The proximity of the crowds drew her attention. They had thinned around her as they became aware of whom they carried in their midst. Her father, the earl, was highly esteemed in Taunton, generous and benevolent to the village. She smiled at familiar faces, nodding to those who bobbed a brief curtsy despite the ruckus surrounding them. “My ladies.” The murmurs reached her as a path was cleared for them to move forward.
They joined the audience standing before the paddock fence. Men propped their elbows on the top rails and hooted encouragement at the scene unfolding before them. Young boys perched on the fence rail to gain a better vantage point. The whisper of a breeze swept the audience, the sky a vast canvas of cerulean blue. The afternoon sun dazzled, a bright beacon to grace the day.
She scanned the crowds for her younger brother’s towhead. Her father had succumbed to his pleading and escorted him to the festival earlier in the day. She caught sight of Jonathan’s shining face from his perch atop one of the rails, one arm slung around a nearby post. Her heart lifted at the sight of her father’s tall figure hovering protectively beside him, the intimate tableau another reminder that all was well with her family.
Lifting her arm to wave, her gesture froze in midair as the man standing a short distance away from her brother’s perch distracted her.
One couldn’t miss him, for he towered half a head taller than most of the men, his fine clothes marking him as aristocracy. From his pristine dark blue riding jacket, custom fit over his broad shoulders, to the tips of his Hessian riding boots, the man exuded an aura of wealth and power. A ten-year absence did not eradicate blood ties, and Lord Daniel Bryant was aristocratic to the bone, the brother of a duke and his heir apparent. Her eyes scanned the crowd, and she saw the ripple effect his presence had caused.
Eyes narrowed in speculation, the men elbowing each other and nodding toward Daniel. Coins exchanging hands clinked as wages were laid. Women neatened their skirts and tucked stray strands of hair under their mobcaps while their eyes lapped up Daniel’s tall figure like a succulent treat they’d like to sample. Julia noted the brazen looks, a few just short of ogling.
“So that’s Bryant. I had heard that he had returned,” Emily murmured, wonder in her voice. “Hasn’t he grown up well.”
“One would think one had never seen a handsome man before.” She shrugged. “The years have been kind to him. He is taller.”
Emily stared at her, and then burst out laughing.
Two conflicting emotions battled within her, joy at the rare sound of her sister’s laughter and annoyance at the cause of it. The latter overrode her pleasure. “What is it? I do not see what all the fuss is about it. The man is good looking, but—”
“He is a mirror image of his brother. What do you call him, Beautiful Bedford?”
It had been a weak moment when she had confided in her sister.
“I wonder why he has finally returned home after all these years away?”
Emily’s question echoed her own during her restless night. She frowned at Daniel, who stood with his head bowed listening to Robbie, who gestured to the closed doors of the stables behind them.
Why did you come back?
His exodus had been as abrupt as his return. He had disappeared but a month after his father’s funeral, and a fortnight after Lakeview Manor had burned to the ground. Edmund claimed that in his haste to depart, he had left behind most of his belongings.
She was five years younger than the twins, who had been eighteen at the time. She recalled her parents’ surprise at his leaving Edmund to step into his title and shoulder the responsibility for the estates alone. Rumors circulated that Daniel’s grief over the combined loss of his father and Lakeview Manor had propelled his flight.
Grief might explain his departure, but it did not explain the ensuing silence. It had been as if Daniel was swallowed up by the night, his disappearance complete when Edmund forbade even the mention of his name.
And why, after a decade’s absence, had he returned?
It couldn’t be just to torment her. As if he had heard the accusation, Daniel’s head lifted and his gaze locked on her. His eyes traveled from the blue velvet ribbons topping her bonnet, down the buttons lining her bodice, to the bottom of her blue skirts and back up. Goose bumps rose on her arms, her high-waisted spencer jacket and layered petticoats poor protection against his slow scrutiny.
When his eyes fastened on her mouth, a slow, intimate smile curved those familiar lips. The heated perusal combined with the memory of his mouth, warm and insistent on hers, caused her to catch her breath and retreat a step.
