“A bout of boxing, Aunt. You know the Duke of Osborne.”
“Well? Is there a charity event here today or not?”
“It’s tomorrow. I mixed up the dates. Dreadfully sorry.” He lied so smoothly.
“Then we’ll leave immediately.”
“But we only just arrived,” Ana protested. “I want to see the stables. I must be able to describe a gentleman’s mount in vivid detail.”
“This is no place for a young lady.”
Osborne approached the highly incensed chaperone. “Lady Glynis.” He bowed over her hand, fair hair swooping over his brow. “I can’t tell you how mortified I am that you had to witness this most distressing of sights. Allow me to make my heartfelt apologies.”
Lady Glynis’s countenance softened. “It was rather distressing.”
“There, there,” Osborne said soothingly, taking her hand and leading her toward the clubhouse. “I know just the thing. A restorative nip of fine brandy. I could use one myself. And I’ve been meaning to ask you how the renovation of your townhouse is coming along? Warburton told me all about it.”
To Ana’s great surprise, Lady Glynis allowed herself to be led away by the glib, handsome duke.
“Gracious,” Ana exclaimed. “Mr. Fellowes isn’t the only charmer in that family.”
“He’ll keep her occupied for a few minutes. Which is all you’ll have in the stables. I’m only taking you there because I know that if I refuse, you’ll attempt to enter the club a different way. At least you didn’t wear your groom disguise.”
“I’m in disguise as an innocent young debutante.”
Warburton made a scoffing noise. “An impudent hellion, more like.” He steered her down the path toward the stables.
“Miss Crewe, meet Odysseus. He arrived in London only last week.”
“Hello there, Mr. Odysseus. Aren’t you a magnificent beast! You match your name perfectly. I can picture you defeating mythical monsters with those enormous hooves of yours.”
The horse flared its nostrils and regarded her suspiciously.
“Offer him this.” Warburton handed her a carrot.
“I don’t want to put my hand close to his teeth.”
“He’s still skittish from the journey but he won’t bite you. Hold out your hand, let him sniff it first.”
She held out her hand, unable to stop the slight trembling. The horse nosed at her hand and stamped his hooves.
“Was that an approving stamp?” Ana asked.
“Now the carrot.”
To her surprise, Odysseus nibbled gently on the carrot, though when his teeth got too close to her fingers, she relinquished the entire vegetable to him and took a few steps backward.
“Isn’t that nice,” crooned the duke. “Aren’t you a lucky fellow? Such a luxurious new home. You’ll be well cared for here. This is the best stall, the sweetest hay, and I’ve brought you the prettiest young lady to feed you carrots.”
A pang of something in her heart. Surely she wasn’t jealous of a horse? He continued to murmur endearments, gently smoothing his hand down its flank. Making prolonged, deep eye contact. She wanted to be under his hands, hearing those words, feeling his gaze, strong and steady on hers.
Stop focusing on the duke and observe the horse.“What breed of horse is this?”
“He’s a Yorkshire Trotter. An elegant and powerful breed.He’ll pull a carriage or I’ll take him riding or hunting. We’re going to be fast friends. Isn’t that right, Odysseus?”
“He has very intelligent eyes.”
“Doesn’t he just? Horses are highly intelligent creatures. Odysseus has already displayed his acumen for recognizing me, responding to my commands, and even showing a sense of humor. What?” he asked, noticing the way she was staring at him.