Lydia also understood the purpose of croquet was to provide an opportunity for innocent flirtation. She could hardly wait to put her knowledge into practice.
“Hey, Lyd!
She forced her attention away from Rhys and gave it to Colton as he raced toward her.
“Theyve got dogs! he said excitedly, breathlessly, stopping beside her.
“Dogs! Sabrina shouted, dropping her mallet before rushing up to Colton.
“Theyre fenced in, Colton explained. “Can we take them for a run?
She shifted her gaze to Rhys. His mouth had curled up slightly in amusement. She enjoyed even the barest hint of his smiles.
“Are the dogs tamed? she asked Rhys.
“Theyre hounds. Used for fox hunting.
“Will they harm the children if they play around them?
“No. He turned to William. “Why dont you oversee things? Tell Mr. Burrow Ive given my permission for all of you to take the hounds out.
“Aye, Guv, Ill take care of it.
He shook his head while William, Colton, and Sabrina dashed off.
“Why did he call you Guv? Lydia asked.
“Hes having a difficult time adjusting to my new status.
“I dont understand. I thought as a second son, you would have been accorded the respect of being addressed as my lord.
He seemed to hesitate, his gaze sweeping over her, and in his eyes, she thought she detected loss and acceptance.
“For a time, Id distanced myself from the family. I did not acknowledge them, nor did they acknowledge me. Therefore my servants merely assumed I had no connection with the peerage, but simply possessed some magical means to provide for them if they served me well.
She wondered how much more hed reveal if she prodded gently, wondered if she had any right to. “What happened to cause the rift between you?
“I did something they found quite unforgivable. Do you understand how to play croquet?
With grace, she accepted his determination not to discuss the past any more than he already had.
She held up her mallet. “I cant quite figure out how to hold the blasted thing.
He grinned, his eyes twinkling, and she felt as though shed touched the stars. Strange how a mere glimmer of happiness in him could make her almost giddy with joy.
“Allow me to demonstrate, he offered.
He moved behind her, circled his arms around her, and placed his hands over hers where they gripped the mallet.
“What is the scent you wear? he asked.
His breath skimmed along the sensitive skin below her ear. She would have expected it to tickle, not send delightful shivers through her.
“Rose.
“It smells sweeter on you than on any bud Ive ever encountered.
She angled her head slightly, giving his breath more area to travel over. Although she looked ahead, she very much sensed his head was bent close to hers. “You spend a great deal of time sniffing rosebuds, do you?
“When a gentleman compliments you, my dear Miss Westland, you should blush becomingly and thank him.
She felt her face growing warm and responded, “Thank you.
“You are most welcome.
She waited patiently, not daring to move, her breathing shallow, while she was acutely aware of his nearness, the curving of his shoulders almost cradling her back. Then she felt his lips, soft and warm, touching the side of her neck. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she found herself leaning against him.
“The lesson here, Lydia, he whispered seductively against her ear, “is to never let a man distract you from your purpose.
“My purpose? she asked breathlessly.
“To learn to play croquet.
“Oh, yes. What are the rules of croquet, then?
“I havent a clue.
Laughing, she spun away from him. “You scoundrel!
He was smiling broadly, actually smiling, and he was transformed into the most gorgeous man shed ever laid eyes on. All along, shed considered him handsome, but with a smile gracing his face, he stole her breath away.
“You asked me to teach you what you would not find in the books.
“So I did. She placed the mallet against her shoulder, holding it as though it were a parasol.
He grew serious. “A gentleman will always take advantage.
“So what is a lady to do?
“Always remain watchful, alert, and aware of a mans intentions.
“And if she doesnt mind him taking advantage? she dared to ask.
“Then she ceases to be a lady.
She lowered the mallet. “And yet a gentleman, while taking advantage, continues to be a gentleman?
“Theres anger in your voice.
“Theres anger in my entire body! The unfairness of his rules was preposterous.
He slowly raked his gaze over her, which only served to further agitate her. She was contemplating where best to apply the mallet: against his head or his shin.
“That, my dear Miss Westland, is the point of this entire lesson. Anger is not to be displayed under any circumstances.
“I take it your mother never learned that lesson.
She saw his tongue gingerly working the corner of his mouth. Although no evidence of his mothers slap remained, Lydia didnt think it was easily forgotten.
“Obviously not, he murmured.
Suddenly feeling deflated, she marched up to him and glared at him. “Do you know what I think? I dont think you meant to give me a lesson at all. I think you found yourself having fun, and for some reason, you dont think joy should be displayed under any circumstances. Im tempted to use your head as a croquet ball.
He looked so surprised that she might have laughed under different circumstances. Instead she put the mallet away and went in search of Colton and Sabrina.
The Marquess of Blackhurst was as infuriating as he was handsome. She was of a mind to teach him a few lessons of her own.
Chapter 10
A true lady shall favor a gentleman who demonstrates a kind regard for both animals and children.
Miss Westlands Blunders in Behavior Corrected
T he Harrington stables were vast. Lydia couldnt imagine the joy of possessing so many beautiful horses for the simple pleasure of riding them. Most of the horses her family owned were used to work the farm or cattle.