His smile broadened and he tipped his head in an imperceptible greeting before he returned his attention to Robbie. She exhaled.
“I do believe he remembers you.” Emily arched a delicate brow at Julia, amused.
Avoiding Emily’s eyes, she shrugged. “Perhaps.”
“I wonder if he’s staying with his brother.”
Unsettled, she spoke without thinking. “I wouldn’t know. He did not say.”
“Pardon?” Emily stared at her. “You have spoken to him? When? Why did you not mention it?”
Cursing her slip, she waved her hand airily, unable to meet her sister’s eyes. “We happened to cross paths yesterday. It was very brief. We did not get a chance to catch up.” He had been too busy posing as Edmund and kissing her senseless.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Is that what had you so flustered yesterday—?”
“Look.” She interrupted Emily, desperate to redirect her attention. She needed time for her cheeks to cool and to form a plausible denial. She moved closer to the fence, aware that her sister’s speculative look followed her.
Robbie slid one of the stable doors open, his imposing size blocking the entrance, leaving a gap wide enough for Daniel to slip through. The sounds of the crowd had dropped to expectant rumbles, all eyes riveted to Robbie’s broad back. He peered over his shoulder and beamed a smile at the crowd, his brown eyes brimming with anticipation. A bit of a showman, Robbie savored exhibitions of his horses, and having a long lost lord participate could only double his delight.
Bracing his shoulder against the door, he swung it fully open, then dove quickly to the side to avoid over nine hundred stone of pulsating, wild black stallion plowing into him as the animal half leapt, half galloped outside.
The crowd responded in a collective gasp as Black Devil gathered speed and cantered around the paddock with Daniel astride, riding bareback on the beast. His back straight, the reins grasped loosely as he circled the paddock. There was none of the stallion’s usual antics, the frenzied bucking or wild rearing to dislodge his rider. Absent was the feral gleam igniting his coal black eyes, the savage snarl that bared his teeth, or the hooves pawing the air and reaching for the nearest head to decapitate.
“Glory be! Will ye look at that!”
“That be Black Devil? Robbie’s Black Devil?”
“More like a little lamb.”
“What did the toff do to him?”
“Bollocks! I needed me a new trowel.”
Julia stared as the horse reared back, the thick cords in his neck bulging as he tossed his mane, his snow-white forelegs pawing the air.
An incredible specimen of horse, all quivering muscle and sinew, the sun burnished his coat to a fine, black sheen. She curled her fingers over the fence rail in a white-knuckled grip. Blood drained from her head as she feared witnessing Daniel cracking his skull open, but one look at his expression had her catching her breath.
The idiot was laughing! His handsome features were alight, his white teeth flashing, and his dark hair wind-combed and wild. The grip of his muscular thighs pressing into the stallion’s sides braced him on the horse. Her heart gave a traitorous leap at the pure, masculine beauty of man and beast in full accord as the animal settled back on all fours. At a gentle urging from Daniel, Black Devil circled the paddock for an encore performance while the crowd roared its approval, hats tossed in the air.
&n
bsp; Daniel rode with athletic grace, ease, and unabashed joy. This stunt settled one matter for her—she would never mistake this man for his brother again.
They were like opposing faces on a coin. While they looked alike, Bedford was self-contained, aloof, and, well . . . aristocratic. Daniel’s years abroad had clearly stamped their imprint on him. Like his adopted country, from the little she had viewed of him, Daniel was bold, unconventional, and daring . . . if not a bit wild. All marked him as dangerous. She vowed to keep her distance from the man even as she leaned forward to get an unobstructed view of horse and rider.
After coming full circle, Daniel bent over the stallion’s neck and suddenly the pair were trotting straight toward her.
Stunned, she stood rooted in place, watching Daniel dismount before her.
He jumped clear of the horse, tossed the reins to Robbie as he landed, dark hair tousled, eyes alight, and a rakish smile splitting his face. He strode over to where she stood. From the buttonhole of his jacket, he withdrew a perfect bloodred rose.
Bowing low, he presented his offering. “My lady, this humble English rose is but a pale tribute to your dazzling beauty.”
