Page 55 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Chapter Seventeen

Anthony left GentlemenJack’s and headed straight for Tattersall’s. He knew any horseflesh worth buying would need to be purchased there. He was eager to find the right mount for Laurel. It was obvious she took joy in riding and he wanted a horse perfectly suited for her. Though she hadn’t been riding long, she showed remarkably good skills. He wanted a horse as spirited—and beautiful—as his wife.

Their lovemaking last night had been the best of their brief marriage. When they’d finished, he’d been reluctant to leave her, gathering her in his arms and whispering for her to go to sleep. He lay there, utterly content. It wouldn’t do, though, for him to stay the night. Much as he enjoyed her body next to his, he wanted definite boundaries drawn between them. Already, she was becoming far too important to him. He wasn’t going to be some puppet for a St. Clair to tug about. That thought had made him slip from her bed. He’d returned to his own bedchamber and lain awake far too long, the scent of her lingering on his skin.

He arrived at Hyde Park Corner and saw the place was busy. Immediately, he was met and called by name, though he had never set foot in the establishment. It continually amazed him what being the Duke of Linfield meant.

“Are you looking for a team for your carriage or phaeton, Your Grace? We have a beautiful pair of matched bays that have just arrived.”

“My wife needs a lady’s mount. One with a smooth gait and a light mouth.”

“Ah, yes, I heard that congratulations are in order for you and Her Grace. I believe her brother, the Earl of Mayfield, taught her to ride. Is the duchess a skilled rider or one lacking in confidence?”

Anthony had assumed she would have been given riding lessons but it made perfect sense for Luke St. Clair to be the one to have taught her. He’d had a way with horses when they were boys at school.

“She is a natural rider and has taken to it quickly. We have ridden in the country together and I’ve seen no hesitation on her part.”

“Well, my name is Jesper, Your Grace. I believe I have just the horse you require if you’ll follow me.”

He led Anthony to the stables and inside. The scent of hay and horse filled the large barn. They passed several horses of interest to him and he considered the possibility of breeding them at Linwood. Finally, Jesper stopped in front of a stall.

“This is Clio, Your Grace. She has an even temper and yet is still spirited. What do you think? Shall I bring her outside and let you have a look at her in the sunlight?”

“Yes.”

Anthony waited, watching as Jesper entered the stall. He spoke to the horse and gave her a few quick pats before putting on a bridle and leading the horse out. He allowed them to walk in front of him so he could observe Clio. Once outside, he studied the animal carefully, running his hands along the coat, checking her knees and teeth.

“Tell me about her sire.”

Jesper filled him in on Clio’s background and then swung up, trotting around a large ring. The horse had fine lines and its soft gray coat was an unusual color. By the time Jesper returned and came to the ground, Anthony had made up his mind.

“I’ll take her.”

He was led into an office and provided with documents regarding the horse’s lines.

“Send the bill to my solicitor,” he instructed, providing the man’s name and address. “I’ll also need a sidesaddle. The best you have.”

“I’ll fetch that,” Jesper said.

Minutes later, Clio had been saddled and Jesper said, “I can take the horse to you now. I have another to deliver to Mayfair.”

“Very good. I will let my groom know to expect you.”

Anthony left, hopeful that Laurel would approve of the gift. Their wedding had been so rushed that he hadn’t even thought of presenting her with something for the occasion. She’d received diamonds last night, which she had looked upon with awe. He wanted her to like Clio even more. He wanted to keep giving her whatever she wanted, just to see the smile that lit her face. He’d noticed a dimple in her right cheek for the first time at last night’s musicale. He wanted to see it more often.

He called upon his solicitor on his way home to let him know to expect the bill of sale for Clio. They spent a good hour discussing other pressing business. He found he was becoming interested in it. The responsibilities at the doorstep of the Duke of Linfield had seemed daunting when he’d first arrived in England. With a wife now and the thought of an heir someday, suddenly Anthony found renewed interest and eagerly looked forward to learning all he could, not only about Linfield but his other properties and investments. His solicitor caught his enthusiasm and they made an appointment to continue their discussion since another client with an appointment had arrived.

When he reached home, his groom told him Clio had been delivered.

“She’s a fine horse, Your Grace. As fine as Bucephalus in her own way. Her Grace will be most pleased.”

Anthony couldn’t wait to find Laurel and bring her to the stables. It was half-past two and though they didn’t have time for a ride, he knew he could introduce the two before Laurel had to dress for the upcoming garden party. He didn’t look forward to attending it. Society events were not high on his list of things to do but he knew it was important for her to be there because her half-sister had created something they were supposed to go look at. Though Laurel hadn’t known her St. Clair family long, she seemed quite close to them. He wondered if he would ever be comfortable around the St. Clairs and their spouses and children.

He passed the butler and asked where the duchess was, thinking she might already be in her rooms dressing.

“In the drawing room, Your Grace.”

That was probably better. If he’d gone to her chamber while she dressed, they might have missed the garden party. He wondered what she would wear today that would entice him.

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