And they certainly didnt have a host of servants to see to the welfare of the livestock. Back home, she took care of her own horse. She didnt mind the chore. She actually rather enjoyed it.
Today shed decided to join Colton on his afternoon ride. They strolled through the cavernous structure that didnt smell much different from their barn at home. She welcomed the scent of fresh hay and warm hide.
The rest of the family was going for another excursion in the carriage to view the surrounding countryside.
“Good afternoon, Miss Westland, an older man said as he approached her, doffing his cap. “Going to join the lad today, are you?
Following Coltons debacle with the Duchess, and after gaining their fathers approval, Rhys had introduced the head groomsman to the family, making certain Sims understood he was to ready a horse for them any time they requested. Sims was in charge of the stables and had several younger men and some boys who worked with him. A few gawked at the visitors now, but most remained hard at work.
“Hello, Mr. Sims, Lydia said. “Youve got a fine stable of horses.
“Aye, miss. His Lordship has a good eye. Any one of the beasts in here should do you well.
She smiled brightly. “Thank you. Ill take a look around and let you know which one Id like.
“Very good, miss. He turned to Colton. “Will you be riding the same horse today as you have before?
“Yes, sir.
Mr. Sims grinned. “Right-o, then. Lets get him ready.
While Colton hurried off with Mr. Sims, Lydia searched for a mare that she thought would be to her liking. Through a wide opening at the other end of the stable, she saw some horses cante
r by.
She walked to the opening and leaned against the gate that separated her from the horses within the confines of the paddock. She counted six. One neared, caught her scent, and trotted away. Her stomach roiled.
Its flanks bore the unmistakable scars inflicted by a lash or a whip. A riding crop maybe. But only if it had been held by someone with a very heavy hand. Her gaze darted to the other animals. They all bore similar scars. Tears stung her eyes at the thought of the cruelty that had been inflicted on them and all theyd suffered.
“Have you found a horse, miss? Mr. Sims asked.
She pointed toward the enclosure. “These horses
“His Lordship insists no one other than himself ride these, miss. Inside, I have a fine, gentle mare I think youd enjoy riding.
“His Lordship? she whispered hoarsely. “The Marquess?
“Aye, miss.
She could hardly believe it. Shed judged Rhys to be caring. How could she have been so incredibly mistaken?
“Lyd, what are you doing? Colton asked, as he approached. His eyes widened with horror at the sight of the horses. “God Almighty! What happened to em?
She could see her brother was hurting for the horses as much as she was. Growing up on a farm, they always had the utmost respect for animals and would never dare dream of abusing one. What sort of monster did? “Theyve been terribly mistreated, she said.
“Aye, miss, they have, but thats not your worry now, is it? Mr. Sims asked. “Come along. Lets get a horse readied for you.
He turned away, but Lydia could hardly take her eyes away from the sight of the battered animals.
“I never noticed these before, Colton said. “Why would anyone do that to a horse?
“Because he was cruel. Thats the only reason.
“You think Uncle Rhys did it?
“Who else? Mr. Sims said he was the only one who rode them. She wrapped her arm around Coltons shoulder and led him back into the stables. It always took her by surprise to realize he was nearly as tall as she was.
But the realization distracted her for only a heartbeat, before her thoughts returned to the horses and Rhys. Shed never suspected he was a man capable of such brutality.
Hed insisted he wasnt kind. Shed refused to listen. Now shed seen the proof of his claims. She was revolted by the knowledge that shed allowed him to kiss her, had flirted with him, had even fancied herself falling for him.
Rhys heard the yelling the moment he stepped out of the silversmiths shop. Apparently he wasnt the only one, because people began streaming out of the shops and heading toward the end of the street where the commotion seemed to be originating.
His height afforded him a better view than most, and yet he could scarcely believe what he was seeing as he neared the carpentry shop. Mr. Bower, a tenant who farmed a good deal of Harrington land, stood in his wagon, with the reins in one hand and a whip in the other. He yelled down at some woman who was screaming up at him.
Rhys wended his way through the crowd of curious onlookers, not an easy task when they were all vying for a closer inspection of the turmoil. Usually this village was as quiet as a church. He could hardly fathom the excitement these quarreling people were causing.
“Pardon me. Excuse me. Make way, please, he ordered as he tried to diplomatically move people aside.
He neared the wagon. A woman climbed on board. Not a woman. A lady. A finely dressed lady. Not only a lady.
Lydia.
By God, she was furious.
“Give me that whip, you goddamned sorry son-of-a-bitch!
She reached for it.
Bower shoved her back.
She teetered. Her arms flailed.
Rhyss breath backed up painfully in his lungs, and he quickened his pace.
Bower pushed her again. Losing her balance completely, Lydia cried out.
As she fell backward off the wagon, Rhys thrust someone aside and caught Lydia. She flung her arms around his neck as though she didnt quite trust him not to drop her.
When releasing her was the furthest thing from his mind.