The pounding in her heart matched the thunderous applause, while Daniel’s gallant action confirmed her worst fear.
He had returned to torment her.
Worse, he was succeeding.
Chapter Four
DANIEL watched the play of emotions cross Julia’s expressive features. She looked as if she yearned to toss his tribute back in his face, but with an audience of so many, she refrained. The bold, reckless, kiss-me-if-you-dare Julia of yesterday would have, but not this poised and collected lady. Dressed in a tidy sapphire blue jacket and light blue day gown, she was miss prim and proper.
He preferred the Julia of yesterday. He would like to strip away the layers she wore like a protective shield and find the unconventional Julia, particularly if it involved more kisses.
Julia snatched the rose from his hand. She hadn’t doused all of yesterday’s fire. Some of it still simmered. Good, he liked a woman with spirit.
“Well said,” someone hooted.
Daniel lifted an arm to acknowledge their audience, who brandished their hats in approval. When he turned back to Julia, he caught sight of Emily, and his smile broadened. “I see I have need of a second gift.” He bowed again. “My apologies.”
“You remember my younger sister, Lady Emily.” Julia edged closer to her sister.
He noted the protective move. His gaze shifted between them, marveling at the differences. Both had the deep blue Chandler eyes, but while Julia had a riotous mass of curling hair, Emily was fair, her hair a tidy, sun-kissed yellow. Julia’s countenance was coolly assessing, Emily’s open and warm. Emily was reed thin, a strong gust of wind capable of toppling her. Daniel usually preferred his women willow slim, but as of yesterday, his preference had changed. Curves on a fuller figure were definitely an asset he had overlooked. He would not do so again.
“Charm and a splendid seat, my lord,” Emily said. “Pray tell, what spells have you woven to turn Robbie’s horse from devil to angel?”
“No magic. I simply had a chat with him, and we came to an understanding. Angel?” He tested the name out on his tongue, looking over to study Black Devil, whom Robbie was leading in an encore circle of the paddock. “Black Angel.” Yes, it would do beautifully. He smiled at Emily. “I was wondering what to rename him. I could not have chosen better myself. Forget the single rose, I owe you a dozen.”
“And what does Robbie have to say about your renaming his prized stallion?” Julia said, regarding him with suspicion.
“Robbie has no say in the matter. The horse is mine. Black Angel will do.”
“You bought Black Devil?” She looked surprised.
“I did, along with another stallion trained to saddle, a handsome chestnut named Chase. I have need of a horse during my visit.”
“And how long will you be staying?” Emily asked.
“I do not intend on leaving too soon. I have a lot of catching up to do. Ten years’ worth.” His eyes locked with Julia’s, and when a high-pitched bellow of Emily’s name distracted her, he could not resist leaning toward Julia. Lowering his voice, his eyes dipped to her mouth. “And I am enjoying catching up very much.”
Spots of pink colored her cheeks, and the rose she held took a precarious dive as her fist strangled around its stem.
“If you will excuse me, that bellow is for me,” Emily said dryly. “Welcome home, Lord Bryant. I do hope you enjoy your visit and Black Angel.”
“Oh, I already am.” He smiled, holding Julia’s gaze.
Once Emily had departed, Julia arched a delicate brow. “Have you had a chance to catch up with your brother yet? Or have you quite forgotten about him?”
Like her slap of yesterday, her words found their mark, and he straightened. “No, I have not forgotten Edmund. I will deal with him. But I will do so in my own time.”
“What do you mean? Deal with him?” Confusion crossed her features. “How exactly do you intend to deal with Edmund?”
He shrugged. “As I always have, very carefully.” Unable to resist, he let his eyes again lower to her mouth. “Particularly after yesterday.”
She drew in a sharp breath and cast a furtive glance around. The crowds were beginning to disperse, so she edged closer to the fence separating them and dropped her voice to a desperate hiss. “You must understand that was a mistake. I thought you were Edmund!”
He braced his arms over the top rail, grinning when she stumbled back. “There was no mistake on my part. I knew who you were at all times.”
