Page 80 of Courting the Country Miss

No. No. No. She must not think of a notorious roué in such a way. She remained safe as long as he stayed in the realm of her friend. Anything more would be a dangerous, foolhardy risk to her heart and peace of mind.

The front door knocker echoed through the foyer, and Leticia rose to greet Tristan. His smile met her. Stylish as usual but wearing grays and blues instead of his usual, more vibrant colors, he stood, tall and lean. His eyes, clearer than she’d seen in years, sparkled.

“Good afternoon, Tish.” His grin warmed her all over.

“Good afternoon, yourself. The weather appears to have bent to your will.”

“Because I asked for your sake, I am sure.” He affected a bow. “Are you prepared for a balloon ride?”

The nervous quiver in her stomach increased to that of a small cyclone. Still, it would not do to appear as frightened as a kitten in a den of wolves; Tristan would surely tease her for years.

She lifted her chin and gave a negligent wave of her hand. “Oh, certainly. I always do such things. They’re hardly exciting any more. Perhaps I’ll go on safari next.”

Grinning, he offered his arm. “I hope elephants and tigers don’t bore you. You might want to bring a warm cloak—it’s much cooler up there.”

Up there. Heaven help her.

Tristan smiled, so handsome and steady, that she squared her shoulders and grabbed a cloak.

Tossing the cloak over her arm, she said with false courage, “Lead on, good sir.”

Outside, an elegant barouche bearing his family coat of arms awaited them, complete with a driver and four horses. Battling back her nervous anticipation, she forced cheer into her voice.

“A barouche. How stylish.”

“It’s Richard’s. I know it’s ostentatious but my curricle was irreparable.” He drew a breath, his expression grim. The knot of his cravat moved as he swallowed. “I’ve ordered a phaeton and am having it built lower than the usual style so it would be more stable, and not require a ladder.”

“Sounds reasonable.” Still fashionable, but safer with four wheels instead of two like his curricle, a phaeton would be much steadier, especially if he had it lowered. The accident appeared to have instilled a sense of Tristan’s own mortality.

He glanced at her as if searching for a meaning behind her words. “I will never race again.”

His earnest, sorrowful expression tugged at her heart. A pity he must cast off a pastime that he clearly loved. Still, his recognizing the folly of engaging in such danger meant he’d be less likely to repeat it.

She touched his arm. “I look forward to seeing your new phaeton.”

His grim expression softened. “I’ll take you for a drive as soon as it’s completed.”

“I’ve never ridden in one.”

“Good. Then I look forward to being your first.”

A glint touched his eyes as he handed her into the luxurious conveyance and she sank into seat cushions softer than a feather bed. The folded down hoods made the vehicle perfect for seeing the sights of London. Being seen with Tristan made her want to sit up a little taller.

“Have you purchased a new team of horses?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I didn’t see any I liked at Tattersalls, but I’ll go again next week. My phaeton won’t be ready for another two weeks at least; I have time.” His dark eyes carried a luster in them she had not seen in years, and his steadiness gave him a new maturity.

She gazed at him, amazed at his transformation. “I’ve never seen you so bright-eyed. At least, not in years.”

He quirked a brow.

She searched for an explanation. “The more dissipated you grew, the more your eyes dulled. And then when you were hurt… Well, I’m glad to see you looking so well.”

His expression took on a far-away look that reminded her of the poetic romantic he’d been as a youth. “Too much drink has lost its appeal. I rather like having a clear head.”

She touched his hand where it rested on the seat between them. “I like it, too.”

The coachman turned into the park entrance. As they went deeper inside the haven of green, the noises of the city faded. The balloon rose above the trees like a giant, silver sun.