parts of the city to arrive at Cumberland Gate, the east end of the park. As he directed his team beneath the tall arch, there were already a number of people enjoying the day, some in coaches, some in open conveyances like his, and still others strolling the paths.
They’d just entered Rotten Row when Mariel sat forward. “Oh, there’s Lady Astor and her daughter Elsbeth. Elsbeth is one of Joanna’s students and Lady Astor is one of her teachers.” She leaned in as if someone might hear. “Lady Elsbeth is the one who turned down my cousin, Teddy’s, proposal.”
He’d forgotten her younger cousin. His impression of him had been of a young man about town, more interested in wit than substance.
Mariel waved to the two ladies riding toward them in another open phaeton. “You met them at the ball the other night, remember?”
He’d met many people the other night, but doubted he’d remember them since his focus had been on Mariel the entire evening, even if he’d tried to avoid her company. He’d been an idiot to think being apart would help rid himself of his nightmare. Being in her very presence had soothed his spirit, and he’d slept soundly since.
Maneuvering Legend and Lore to the side, he pulled them up next to the ladies’ now stopped phaeton.
Mariel smiled widely, proving she truly liked the two women and was not simply being polite. “Lady Astor. Lady Elsbeth. Do you remember Lord Blackmore?”
The older woman, dressed in a pale blue day dress, nodded. “Indeed we do. Lord Blackmore, what a lovely idea to bring Lady Beaumont out for a drive on such a splendid day. We rarely see her in the park.”
He lifted his eyebrows in question at that news. “Then the park has been the worse for her absence. She is far more beautiful than the day.”