“You took advantage of the situation. You—”
“My dear Julia, it would have taken a far stronger man than I to deny your plea. I am willing to concede to being weak, but not stupid, for I gave you fair warning that what you requested of me was dangerous.”
“Dangerous? By God, you could have been killed!”
Daniel spun at the comment, stepping back from the fence upon recognizing Julia’s father, Lord Taunton. A decade older, the earl’s dark hair was peppered with streaks of silver and gray, but his eyes—Julia’s eyes—were a lively blue. Robbie had opened the nearest paddock gate and released Black Devil into another enclosure, so Lord Taunton advanced without threat.
“Lord Bryant, I must say, you do know how to make an entrance.” He grasped Daniel’s hand in his, pumping it up and down. “That was quite a show. I had bets laid that Robbie would have to put the horse down. Pray tell, how did you tame the beast? And when did you return? You must come and dine with us this very evening. I will not take no for an answer. You have some long overdue explanations to make, young man.”
Daniel shook his head with a laugh. Another voice piped up to forestall his reply.
“Cor blimey, it were brilliant! Smashing good.”
A young boy, no more than five, scrambled through the fence rails and dashed to his side, craning his head back to beam a smile up at him.
“My son, Lord Jonathan.” Pride laced Lord Taunton’s words.
The introduction was superfluous, for the boy’s vibrant blue eyes mirrored his father’s and sisters’. Daniel dipped into a bow. “It is a pleasure.”
Emily joined their group, looking apologetic. “I held him back as long as I could.”
“Are you a horseman?” he addressed the boy.
“I ride Mindy, my pony, but I want to ride Black Devil. Can I? Please?”
“Absolutely,” he said. He was quick to add, “As soon as you pile on a bit more height and weight, we will have you on his back in no time.”
Jonathan looked crestfallen. “I know,” he declared, brightening, “I’ll eat that green stuff that Cook says will make me grow. I’ll stop stuffing it in my napkin, and I’ll be big in no time.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” Daniel nodded solemnly, his lips twitching.
“Speaking of plans, we must be keeping you from yours,” Julia said, c
ircling around the fence rail and through the open gate to rest her hand on her brother’s shoulder.
“We have taken up enough of your time,” Julia continued. “We—”
He did not let her finish. “On the contrary.” She was seeking an escape, and he had no intention of providing her with one. “My time is yours, for I have no plans but to enjoy the pleasure of your company.”
Julia made no comment, but he noted her hand tightened on Jonathan’s shoulder, who with a grunt of protest, dodged free.
“And, my lord, I accept your kind offer to dine.”
“Wonderful, we look forward to it.” Her father beamed.
Daniel’s eyes met Julia’s, unable to hide his triumph. He swallowed his laugh when she looked discomfited and quickly dropped her gaze to her brother, speaking to him.
“Jonathan, you mentioned wanting to see Punch and Judy? I spied their red and white tent over by the blacksmith shop, and that distant squawk is unmistakably Punch.”
“Why don’t we head over there?” Emily looped her arm through her father’s.
Jonathan frowned. “I can’t see them.”
“You need a better vantage point. How is this?” Daniel bent, scooped up the little boy, and settled him on his shoulders. “Now, Captain, steer me to their tent.” He walked to the open gate, Jonathan’s squeal of delight ringing out.
“Well done.” Emily laughed.
He thought so, but from Julia’s expression, he surmised she was of a different opinion. He wondered if she wished Black Angel had flipped him onto his arse.
THE CHANDLERS WERE a close family. As the afternoon wore on, Daniel witnessed firsthand the tight-knit bond they shared and had a better understanding of why Julia would postpone her wedding to care for her family. After leaving the antics of Punch and Judy, they perused various games, savored a vendor’s mouthwatering pastries, and lightened their pockets on various trinkets.
Julia tilted her head back to laugh at a comment from Emily, affectionately looping her arm through her sister’s. Earlier, Jonathan’s triumphant shout during a game of ring toss had elicited Taunton’s praise, and his hand had brushed over his son’s hair in a casual caress. Interactions had flowed between them in a smooth, calm current. No darkness simmered beneath the surface, no undercurrent disrupted their relations.
The Heart of a Duke Page 4