Chapter11
After they returned home fromthe morning call, Grace was still feeling a bit unsettled. She had no idea why she’d agreed to allow Lord Dudley to call on her, especially since she was enamored with Mr. Wallings. Unfortunately, his request had caught her off guard, and she hadn’t known what else to say, so she’d agreed. She hoped he wouldn’t call on her anytime soon.
She was looking forward to seeing Mr. Wallings this afternoon. She changed into her riding habit and went to wait in the drawing room. The hours slowly ticked by, and she tried to concentrate on her embroidery, that is, until she finally heard wheels crunch on the gravel drive. She jumped up and raced into the foyer as Jones was opening the door.
“Mr. Wallings, good day to you, sir,” the butler said.
“Jones, good day to you. I’m here to see—”
“I’m here.”
Mr. Wallings looked over the butler’s shoulder and smiled at her—that irresistible smile she’d come to cherish. Today, he was dressed in black breeches, a gray waistcoat and jacket. He looked devastatingly handsome, and her heart did a little flip-flop at the sight of him.
“Good day, Miss Parker. Are you ready for our ride?”
“Absolutely.”
Mr. Wallings held out his arm, and Grace slipped her hand inside the crook of his elbow.
As soon as they were outside and away from the manor, Grace said, “Oh, Peter, I’m so pleased to see you today.”
“Thank you. I’m thrilled to be in your company as well. May I say that color suits you well?” Peter said, admiring her green riding habit.
“I wish I could kiss you right now,” she said.
“I know. Perhaps we’ll find a secluded spot on our ride to indulge a little,” he said.
“As much as I’d like nothing better, Jacob ordered a groom must accompany us.”
“I understand. He’s merely looking out for you, as a good guardian should.”
“I know, but it doesn’t make it any easier to grab a moment or two of privacy.”
They reached the stables, and Grace called out, “Mr. Swifton, are you here?”
The stablemaster came out of a stall at the back, leading a beautiful black stallion. “Miss Parker. I was just saddling Midnight for Mr. Wallings.”
Peter walked to the stallion, admiring the magnificent creature. “Whoa, there, big fella. Aren’t you the handsome one?” he said, holding out his hand so the horse could sniff him.
The stallion sniffed and bobbed his head, and Peter stroked the animal’s neck. “There, see. I think we’re going to be great friends.”
“Miss Parker, Blaze is saddled for you as well,” Mr. Swifton said, handing the stallion’s reins to Peter. “Let me get the mounting block, and you can be on your way.”
In short order, both Grace and Peter were atop their horses and trotting out of the stable yard with James, the young groom, trailing behind at a respectable distance.
Once in the open meadow, they gave the horses their heads. Their hooves pounded across the ground, but there was noway her mare could keep up with Midnight. That stallion was perfection in its stride and soon pulled ahead of her and James.
The wind started pulling some of the pins out of her strawberry-blond hair, but Grace didn’t care. It was glorious having the wind blowing through her hair.
They raced until they came upon the stream that ran along the edge of the property.
Blaze had done an admirable job trying to keep up with Midnight, and Grace patted her neck. “Shall we let the horses drink for a moment?” she asked.
Peter nodded and jumped off Midnight. He placed his hands around her waist and lifted her as though she were light as a feather. As she slid down his strong body, she stole a quick kiss.
Peter’s eyes widened. “My dear lady, that was quite unexpected.”
“Shall I not do that ever again, sir?” she asked with a saucy wink. “I was afraid I wouldn’t get to kiss you at all. James is right on our heels.”