They were both breathing hard, their gazes locked. Passion fueled the violet of her eyes, eyes framed by the longest lashes hed ever seen. He wanted to look into them until he became lost, until his past transgressions melted away. Her parted lips were so incredibly close to his that he would need to lower his head only a fraction in order to taste them. The temptation was almost more than he could tolerate.
He became acutely aware of the side of one of her breasts flattened against his chest, the warmth of their bodies easing through the cloth, mingling, saturating the skin of the other.
He had carried many a woman to his bed, but none had felt as right in his arms as she did. None had felt as though she belonged. None had made him regret so profoundly that he could offer nothing more than this.
“Put me down, she hissed through bared teeth.
Apparently hed mistaken fury for passion. He became increasingly mindful of the people surrounding him, jostling about in an attempt to determine exactly what was going on here.
He tipped his head slightly in acquiescence, and slowly lowered her feet to the ground, relishing the length of her body unfurling against his. She stepped back, and the cool air rushing between them restored his senses.
“Miss Westland, perhaps youd care to explain what this commotion is all about. From my vantage point, it appeared you accosted Mr. Bower here.
“Aye, that she did, mlord. A wild woman, to be sure
He cut a scathing glare at Bower that abruptly silenced the man. He turned his attention back to Lydia. “Miss Westland?
“Not that you would care, but his wagon is loaded with too many supplies. Its too heavy for one horse to pull. He was using that whip on the poor animal. I was trying to stop him.
“And placing yourself in great peril during the process.
“I can defend myself. The horse cant.
“I see. Indeed he did, now that he looked beyond Lydia to the wagon. Heavy furniture had been loaded into it. He glanced up. “Mr. Bower, I dont fancy getting a crick in my neck while discussing the matter with you. Will you please step down?
That Bower didnt want to was evident in the mulish expression that crossed his face, before he climbed off the wagon. As soon as Bowers feet were planted firmly on the ground, Rhys smashed his balled fist into the mans face. Bower hit the side of the wagon before sliding to the ground.
Lydias mouth dropped open, as did the mouths of most of the people standing near enough to have seen what had transpired.
“I have no tolerance for a man who abuses a woman, Rhys said with remarkable calm, trying desperately not to imagine what might have happened to Lydia had he not been quick enough and close enough to catch her.
“But, mlord, she was carrying on
“I witnessed her behavior, Mr. Bower. The prudent thing for you to have done would have been to go in search of a constable. Or myself. Now if youll please stand, well discuss this matter like civilized gentlemen.
Bower hesitantly worked his way to his feet, eyeing Rhys the entire time as though he didnt quite trust him not to strike him again. Rhys was incredibly tempted to oblige the man by fulfilling his expectations of another blow.
Instead Rhys turned to the crowd. “The entertainment is over. I suggest you all return to your business. He glanced at Lydia. “You may, of course, stay.
“Of course.
He couldnt quite comprehend the reason she seemed cross with him. He had, after all, come to her rescue like a gallant knight.
Bower flinched when Rhys went to straighten the mans jacket and dust the dirt off his clothes. Rhys wasnt normally so quick to deliver a punch, but then where Lydia was concerned, he seemed to seldom behave as himself.
“Now, Mr. Bower, Miss Westland is quite correct. Your wagon carries far too much weight for this horse.
“But, mlord, Ive only got the one horse, and I dont fancy making two trips into the village when it takes away from m
e time in the field. But me new wife fancies some new furniture.
“You keep beating that horse like you were, and hes going to die, and then youll have nothing at all, you idiot! Lydia pointed out.
Bowers face turned a mottled red. “That horse has been pulling me wagon long enough for me to know what he can and cant handle!
“Enough! Rhys demanded. “You will lighten the load.
“But, mlord
“Ill send some of my men with a wagon to pick up the remaining items and deliver them to your home, Rhys told him. “In the future, you need only send word to Harrington that you have supplies or furniture or whatever needs to be delivered, and Ill see it is taken care of. To spare your horse and your time.
The man nodded with obvious resentment. “Very good, mlord. Ill get some chaps to help me unload the wagon.
“Thank you, Mr. Bower. One last thing. It would improve my opinion of you considerably if you were to offer an apology to Miss Westland.
Bower glared at Lydia. “I umbly apologize, miss.
The tone of his voice more aptly conveyed that he wished some misfortune to befall her. Rhys would have to pay Mr. Bower a visit later and teach him a few manners, but further public chastisement would only serve to embitter the man.
Lydia nodded curtly, seeming as happy to receive the apology as Bower was to issue it. Bower lumbered off in search of someone to help him unload the wagon.
“Hell beat that horse the next chance he gets, she said.
“To ensure that he does not, I shall speak with him again on the matter later, Rhys said.
She furrowed her brow as though hed spoken in a language alien to her. Hed never had much luck in understanding womens minds when they were revealed to him through conversation, let alone when he could see within their eyes that the wheels were turning. Wherever she was headed with her thoughts, he decided it would be best if they simply moved on to more pressing concerns.
Tugging on his glove, Rhys glanced around. “Where is your brother?
“By now hes probably back at the house.
Now it was his turn to wonder at her meaning. “I beg your pardon? I thought youd planned to go riding together this afternoon.
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