by Amelia Grey
Seagulls had squawked all afternoon. The smell of putrid water hung in the air. Lonesome, distant sounds of riggings clanking against wooden masts would never fully leave her mind. Nor would the suffering families of the stewards, attendants, and other workers on the ship. They had gathered and huddled there too that day. Mostly women and children poorly dressed. They hugged, talked softly, and comforted one another.
That was the day Adeline had the idea of starting a school for the unfortunate children who were left fatherless by the downed ship. Polite Society would take care of their own, but who would take care of the workers’ offspring? The three Society widows decided they would, and the inception of the Seafarer’s School for Girls had been born.
And it had saved Brina’s life.
“Would you like for me to ask your maid to bring you a different pair of gloves?”
“What?” Brina blinked back the past and looked down at her hands. She had put on the gloves and now taken them off. Shaking her head, she smiled at Mrs. Lawton, happy to have a reason to put the unwanted memories to bed once again. “No, no. They fit fine. I was simply distracted for a few moments.”
A tap sounded on the door knocker. Brina’s stomach tightened. She started pulling on her gloves again. “At last, he’s here. There’s nothing like getting something started so you can look forward to the finish.”
Mrs. Lawton headed for the door. Brina slipped the braided ribbons of her reticule over her wrist and settled them at the top of her gloves. She then scooted from behind her housekeeper, intent on rushing outside, but at seeing the earl looking so splendid and dashing in his dark-blue coat, fawn-colored trousers, and quilted beige waistcoat, she had to stop and drink in the sight of him.
Reality came swift. It hadn’t been nerves or annoyance she’d felt all morning. It was guilty excitement at the thought of spending time with him. His towering height and perfect physique sent a thrill of desire flashing through her, and she simply wanted to take pleasure in it.
From the moment she’d first seen him, she’d been attracted, and despite her valiant efforts, that hadn’t changed. But right now, she had to rein in those feminine emotions and stay calm.
“My lord,” she greeted him and curtsied.
He took off his hat and nodded. “Mrs. Feld.”
She stepped outside. “You’re right on time and I’m ready.”
His eyes narrowed and he hesitated. “You might need a cape. It’s windy today.”
“I should be warm enough.” She hummed to herself and started down the stone steps toward the street. The closer she got to the pavement, the slower she walked. No carriage was parked in front of the house. There were three horses and a groom standing with them.
A feeling of suspicion rose from within her. She stopped and turned to stare at the earl while her brain tried to focus on the situation she saw unfolding before her.
“These are horses,” she said.
He regarded her closely as he came up beside her. “Well-schooled mares. I picked a gentle one for you. You do ride, don’t you?”
Brina was so astounded, she wasn’t sure she could speak at first. Her breath seemed to clog at the base of her throat. “Yes, I do,” she managed to say. Not well, but she could manage a horse. Somewhat. “Why did you bring horses?”
“You look concerned,” he said, though his tone was light, making it clear he was anything but concerned that she could not handle the task he’d brought to her. He casually folded his arms across his chest. “I said we’d go for a ride in the park.”
The Earl of Blacknight had to be the most unbelievable man in all of London. And England. The whole world. And he was standing in front of her. Pursuing her. Tempting her with intriguing charm.
“This is not what it means when you ask a lady to go for a ride.” Brina sucked in a deep, soundless breath of exasperation. “It means you will bring a curricle to her house, or perhaps a shiny landau with the top down. You don’t bring horses. How could doing something like this have even entered your mind?”
He remained at ease and offered her only a trace of a smile. One that teased her senses and irritated her disposition at the same time. That he’d made such an assumption and she was perturbed didn’t seem to bother him at all.
“It’s not a problem,” he said so smoothly, his words washed over her as if they were a goose feather trickling against her skin. “I’ll return to the stable and get a proper carriage for you.”
“No, no.” Brina shook her head, walked over to the smaller horse, and rubbed down the long brown nose. She was practical. The horses were already here. Besides, she rather liked the idea. “I don’t want you to do that. I haven’t ridden in a long time and I’m not properly attired, but I’ll manage.”
