Theo stepped back, finally getting a good look at him. It was Baron Wexley, the dandy who had nearly crashed with his bride.
Wexley brushed dirt from his coat then recognition dawned on his face. He gave a clumsy bow, wincing slightly as he did so.“Your Grace,” he gasped. “Thank you, truly.”
A nod was Theo’s only response.
“Took a horse from my stables,” Wexley said, shaking his head. “Had no idea the poor beast was ill. Came here—” He gestured sheepishly at the shadowed building behind him. “—to try my luck. Lost a hundred guineas at cards. Figured that was my sign to call it a night.”
Theo glanced at the building, recognizing it immediately as a notorious gaming hell.
“The horse needs a veterinarian more than you need luck,” Theo observed.
“I know,” Wexley said, looking genuinely miserable. “But I don’t know where to find one at this hour, and we are at the edge of town.”
Theo bit back his impatience. Leaving Wexley to fuss over the animal, he strode to the street and hailed two youth lingering nearby.
“Find Farmer Bill,” Theo instructed. “Tell him to come quickly—there’s a horse in need.”The boys nodded and raced off.
“Who’s Farmer Bill?” Wexley asked, limping slightly as he approached.
“A man who tends to injured horses,” Theo explained. “He lives nearby.”
“Thank you again, Your Grace,” Wexley said, attempting another bow that nearly toppled him.
Theo raised an eyebrow. “You are injured. Shall I fetch a physician as well?”
“Oh, I shall manage,” Wexley said hastily. “No bones broken, I think.”
Satisfied the situation was under control, Theo turned to leave—then paused.
“Baron Wexley,” he said without looking back, “next time, check your horses before you take them out.”
“Of course, of course,” Wexley said hurriedly.
Theo mounted his stallion, gathering the reins.
“And,” he added, voice flat, “leave Lady April alone. She is my betrothed, and I don’t intend to share.”
Wexley’s mouth opened and closed several times before he managed a reply.
“Oh—oh, yes! Yes, of course! Wouldn’t dream of interfering, Your Grace! Lovely girl, but—well—I would never?—”
Theo shook his head and rode off into the night, leaving Wexley sputtering behind him. How the fool managed to take Lady April out was beyond him. But then she was polite enough not to refuse a baron’s courtship, especially in her debut season when she did not know better.
Stone Hall appeared in the distance, a grim silhouette against the dawn sky. He quickened his horse before stopping at the front steps. Dismounting, he tossed the reins to a waiting groom.
The butler, Redmond, awaited him with a lantern.“Welcome back, Your Grace,” Redmond said, bowing low. “A letter arrived in your absence.” He handed it to Theo when he was fully in the front hall.
Theo took the letter, the thick parchment cool against his gloved fingers. He broke the plain seal and unfolded it.
Your Grace,
I thought it might be agreeable—if you are not otherwise engaged—to join my family and me for a modest picnic at Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon. I trust the weather will be fine, butshould it not be, we will simply find shelter and laugh about it as any proper adventurers would.
Yours,
Lady April
Theo stared at the graceful handwriting, reading the words again and again.
