“I suppose you would like to return home,” he said, looking down at her with his caring gaze.
“I would, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. The event has worn me out as well.” His smile wasn’t full.
He urged the horse into a trot again, and the peaceful ride calmed her considerably. Of course, it was probably more due to Vincent’s tender kindness than anything else.
“Do you think,” she said after a few moments of silence, “anyone saw what happened? Would they tell you if they noticed someone pushing the burs under the horse’s blanket?”
“I can only hope that if they did see, they would tell me.” He reached over and grasped her arm, pulling her closer to him on the seat. “You still look frightened. I beg you, hold on to my arm. It will make you feel better.”
She nodded and slid her arm around his, cuddling against him. Peace filled her, but she didn’t question the strange reaction.
“After I take you home,” he said, “I’ll return to the park and ask questions. Hopefully, we can catch the irresponsible person who did this.”
“That is a wise idea.”
During the remainder of the ride, she was satisfied just to use his body to lean against. A smile tugged on the corners of her mouth, and she didn’t care who saw her right now. Gossipmongers could start rumors if they wished, but it didn’t matter. She was marrying Vincent in seven days anyway. However, she should still guard her feelings. He was only marrying her out of duty.
Frowning, she sighed. At least she knew that although he might not be fully committed to their marriage, he would be kind and tender. That was encouraging, wasn’t it?
*
Vincent couldn’t believenot one person had noticed the sticker weeds being placed under the horse’s blanket. Things like this didn’t happen by accident. The frustration he had about what happened at the park earlier was that he didn’t know if he was the unknown person’s target, or if it was Ellie.
He finished dressing for this evening’s dinner social at Lord and Lady Berkley’s estate. He had received an invitation along with the duke, so riding together made more sense. Vincent had almost called it off, due to yesterday’s upset, but Ellie had assured her father that she would be ready.
Before leaving the manor, he grabbed his hat and headed to his horse. He checked to see if there was anything that would upset the animal, and luckily, everything appeared fine. He mounted and rode toward the duke’s estate.
Strange to think, but he anxiously waited to see what Ellie would be wearing this evening.
As the servant let him inside the manor, her parents greeted him, but it wasn’t them he wanted to converse with. Vincent kept his focus locked on the stairs, even as he answered the duke’s questions about what had happened that afternoon in the park.
Finally, the sound he’d been straining to hear echoed on the second floor as the clicking of women’s heeled shoes grew louder. When Ellie came into view, he held his breath as he ran his gaze over her gown. No longer did she resemble the young woman of the first day she’d run into him, nor did she look like the innocent beauty whom he escorted to the park. Instead, she had blossomed into an extremely lovely goddess.
The beige gown with a lace overlay enriched not only her square neck bodice, but the high-waisted gown and short sleeves. White ribbons were tied just under her breasts and on the cuffs of her sleeves. She wore white elbow-length gloves, and a string of pearls rested around her delicate throat. Her lovely, dark brown hair was wound in a coil, while wisps of curls hung on her neck and by her ears.
Slowly, Vincent released the air from his lungs as she descended the stairs. She immediately looked at him, and the closer she came, the wider her smile grew. She reached him and curtsied. He bowed but didn’t take his eyes off her.
“Miss Middleton, you are a vision of loveliness.”
Twin spots of pink darkened her cheeks. “I thank you, my lord, and let me return the compliment. You look rather dashing. I think the deep blue of your waistcoat looks good on you.” She rested her hand briefly on the garment before removing her touch.
“I must admit, because of your kind words, it’s now my favorite color.” He offered his arm. “Shall we go now?”
Behind Vincent, the duke cleared his throat. “Splendid idea.”
The strong voice startled Vincent. He’d forgotten about Ellie’s parents being so nearby.
She held his elbow, and he placed his hand over her fingers. Her eyes lifted to his. Heavens, she looked so pretty. Back in his rogue days, if he had seen Ellie like this, he would have targeted her as his next seduction. Strange that the mere mention ofmarriagehad him pushing his heels into the ground as fast as he could. As much as he wanted to seduce this woman, he stopped himself for fear of making a fool out of himself.
Vincent and Ellie shared a coach with her parents. He enjoyed the way Ellie’s soft arm bumped against him during the ride. At first, she was stiff, but by the time they reached the party, she practically rested against him.
He took pride in walking into the manor with the loveliest woman in England. Many people watched them with wide, curious eyes. A few men threw glares at Vincent, and a handful of women snubbed Ellie. Apparently, they were the talk of thetonalready.
A familiar face captured his attention. Standing in the back of the room by Lady Berkley was the woman’s sister, Lady Livingston. He fisted his hands as his worry escalated. Candace wouldn’t cause any problems, would she? He prayed she respected her sibling’s house and friends and wouldn’t cause a scene. If he had remembered the two ladies were related, Vincent wouldn’t have come tonight.
Candace looked directly at him. Lines of confusion pulled at the corners of her eyes and around her mouth, making her appear ten years older. He didn’t dare acknowledge her—not yet—so he slid a hand on Ellie’s back as they moved into the room. She greeted some ladies, smiling politely and acting genuinely happy to see them.