“Only if you’re sure,” he said with conviction.
The mare nudged her hand gingerly so Brina patted her firm neck. She seemed to like that and prodded Brina again. The animal was friendly, and Brina warmed to her immediately. Blacknight had made a wise choice.
She looked over at him and gave him an expression of approval. “I am.”
How could she stay upset with a man who brought her a horse to ride? A man who continually surprised her? It was frustrating that he was so stimulating. She had a feeling he wasn’t nearly as oblivious to the rules of gentlemanly behavior as he claimed and others liked to think.
The groom placed the two-step stool down by her, and the earl reached for her hand. His grip was firm and reassuring. Within the bounds of propriety, he helped position her perfectly in the side saddle with her booted feet properly settled in the stirrups.
He held onto the reins as he gazed into her eyes, “You look very capable sitting up there, but would you like for me to lead your horse?”
“Absolutely not.” She tried to feel annoyed at him, but there was no way she could. She was delighted to be in the saddle again. Riding was an enjoyable pastime and the thought of doing it made her feel good and excited to get started. “I’ll be fine,” she answered, holding out her palm. “It may have been a few years since I’ve ridden, but I don’t think I’ve forgotten how to guide a horse.”
He placed the ribbons in her hands. “And you’re right. You don’t need a cape. I brought a blanket for us to sit on and have refreshments when we get to the park.” He walked over to the groom’s horse and pulled a gray wool blanket from behind a basket. He laid it over her lap and said, “Hold on to this end to keep it from falling off.”
“Thank you,” she said, tucking the heavy fabric around her waist and under her hips. Giving her the blanket was not only mannerly of him but thoughtful of her comfort as well.
“If at any time you feel you can’t control the horse, let me know.”
Brina knew he was playfully teasing her as the mare hadn’t so much as snorted. She gave the earl enough of a smile to let him know she understood exactly what he was doing.
“I fear the only thing I can’t control is you.” Or the way she felt when he was near.
He chuckled and climbed atop his horse with the ease of a man who was well-seasoned to a saddle and knew how to handle the animal beneath him. Brina gave a gentle kick to the horse’s flank with her heel, and they started down the quiet street.
After passing only a few houses she felt exhilarated. She was enjoying the ride immensely and wondering why she hadn’t done it for so long. The mare had a smooth gait and ambled along at the right pace, giving her time to get used to being in the saddle after a long absence. From atop the horse she could see more of her surroundings. Her perspective of the houses and trees was different than when sitting inside a carriage or taking a stroll.
When more than a few moments of silence had passed, she offered, “You do know that even if we were going to ride horses, we should have arrived at the park in a carriage and had the groom waiting there for us?”
“If I’d done that, you would have missed some of the thrill of the afternoon.”
She scoffed with confidence. “
You can’t fool me. What you mean is that you would have missed the amusement of seeing how startled I was at what you had done.”
“That too,” he admitted without qualms.
Even with the dreary cold day, he still had a twinkle in his eyes. How could she ignore that? When he wasn’t being a rake, he was so charming. And that was what she had to be careful of.
“How are you doing?” he asked. “Warm enough?”
She was actually doing wonderful as she was sure he expected. A cape would have kept the chill of the wind from blowing down her neck, but she was fine with the heat of the horse beneath her legs and the warmth of the blanket he’d politely placed on her lap.
“You brought the horses on purpose, didn’t you?” she asked.
He shrugged. “I thought you might be getting a little tired of doing the same thing each day and ready for something different.”
A prickle of something she couldn’t describe skittered over her. It was alarming how well he seemed to know her. She’d wondered how he’d known she wanted to flee down the stone corridors and tunnel beneath the Paris chateau with him. Now, how had he known she needed to do something she hadn’t done in years but used to enjoy? Something as simple, peaceful, and pleasurable as riding a horse.
Brina had shied away from any closeness to men for years. Now, this one, with his bold wager and her demands, had found a way to insert himself into her very private life. For now, there was nothing to do about it but cope.
