Moments later Lucien was announced. Harriet couldn’t believe how handsome he was. He was quite refined in his movement. An elegant man in her opinion.
“Lady Harriet, I’m looking forward to our afternoon,” he said. His baritone sent chills down her spine.
“As am I. The weather seems perfect,” she replied.
“It is. Are you ready?”
“Yes, I am.”
They walked down the stairs and began slowly to walk towards the park. Her maid followed a good distance behind them. It would give them time to talk and not worry about being overheard.
“You look beautiful this afternoon. That color becomes you,” he said, gazing down at her.
“Thank you,” she replied. She hadn’t wanted to make silly chit chat like so many women did. “You said Onyx isn’t doing well?”
He shook his head, his face taking on a completely different persona. He appeared sad and worried, which was natural. He cared quite a lot for the stallion. “Not at all or not as well as I’d like to see him. It’ll take a few weeks until he shows significant healing and even longer before he can be ridden.”
“What are you going to ride in the meantime?”
“For the time being I’m going to ride a gray gelding we have. After that I may go ahead and look to purchase a youngster. Right now, it’s a matter of wait and see how Onyx does.”
“I still think it was deliberate. You and I both saw shadows in the bush. Not a coincidence,” Harriet said.
“I agree. I sent my man back to see if he might find anything left by anyone. All he found were a couple of sets of footprints and they were fresh.”
“That is indeed interesting.”
“Isn’t it? Nothing I can do, not knowing who it could be,” Lucien said.
“Who knows, maybe someone who’s responsible might accidentally say something,” she replied.
They were nearing the park. The crowds were increasing. It seemed everyone wanted to enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Women and men dressed in their best to be seen by the masses. It seemed all of Mayfair was out.
“True, it’s always possible,” he said. “Have you heard there is going to be a showing of items found in Egypt at the British museum?”
“I believe I heard Arthur say something about it. He really wants to go.”
“As would I. Why don’t we make plans to go? We could even see if Arthur and Daphne would like to join us.”
“Oh yes, I would love that, Lucien,” Harriet replied.
“Then it’s settled. The four of us will make an afternoon of it. We can go out to eat either before or after the museum.”
She smiled broadly at him as they continued to walk. “At least I won’t have to have my maid follow us.”
“Yes, it does make things a tad difficult. We can’t have any time alone,” he murmured.
Giggling, Harriet glanced up at him as they continued walking. “Why would you need time alone with me?”
“To kiss you. I madly wish to kiss you.”
Harriet could feel her face heat up at his words. “There’s a maze on the west side of the park. I’m sure it won’t be filled with people and if you wish to kiss me you can.”
“How would you know about what may go on inside a maze?” Lucien inquired with a smirk.
“I…I’ve heard some of the young ladies speak about such things,” she stammered.
“Well, it seems to be the only way we’re going to have some time without your maid.”
