She nodded, studied her toast, and said nothing.
“Will you try to improve your diet while here in London?”
She shrugged. “If you wish.”
“Good. No time like the present.” He turned to the footman standing beside the sideboard laden with hot food in chaffing dishes. “Benjamin, serve Lady Sarah with some eggs and bacon. Kedgeree too. And more toast.”
Her eyes widened. “I can’t eat all that, Hugh.”
“Do your best. My chef will make anything you fancy.” He smiled, pleased to have at least her vague promise.
Sarah stared at the loaded plate Benjamin put before her. At Hugh’s urging to eat before it grew cold, she forked up some egg. “Miss Kershaw is nice. I like her. We are to ride together on Sunday in Hyde Park if her aunt agrees.”
“You’ll require an escort. I’ll join you.”
She grinned. “I thought you would.”
He laughed. “Minx. Are you trying to interfere in my affairs?”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
She was the picture of innocence. Tit for tat. Time to take a more active part in Sarah’s affairs. He would invite Luke Beaufort to join them on Sunday. An earl’s second son, he was a good-looking fellow, here in London to find a wife. And more importantly, Hugh liked him a great deal. Luke could more than hold a candle to Sarah’s beau, Lord Cardew. He’d eclipse him.
Hugh pushed a dish of jam toward Sarah, who had put down her knife and fork. “More tea for Lady Sarah and coffee for me, Benjamin.”
During the week, he was pleased to observe Sarah eating more at meals, although he was careful not to mention it. She still appeared too nervous for his liking. Was it Cardew, or their mother’s health, or both?
On Sunday, Hugh and Sarah traveled to the stables in Hyde Park to choose mounts. In the curricle, he paved the way, stirring her gentle heart by relating Luke’s tragic story: the fire which had destroyed his house and claimed his pregnant wife. “Luke has restored the building. He has plans to marry,” he said.
Sarah sighed. “That is so sad.”
“It is. But he hasn’t let it sink him into the depths, and he has hopes for the future.” Hugh eyed her and continued, thinking Sarah had taken the lure like the salmon in the river at home.
“I know what you’re about, Hugh.” Sarah briskly smoothed her doeskin gloves. “But I doubt I could consider anyone else in my life. It’s always been Robert.”
“Keep an open mind, Sarah. I think you’ll like him,” Hugh said, refusing to be discouraged as the coach pulled up at the stables and the groom put down the steps.
Miss Kershaw soon joined them, looking wonderful in dark blue and a dashing riding hat.
“Lord Dorchester, I didn’t expect you to accompany us.”
“I hope it pleases you to have my company, Miss Kershaw.”
She blushed. “But of course. I must tell the driver that all is well.” She turned and hurried back to the waiting carriage.
As the ladies chatted, Hugh roamed the stables, smelling of saddle oil, hay, and manure. He disliked hiring horses, which were often a disappointing ride, and some were bad-tempered, but he hadn’t brought Chance to the city this Season. He chose two mares, a roan and a gray for the ladies, and was inspectingthe fetlock of a chestnut gelding for himself when Luke arrived. Tall and broad across the shoulders, he looked well in riding garb.
Hugh went to introduce Luke to the ladies. “I don’t believe you’ve met my sister, Lady Sarah,” he said. He was gratified to note Sarah’s slight flush as she greeted the handsome fellow.
Encouraged that his idea might bear fruit, Hugh decided to let nature take its course. He turned his attention to Miss Kershaw.
Hugh approached the young lady, who stood beside the gray horse. “May I help you mount, Miss Kershaw?” Breathing in her fragrance, redolent of lilies, his hands at her waist sent a shock of awareness through him. It felt amazing just to touch her through her habit, and the sensation brought all sorts of ribald thoughts to his mind.
“Thank you, Lord Dorchester.”
He thought she looked a little flustered as he turned to mount his horse. Did she sense the strong attraction between them? He had never felt this way with a lady fully-clothed. Had never felt this way at all, he realized.
Luke cupped his hands to boost Sarah into the saddle, then he mounted his own horse. Hugh noticed how Sarah watched Luke approvingly. Now, if only Luke might show some interest in Sarah, but there was no sign of that beyond a friendly politeness.
