They rode in silence for a few moments before her more solemn self returned, and she turned to him and offered, “Obviously, I’m a little more troubled about our hastily made arrangement than you are. You can take it lightly.”
He arched his eyebrows and quickly said, “I take nothing lightly, Mrs. Feld. Least of all you.”
Her shoulders lifted and her chin tilted up as she looked at him with a questioning glance. “That is a matter of opinion. It’s true I have more to lose than you.”
“That is also a matter of opinion,” he answered calmly as his horse snickered and pulled against the bridle. “There wasn’t a man in London who woke this morning without knowing what I agreed to last night. Your demands are rigid.”
Brina gave him an expression of satisfaction. “As I intended.”
She believed it was only a matter of time before the seemingly strong-willed earl tired of adhering to his new life without the things he wanted and gave up the fight in favor of his nature.
They came upon the one busy street to cross before entering St. James’s Park. Instead of stopping the horses and waiting for traffic to clear as she expected him to do, Blacknight motioned for her to follow him. He inched his horse into the lane of traffic and said, “Tighten your reins and keep the mare directly behind mine. She’ll stay calm as long as you do.”
“Don’t worry about me, my lord. I’m doing quite well and can handle her. You take care of yourself and your horse.”
He threw her an admirable grin before giving his attention back to the matter at hand.
The carriages, wagons, and other horses stopped as he commanded by lifting his arm, and he maneuvered them across the street, safely onto the other side, where they entered the park. Only a few people were milling about. It was no wonder with the day so blustery. Some were walking and others rode in open carriages. A handful of people were seated on blankets. Small sections of St. James’s were thick with small trees and undergrowth. Some of the terrain appeared wild and woodsy while other areas resembled open grasslands where trees were spaced far apart.
Lord Blacknight led them to a flat area near the beginning of a heavy growth of bushes sprouting their spring leaves. He stopped beside a large tree where they would be blocked from the worst of the wind by the wide, sturdy trunk.
Brina kicked out of the stirrups while he dismounted.After throwing the blanket to the groom, he reached up for her. She expected him to take her hand and gently help her down. Instead, he clasped his strong hands firmly around her waist, and in one quick puff of breath and fluid motion, he lifted her out of the saddle and down onto the ground. His grip was firm, capable yet somehow caressing. A thrill of warmth shuddered through her.
His hands lingered only a couple of seconds before he released her and offered reasoning. “It’s so much easier that way.” A quick glance from one side of the park to the other. “And it doesn’t appear as if anyone close by took notice. Your reputation should be intact.”
Trying to forget about the heat of his touch and nearness, she gave him a perturbed glance and looked around the park for observers too. It appeared he was right and no one was paying them any attention.
“It’s not my reputation so much as it’snotsomething you should do—putting your hands around a lady’s waist is highly improper. Since it’s already done, I don’t know what I can do about it.”
His brows rose and he gave her a curiously genuine smile before saying, “I was liking our conversation so much, I had forgotten that part of our bargain is for you to help me know what I should and shouldn’t do. I like the way I do it better.”
“I’m sure of that. And it’s what I’m relying on. Yet, in fairness to our wager and my pledge, I must let you know when you’re being improper.”
He leaned in close to her. The corner of his mouth twitched engagingly. “I haven’t been improper yet, Mrs. Feld.”
His words were low, husky, and revealing. A breathless fluttering rushed through her. Yet, she stood still. Quiet. Hardly breathing, wanting to ask him what he consideredimproper. For a light-headed moment she wanted to tempt him to go further with his statement and show her what he meant.
Instead, her good sense returned with a gasp of indignation and she asked, “How can you say that? You kissed me in Paris. You involved me in a shameful wager which prompted me to respond in kind.”
As if to calm her, he gave a reluctant nod and in the same low voice, he answered, “I would do it all again for the chance to be with you. I regret nothing.”
His honesty flushed her cold cheeks and caused ripples of desire to shoot through her. A hint of enchanting devilment sparked in his eyes and much to her obvious distress she reveled in it. It appeared they were both benefiting from this afternoon tête-à-tête.
And that could only mean trouble for her. She hoped he took a drink soon.
The horse nudged Brina’s back, breaking her concentration. She stepped away from the earl. Being around him wasn’t going to be easy. He made her smile, laugh, and feel things she thought she’d never experience again. It was going to be difficult to deny herself such tempting emotions.
They walked over to where the groom had spread the blanket and placed the basket. Brina settled herself on one side and the earl on the other. The gray clouds were beginning to scatter but the wind was still brisk as a winter day. It rustled the budding leaves on the trees and whipped at her bonnet. In the distance, she heard carriage wheels rumbling and shouts from children playing. Yet, even with the sounds, there was always something peaceful about being in the park.
After taking off his hat and gloves, Lord Blacknight unbuttoned his overcoat and pulled the darkbeige scarf from his neck. He extended it toward her. “I think it’s large enough you can use it as a shawl. It will keep you warmer now that you don’t have the blanket for cover.”
There was a softness in his voice she couldn’t refuse. His gentleness and thoughtfulness were astounding at times. “Thank you,” she whispered and took it from his hands.
Brina wrapped the wool high around her nape, spread its width over her back and shoulders, tying the long ends across her breasts. The fine wool fabric held the fresh heavenly fragrance of his shaving soap. She breathed the scent in deeply. Heat from his body clung to it and soothed her chill instantly, making her want to sink and cuddle into it.
“Let’s see what my cook prepared for us.”
He moved the basket closer and opened it. A large napkin was the first thing he took out and lay in front of her. Next came two teacups and saucers. After taking the stopper out of a pewter bottle, he put it to his nose and smelled.
