With all in agreement, Arthur walked over to the restaurant desk and spoke with the gentleman once more. It took him only minutes before he returned to his group. “Let’s find the carriage.”
They didn’t have to walk far as the driver had pulled the sleek, well-polished carriage off to one side just beyond the hotel. The quartet all climbed in and waited for the carriage to pull out into the street. The traffic had thinned out so arriving at Jameson House didn’t take as long as the ride to the theater.
Once inside the house, Arthur quickly dismissed any remaining staff for the night and the four of them followed Daphne to the kitchen. Once in the center of the room, the men sat at a well-used table while Daphne and Harriet went about finding them something to eat.
Among their finds they brought to the table were two small loaves of bread, butter, apples, a plate with chicken that had been carved off the bones, along with beef roast. A plate of pasties had also been found. Cook often made these in the country for Arthur to take when he rode the estate and didn’t come back for lunch.
It may not have been a fancy meal, but it was comforting and much appreciated by all. The room was quiet except for the crackling remains of a fire in the hearth and the gentle snoring ofTimmy, the knife boy. He slept in the kitchen and awoke early to get the fire restarted for the day’s use and to make sure there was enough wood to last throughout the day.
Arthur and Lucien finally pushed back from the table claiming they needed to breathe, but not before they were tempted with a large slice of apple pie and cup of tea. The ladies joined them after clearing the dishes and stacking them to be washed.
Though everyone was enjoying their time together, Lucien announced how late it had gotten. “I hate to bring this evening to a close, but it is quite late and time for me to leave.”
“We’ll have to do this again soon,” Daphne said.
“Yes, I agree,” Harriet said.
Moments later Harriet was walking with Lucien to the front door. Daphne and Arthur chose to give the two time alone and insisted they needed to finish putting things away.
Stepping into the grand entrance hall, Lucien stopped. He gathered Harriet in his arms. “I had a very enjoyable evening,” he said before lifting her chin and kissing her. It started out gentle and slow, but Lucien’s carnal instincts began to take over, his tongue forcing her lips to part. Surprisingly, Harriet did not try to stop him, as though looking to him for guidance.
When he did end the kiss, he struggled to regain his composure. “Harriet, I apologize if I was too forward. You bring out feelings and urges in me. I hope I wasn’t too rough.”
She gazed up at him, still dazed by the intimacy. “Don’t apologize, Lucien. There is no need. I was enjoying the closeness.”
Rubbing his hand on her cheek, he gave her a grin. “How would you like to take your first ride astride tomorrow?”
“You don’t have business meetings?”
He shook his head. “That’s why I have managers or assistants. I will have everything taken care of by noon.Afterwards we can either have lunch and then go to the park, or we can just go directly to the park.”
“Then I look forward to it,” she replied, before adding, “Actually, I’m excited to have the chance.”
“As am I.” He picked up his hat and coat, throwing the coat over his arm. Putting his arm around her waist, Lucien led her to the front door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He leaned down and kissed her once again. This time she opened to him, taking him by surprise. Opening the door with his free hand, Lucien tore loose from the kiss.
“Tomorrow then,” he said hoarsely.
“Tomorrow. Good night, Lucien.
“Good night,” he replied. He strode down the stairs and out the gate.
Harriet stood and watched him until he disappeared. She wondered if his carriage was around the corner or if he was walking all the way home. Sighing, she shut the front door and bolted it shut. Doubting Arthur and Daphne were still in the kitchen, Harriet went up the stairs to her room to get ready for bed and to write all about the evening in her diary.
Rex was sleepily waiting on her when she opened the door. “Just help me out of this gown and corset. I can do the rest myself.”
“Yes, milady. Did you have a good time?” Rex asked as she began to help Harriet out of her skirt.
“Yes. I had the most magnificent night. One I’ll not soon forget,” she replied.
That much was true. She would never forget this evening. Her first real kiss that invoked feelings she didn’t know existed. Lucien was responsible for releasing everything within her. She wanted more, much more.
Chapter Nine
Knowing Lucien hadarrived to take her riding and was waiting downstairs, Harriet glanced in the mirror one last time. She had dressed in a sapphire-blue tweed riding outfit she’d had made for occasions such as this. Riding didn’t scare her. Just the opposite. The only thing bothering her was transitioning from side-saddle where she felt she had no control to riding astride like a man. The practice was becoming more and more common. Lucien’s offer to teach her thus made her feel comfortable and completely relaxed. They were going to an area of the park not used much because it was out of the way and unseen by most. For this reason, the space was used for exactly what Lucien planned. To teach her to ride astride. It couldn’t be difficult, just adjusting to shifting her weight accordingly.
It would give her more freedom to ride on her own and not have to be dependent on others to accompany her. But they still would. A stable boy would come with her, but they always kept an appropriate distance behind her.
