Page 63 of His Scarred Duchess
Adeline lifted her chin, a determined glint in her eyes. “I’m quite certain, Edmund. I may not be ready to ride, but I can certainly manage the phaeton. Besides, I’m rather curious to see the famous Duke of Holbrook in action.”
A slow smile spread across Edmund’s face, making her stomach flutter. “Very well, then. Let’s see how you fare in the field, Duchess.”
As they made their way to the gathering point, Adeline couldn’t help but admire how striking Edmund looked in his hunting attire. The deep green coat accentuated his broad shoulders, and his breeches and polished boots showed off his strong legs to great advantage.
Stop it, she silently chided herself.This is no time to be mooning over your husband like a lovesick girl.
The assembly was a colorful sight, with gentlemen in their finest hunting attire and ladies in elegant riding habits. Adeline noticed more than a few curious glances directed her way as Edmund helped her into the phaeton.
“Good day for a hunt, eh wot?” Lord Rutherford boomed, riding up beside them. “I say, Holbrook, it’s good to see the Duchess joining us. Will you be riding, my dear?”
Adeline smiled politely, grateful for Edmund’s steadying presence beside her. “Not today, my lord. I’m still getting reacquainted with the equestrian arts. But I’m looking forward to observing from the phaeton.”
As the hunt prepared to set off, a large, sleek hound bounded up to Edmund’s horse, its tail wagging furiously.
“Ah, there you are, Artemis,” Edmund said fondly, reaching down to scratch behind the dog’s ears. “Ready for the chase, old girl?”
Adeline watched, charmed, as the fierce-looking hound melted under her husband’s touch.
“She’s beautiful,” she remarked. “May I?”
Edmund nodded, and Adeline tentatively extended her hand. Artemis sniffed her fingers for a moment before giving them an approving lick.
“Well, I’ll be.” Edmund chuckled. “She doesn’t usually take to strangers so quickly. You must have a way with animals, Duchess.”
Adeline felt a warm glow of pleasure at his words. “Or perhaps she simply has excellent taste,” she quipped, surprising herself with her boldness.
The sound of the horn cut through the air, signaling the start of the hunt. With a final touch to his hat, Edmund urged his horse forward, Artemis bounding along beside him.
As the hunt moved across the rolling hills of Holbrook, Adeline found herself captivated by the spectacle. The thundering of hooves, the excited baying of the hounds, the flash of red coats against the green landscape—it was like a scene from a painting come to life.
But more than anything, she found her eyes drawn to Edmund. He rode with an easy grace, his body moving in perfect harmony with his mount. When he gave commands to the hounds, his deep voice carried across the field with natural authority.
He truly is in his element here, Adeline silently noted, a surge of admiration welling up inside her.
As the day wore on, the hunt paused for a brief respite. Edmund rode up to the phaeton, his face flushed with exertion and his eyes bright with excitement.
“Enjoying the view, wife?” he asked, a teasing note in his voice.
Adeline felt a flush rise to her cheeks, wondering if he had caught her staring. “Indeed, husband. The countryside is breathtaking.”
“The countryside. Of course,” Edmund said, his lips curling into a knowing smile that made her heart race. “Perhaps you’d like a closer look? There’s a lovely spot just over that hill, perfect for a short walk.”
Intrigued, Adeline allowed Edmund to help her down from the phaeton. As they walked together, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back, she was acutely aware of his proximity.
They crested the hill, and Adeline gasped at the vista before her. A small, crystal-clear stream wound its way through a meadow dotted with wildflowers, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the scene.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed, turning to Edmund with twinkling eyes.
He was looking at her with an intensity that made her breath catch. “Yes,” he murmured. “Beautiful.”
Before Adeline could respond, Edmund had closed the distance between them. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb gently tracing the line of her scar.
For a moment, they stood frozen, the air between them charged with desire. Then, with a low growl that sent shivers down Adeline’s spine, Edmund captured her lips in a searing kiss. She responded with equal fervor, her hands fisting in the fabric of his coat as she pressed herself closer to him.
The kiss deepened, Edmund’s tongue teasing the seam of her lips until she opened for him with a soft moan. His hands roamed over her body, one tangling in her hair while the other pulled her flush against him.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Adeline felt dizzy with want. Edmund rested his forehead against hers, his eyes dark with barely restrained passion.
