Brina knew how to go straight for his heart. He nodded. “I surrender to you,” he whispered softly before saying in a teasing tone, “You also realize that I won. I got you.”
“Yes, you did. I think I like it when you win. Dance with me, Lord Blacknight. We just got engaged.”
Epilogue
The September sky was bluer than Brina could ever remember seeing it. A faint hint of autumn stirred in the late afternoon air as she and Zane rode their horses. The grass, leaves on the trees, bushes, and undergrowth were just beginning to show signs of cooler days ahead.
For Brina, everything looked brighter, fresher, and newer since she and Zane had married. After their nuptials they’d made the long trek up to Northumberland to visit with her parents. They couldn’t have been happier that she’d married an earl, though she knew it would take her mother a bit of time to get used to the fact the earl was the once-notorious black sheep of the Blacknight family. Her mother would adjust.
Harper was doing well, and Zane suggested he not be in any hurry to return to London. Surprisingly Harper agreed. After a visit there, they had journeyed down toDorset to see Robert. He was doing well too, and had changed his affections once again to a lady, having decided ladies were safer than cards.
Both young men had sworn off gambling. Whether or not it would last forever, only time would tell. They seemed to have put their scare with the crimp behind them, and neither were in a hurry to return to their previous lives.
After their wedding journey, Zane had joined Lyon’s card club and seemed perfectly happy playing only once a week, except for a friendly game at the occasional summer garden party Londoners relished in the late afternoons. Brina had assured him she wouldn’t mind if he wanted to go to White’s for a game or two during the week. He insisted he’d much rather have his brandy sitting with her in front of the fire in the evenings than furthering skills he no longer needed to use.
His life was full with her, his duties as the earl, and his family. His uncles persisted with their offers of help, and Zane was always kind when he declined. Brina continued her work for the sisters and the girls’ school. The painting lessons weren’t going as smoothly as she’d hoped, but she was determined not to give up. If just one girl showed a natural talent for the art, it would be worth the trouble.
“What are you thinking about?” Zane asked as he halted his horse and folded his hands over the pummel.
Brina reined in her mount too, and looked at Zane with all the love she was feeling. She thought about asking him to remove his hat. She loved to see his windblown hair and the sun’s rays shining on it. But, of course, it was proper he keep it on until they were seated to have their refreshments. She was so blessed to have him love her.
“I was thinking about you.”
He chuckled. “Good. I was thinking about you too.”
“Were you?” she asked teasingly. “Thinking about me doing what?”
“Racing.”
She quirked her head and narrowed her eyes. She liked that idea. “If you wanted to race the curricles again, why are we on horseback?”
He shook his head. “Not curricles this time. Horses. You are seasoned now. Your horse against mine.”
She rather liked that idea. “Do you mean it?”
“Of course. You are doing so well, I was thinking it’s time we had a short race. Longer when you are more comfortable. But for today, if I win—I get to take you to our bed as soon as we get home.”
Her breaths increased at the thought he was suggesting. The racing and the prize. “And what do I get if I win?”
“You get to take me to our bed as soon as we get home.”
She gave him a completely unserious frown. “You are impossible.”
He laughed, but said, “I’m serious. You’ve been riding again for several months now. I think you can handle yourself.”
“Hmm,” she said. “A lady and a gentleman are not supposed to race horses in the park.”
He grinned affectionately. “I know, but are you game?”
“Ha!” she said in good humor. “I think I can handle myself, the horse, and you, my lord.”
“Prove it. To the tree?” He pointed. “I’ll let you have a generous—”
Brina didn’t wait to hear the rest of his sentence. She’d already snapped her heels against the horse’s flank and the mare took off faster than she’d expected. It took her a moment to settle into the saddle at the faster pace, but she felt safe, comfortable. Wind quickly brushed her cheeks, swept her lightly tied bonnet to the back ofher shoulders, and grabbed at strands of her hair. She laughed, so pleased with herself that she had gotten a head start until she heard Zane’s horse coming up fast behind her.
She saw the head of his horse edging up beside her. She urged her mount to go faster. Zane actually wanted to win. She was so close to the tree. So close, but no, he passed by her the length of his horse’s nose.
“No fair,” she complained in jest as they stopped the horses under the tree. “You are a beast.”
