Page 33 of The Duke of Desire
He went into the nave just as the service was starting. She sat on the aisle next to her employer, maybe halfway along the length. He took a seat in the back pew and was afforded an unhindered view. He was careful not to stare, but he looked his fill. She was strikingly beautiful with a brash tilt to the tip of her nose and a strong jut to her chin. The curve of her jaw and the elegant sweep of her neck stirred the artist within him. He hadn’t sketched in a very long time but suddenly wanted to put pencil to parchment.
When the service was over, he meandered outside and waited for an opportunity to speak with Wendover. He caught the earl’s gaze, and Wendover made his way over. “How was your ride, Clare?”
“Very good, thank you. Your stock is excellent. In fact, if you don’t mind, I’m going to take another ride before returning to Greensward. I’d hate to waste this fine afternoon.”
Wendover laughed. “Fine forthissummer, I suppose. Would it be terrible to have a bit more sun or less of a chill?”
Today’s temperature was fair enough, but the breeze was cool. “At least it isn’t raining. I shall be thankful for small favors.”
Wendover nodded in agreement. “We’ll see you at dinner, then, I expect.”
“Indeed.”
West watched as Miss Breckenridge strolled to her coach with Lady Dunn. She glanced in his direction, and they exchanged the barest of nods.
Anticipation swelled within him as he mounted his horse and rode into town in search of a pub. After taking refreshment, he rode slowly toward Wendover Hill. He’d specifically wanted the earl to know that he’d be gone all afternoon. Riding. He would tether the horse near the hillside while he and Miss Breckenridge took their walk.
Once he’d secured the horse and patted him down, West made his way to the walking path. Rather than wait for Miss Breckenridge in plain sight, he found some shrubbery to conceal himself.
However, as he stepped around it, he stopped short. Limbs entangled, but thankfully still clothed, Mr. and Mrs. Travill were sprawled atop a blanket on the grass.
West tried to back away quietly, but he somehow betrayed his presence. The couple broke apart, and Mrs. Travill let out a sound that was half shriek and half gasp. She rolled away, pushing her hands down over her skirt, which had been on the rise with Travill’s assistance.
Travill adjusted his fall. “Damn me, Your Grace. You gave us a start.”
West turned from them. “My deepest apologies. I was only looking for a bit of privacy myself.”
“Is that right?” Travill’s jocular tone hinted that he knew what West was doing. Or would be doing as soon as a woman arrived.
“Actually, I’m out for a ride and was looking for, ah, a moment of respite. I shall find another location.”
“That would be rather sporting of you.”
“Carry on.” West departed the scene and immediately caught sight of Miss Breckenridge coming his way. He glanced back over his shoulder to make sure the Travills had stayed put behind the hedge. Satisfied that they were occupied, at least for now, he waved at Miss Breckenridge and pointed along the hillside.
She paused, but he couldn’t see her expression. He started walking in the direction he wanted her to go, moving quickly with long strides.
She understood and altered course.
West continued to survey the scene to make sure the Travills stayed behind the shrubbery and that no one else decided to come for a walk. Or any other activity.
He looked for a second path but didn’t see one. Eventually, he found another grouping of bushes and moved behind them. A few minutes later, Miss Breckenridge joined him.
“What are you doing?” She looked utterly bemused, her red-gold brows pitched. It was rather fetching. She was normally quite self-possessed.
“Waiting for the Travills to finish their rendezvous behind the bushes over yonder.”
“Their wh—” She blushed. “Never mind. How do you know they’re there?”
“I was going to conceal myself while I waited for you. Apparently, it’s an excellent location for…concealment.”
“I see.” She looked around. “As is this.”
He took a small step toward her. “Are you suggesting we have a rendezvous?”
“Isn’t that precisely what we’re doing?” She blushed again. “Sort of.”
“I don’t know precisely what we’re doing. I’d be more than happy to copy the Travills, however.”
