“It is, isn’t it.” He motioned for his driver to leave.
Seated next to the driver was Harriet’s maid. Unfortunately, society dictated that she couldn’t be alone at this stage of their courting—if that’s what this was. Today would give her a bigger picture of what he might have in mind. At least, she hoped he would.
As they entered Hyde Park, Harriet noted him tip his hat acknowledging people he knew. “You know a lot of people if this small space is any indication,” she said.
“Perhaps just casual acquaintances. I might know him from some business transaction or have met him socially.”
The landau passed a small group of young ladies she knew and from the look on Lucien’s face he knew them as well. It occurred to her they were part of the group who thought teasing and belittling were the way things were done. They didn’t want her to have anything to do with Lucien and thought he was toogood for her, but he ignored them as they passed. Hyde Park had always been a place for the ton to be seen.
They hadn’t spoken a whole lot since leaving Jameson House, which Harriet thought was a good sign because it meant they didn’t have to speak to enjoy each other’s company. The landau continued to make its way through the park. Harriet happened to turn to her left and saw the balloons. They were in various stages of being readied for flight.
“Look! There are the balloons at the top of that ridge,” she said excitedly.
“Indeed. Would you care to walk? We can find a place to sit down to watch if you’d like.”
“Very much so,” she replied. “I’d like that very much.”
Instructing the driver to stop, Lucien jumped down from the landau and walked to the other side to help her down. He offered her a smile as he put her on the ground. “Let me fetch a blanket we can put on the grass.” He returned after a moment, hands empty.
“Did you forget the blanket?”
“No. My man and your maid will bring it momentarily,” he replied.
“Then let’s start walking. I’m sure we’ll have no trouble finding a suitable place to watch.”
He offered his arm and patted the top of her hand as they began their walk. She stood tall, knowing this wasn’t a dream. “Did I mention to you how lovely you look today? That color suits you perfectly.”
Harriet could feel her cheeks heat up. “Thank you, Lord Kingston. The color is among my favorites,” she replied.
“Please, call me Lucien. There’s no need for such formality between us.”
He wanted her to call him by his given name. She wasn’t going to stumble on her words. “Very well…Lucien. Then you must call me Harriet.”
“I’d be honored.” He changed their direction just slightly having seen her maid bent over taking the time to smooth out the wrinkles. “I see your maid spreading out a blanket. It’s in a very suitable spot.”
Moments later he helped her sit on the luscious green grass before sitting next to her. “This is perfect. We’ll be able to see them lift off with no obstructions,” Harriet replied.
“Would you still care to ride? We could come here.”
“My riding is limited. I believe I told you of my misadventures of riding sidesaddle. I would hate to embarrass you.”
“You wouldn’t. If you’re that nervous about it, I could take you to a private area used exactly for that.”
“I don’t know,” she replied.
“You’re not afraid of horses, are you? I have a very gentle gelding you can ride. I think you’ll do just fine. I can evaluate your abilities and make sure you’re well suited.”
Harriet hesitated for a moment. He truly seemed as though he had her best interest at heart and would make sure she could ride safely. “Very well, I accept your offer, and no, I’m not scared of horses.”
“You’ll not regret it. I promise.”
Suddenly she squealed. One of the balloons was preparing to be free of its mooring lines. The balloon was a distinctive shade of red with a gold logo on two sides. As the mooring lines tumbled to the ground, the basket and balloon began to slowly rise. The two passengers waved at those they left behind on the ground. It was truly an amazing sight to see.
As the one gained distance between the ground and basket, another one was preparing to join it. This one had multi-colors on the balloon and carried four passengers.
“This is amazing, Lucien. I’ve never seen one leave the ground before.”
“It is a sight to behold. I never tire of watching them.”
