“Are you comparing me to a horse?”
“Only in the best way.”
“I suppose I do not mind too much. It could have been something else. Like a fish.”
They made their way to the Strand and rode its length, maneuvering through the crush of carriages. She kept her attention on her horse, to ensure that the common ground they found was that which she chose.
When they reached Mayfair, Stratton guided them onto the residential streets so they would not parade down Bond or Piccadilly. Finally they entered Hyde Park.
“Have you chosen a name yet?” he asked.
“He is opinionated, moody, and persistent. Perhaps I should call him Duke.”
“I don’t know any dukes with those qualities.”
“Don’t you? I do. The park is fairly empty, it is so early. Shall I give him his head? The poor thing is in agony at this pace.”
“Absolutely. I will follow.”
She brought her horse to a gallop quickly and aimed for the western area of the park. A few other riders exercised their mounts there, charging to and fro. She found a perfect rhythm and enjoyed the speed as much as her horse did.
She pulled up and Stratton did beside her. “I have decided. Duke it will be. There is real nobility in him.”
“Duke it is, although when I am with you it may not be clear whom you address.”
“I will call you Stratton.”
“I would prefer it be Adam.”
It seemed a small thing, but she knew it was not. She doubted anyone except his mother called him Adam. This invitation to informality implied a continued and growing intimacy.
She debated her answer. While she did, a horseman rode toward them, hailing Stratton. She squinted to see who it might be and recognized the horse, the coat, and the blond hair. Theo closed in fast.
What bad luck.
Theo reined in his horse and favored her with a huge smile. He all but glowed. Even while he greeted Stratton, his delight was all for her. She had not seen her brother this happy in months.
Very bad luck.
“What a fine mount you have there, Clara. One of yours, Stratton?”
“He is mine,” Clara said. “I just got him. I did not want to impose on your generosity all the time.”
“I would not have minded, although it would have been inconvenient for you to cross town for my stable.” Theo glanced slyly at Stratton to see what, if any, reaction that evoked. Since the duke did not appear the slightest bit confused, Theo must have concluded Stratton knew where she lived now. His blue eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
Damnable, hellish luck.
“I must return to my friends,” Theo said. “I will leave the two of you to entertain each other.” He pivoted his horse and rode back whence he had come.
“You are not pleased he saw us,” Stratton said.
“Not at all.”
“You will have to tell them sometime.”
“There is nothing to tell.”
“Of course there is. Will the whole world know that before you do?” He turned his horse. “Let us go this way.”