Their pact was sealed.
“You must have known I could ride or you wouldn’t have chanced bringing the horses.”
“Wouldn’t I?”
Well, perhaps he would.
“If you didn’t know for sure, it was very brazen of you.”
He remained silent so she asked, “How did you find out?”
“Must you know all my secrets, Mrs. Feld?”
His voice was calm and as easy as their ride. She had to be careful with him. There were so many things about him that tugged at her senses and brought them to life.
“I’m curious,” she conceded and added a mischievous smile when he turned his head and looked at her.
“I asked your cousin Harper when I saw him. He was with my cousin Robert last night.”
“Really? I didn’t see Harper at the ball. He must have arrived after I left. But it was already late by then. Did he look all right to you?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“My father asked that I stay in touch with him, invite him over while he and my mother are away visiting his parents in Northumberland. I’m afraid I haven’t done that.” She paused long enough to reprimand herself once again for not having yet done so. “I’ve had other things to attend to, and it’s only been a little over a week since they left. It was odd my father asked me specifically to stay in touch with him. Almost as if he was concerned about him.”
“Does he have reason to be?”
“No, I’m sure not. Not having a son, Papa has always been attentive to Harper. I’m feeling quite guilty I haven’t reached out to him yet. I’ll do that tomorrow for sure.”
“He looked as if he were doing quite well last night. I left the ball shortly after you. I saw him and Robert at a gaming house, and they were making a good showing at the tables.”
A carriage came up behind them suddenly and quickly whipped around, passing them at a fast clip. The driver, a young buck, was obviously desperate to get somewhere. Though Brina was annoyed by the man’s lack of common courtesy, neither Blacknight nor the horses they were riding gave the incident notice.
“So, you went to a club after the ball,” she stated in a more pleased manner than she intended. But really, she was very happy. How could a gambler stay away from the excitement of the games? This is what she had expected him to do.
“It’s my usual habit.” He looked over at her and flashed a bit of a grin.
“Yes, I know, but it is good news to hear you were at your club where there is much gaming, drinking spirits, and other pursuits.”
A soft chuckle rumbled from his chest. “Don’t get your hopes up, Mrs. Feld. You’ll not hear anyone say I had a drink or played a game. I merely walked around and talked with those who were partaking in both and enjoying themselves.”
She gave him a confident lift of her chin. “I’m not worried, my lord. If not last night, nor tonight, nor even tomorrow. Some night. Soon. It will only be a matter of time until you give in to your nature and old habits and have a howling good time at the tables with a glass of the finest brandy.”
“Perhaps you are the one who should be careful, Mrs. Feld.” He gave another short laugh. “When you say things like that, it only makes me want to prove you wrong all the more.”
She turned her head away from him as if to be dismissive of his warning, but of course, she couldn’t stay silent after his comment. “I know how men like their vices. Tell me, did you have a headache this morning?”
“Yes. From not drinking.”
She suppressed a grin because she knew he was looking at her. “And how did you sleep?”
“Well—once I managed to stop the shakes.”
A genuine, playful laugh fell from her lips and she faced him again. “You are teasing me,” she chided lightly.
“As you are me.”
It felt good to listen to his humor. She could tell by the way he looked at her, he knew how much she was enjoying herself. The awareness that always seemed to be between them heated her cold cheeks and caused a ripple of what she could only describe as desire to curl and wind its way slowly through her.
“So, what did you do at the club if you weren’t having a brandy and a game?”
He shrugged and looked away from her. “I watched a couple of old masters play billiards and some of the younger ones roll dice and play cards. I don’t always have to participate to appreciate whatever game is being played. One way to get better at anything is to watch how others do it well. It helps to discover their weaknesses and strengths and then apply them to your own game.”
“Yes. I can see where that would be beneficial.” She needed to study him. At times like this, when she was happy to be with him, she had to remind herself they were in a fight. And she had to win.
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 m
illing 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’s not something 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.”