Page 48 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

“Have I told you how charming you look in that outfit, my dear?” Devon took her hand in his, a genuine smile of warmth on his face. Again the fluttering took root in her stomach, setting her heart to thumping and her lungs to seize. This was ridiculous, she must learn to control herself, or she would be falling to his feet in a heap of quivering womanhood.

“Thank you, my lord.”

He took her other hand in his and tugged her closer, staring directly into her eyes, unnerving her even more. “Have I not asked you to call me Devon? Is it not time to dispense with the ‘my lady’ and ‘my lord’?”

“Yes.” The word came out a whisper, about all she could deliver at that moment. This dance of two steps forward and one back was making her dizzy. She wanted to shout at him that she loved him, had loved him since before their wedding. He was her knight in shining armor, her prince charming.

Devon dropped one of her hands and ran the back of his finger down her cheek. Before he could speak, the stable master walked Devon’s horse out, the animal sleek and already prancing, ready for a run.

The moment was lost, and Eugenia drew in a shuddered breath. What would he have done had she confessed her feelings? Would he have drawn back, eying her with sympathy since his feelings were not so engaged?

Devon gripped her by the waist and settled her on Jennie. He grinned as she attempted to hide her surprise, since he’d never before assisted her in their own stables, but had always allowed the stable master to do so. Progress, perhaps?

She admired his powerful form as he swung one muscular leg over his saddle, then led her away from the mews to set off in the direction of Hyde Park. It was a cool morning, but with the sun on their backs, she was comfortable enough. They rode in silence until they reached the park entrance. There were a few other riders about as they headed to Rotten Row.

She’d always enjoyed an early morning ride, but rarely did so in Town. Her favorite place to ride was on her family’s estate in Suffolk. The happiest days of her life had been spent there. As well as the most miserable. She’d received very little attention from her father, and had often thought of him as beyond her reach.

On the other hand, her mother had spent a good deal of time making sure Eugenia was raised in a most proper manner. She had always preferred the outdoors, but had been required to sit and learn watercolors, the pianoforte, and needlework when she would have rather been out riding. Eventually, Mother had agreed that she could take her morning rides providing she had a groom and a maid with her, and spend the remainder of the day “behaving as a lady should.”

Once they reached the infamous Hyde Park riding trail, Eugenia moved Jennie up alongside Reggie, and they trotted together in companionable silence. Feeling somewhat lively with the beautiful morning and her handsome husband alongside her, she asked, “Are you up for a race?”

Devon’s eyebrows rose. “A race? Surely you don’t think that nag of yours can beat Reggie?” His smirk and the gleam in his eyes told her he was definitely up for the challenge.

“Let us see.” She pointed to a row of hedges close to a mile distant. “How about to the other side of the hedge?”

He studied the area with a frown. “Perhaps before the hedge? I’m not sure jumping hedges is a good idea with you riding side saddle.”

“’Tis the only way I’ve ever ridden. Besides, the last time we rode at the Wentworth estate, I cleared the hedge successfully.” She gave him a sly smile. “Are you afraid, my lord?”

“Devon.”

“What?”

“You agreed to no more ‘my lord’.”

“So I did.” She stopped her horse, the animal dancing in place. “Are you ready, Devon?”

“Indeed.” He counted to three, and they were off.

Eugenia laughed at the silliness of racing Devon right here on Rotten Row where anyone in the ton taking a morning ride could see them. Of course, as expected, Reggie sprinted ahead of her and Jennie, but Eugenia was having too much fun to actually care if she won the race. It felt exhilarating and freeing to act in a way much different from what she’d done all her life.

It seemed the book was teaching her about more than sex.

She leaned over Jennie’s neck and egged her on as the hedge grew closer. Devon was still several lengths ahead of her, but it was obvious he wasn’t giving Reggie his head, or he would have been over the hedge long ago.

As the shrubbery grew closer, a giggle rose in her middle, ready to burst forth. She could not remember the last time she’d felt so happy, so free. In front of her Devon and Reggie flew over the hedge.

Due to the restrictions of her life since she’d arrived in London for her debut, it had been a long time since she’d ridden with such fervor. The air whipped off her hat and loosened her hair. She panted with excitement and effort as she grew closer to the hedge. Devon had stopped Reggie about a quarter mile after the hedge and turned to watch her.

Jennie leaped and then sailed over. As soon as Jennie’s back hooves hit the ground, Eugenia felt her balance shift, and she flew off the horse’s back, landing with a thud on her shoulder. Pain exploded through her like a bolt of lightning. Devon’s voice shouting, “Eugenia!” was the last thing she heard before everything went black.

When she awoke she was nestled in Devon’s arms, snuggled in his lap, and they were both riding on Reggie. She made a slight moan as she tried to move.

Devon sucked in a breath and glanced down at her. He studied her with concern, then relief. “Oh, thank God, Eugenia, you’re awake.”

“Yes. It appears I am.” Her voice sounded as though it came from a great distance.

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