Page 36 of Love Abandoned

Chapter Sixteen

And therefore is Love said to be a child,

Because in choice he is so oft beguiled.

—Shakespeare,A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Elizabeth had spentthe night fretting about her impulsivity. It was unlike her to be so rash, so bold, but she’d been overcome by his nearness. She couldn’t bring herself to regret experiencing his response. It had been delicious and encouraging. Although it was clear she must tread slowly, she was more determined than ever to entice him back into the marriage bed. In the meantime, she would enjoy their newfound amity.

She’d chosen to wear the only new dress she’d had made since Sebastian was born. A long-sleeved woolen walking dress with a shorter hem than her older ones, it should make for ease as they strolled. She didn’t know where they were going to view the ponies, but she was certain it must involve stables. Lucy tied the laces on Elizabeth’s new half boots. Dark-brown leather, they matched well with the meadow green of her frock. Richard had done a wonderful job with his selections.

Elizabeth slipped into her matching pelisse and tied the ribbon on her bonnet before tugging on short gloves. A last check in the mirror proved satisfactory. A ripple of excitement made her smile. She was going to spend the afternoon with her husband. No friends. No dancing. No children. Just the two of them. She felt like skipping down the stairs. Of course, she did not.

“What are you up to, my dearest?” she asked William, who stood with Gordon on the landing.

“Mr. Hastings said I can wind the clock with him today.” He beamed with anticipation and pride.

“Well, aren’t you the lucky one?” Richard said, coming down the stairs, as dapper in his daywear as in his night.

“I am, sir. But I must wait until you’re gone. So that’s what I’m doing. Waiting.”

“Indeed,” Richard said, the corner of his lips twitching as he fought a smile. “Then we’d best be off so you may get the deed done.”

“Yes, Papa!”

William bounced on the balls of his feet, his enthusiasm getting the better of him, and Richard ruffled his hair before offering Elizabeth his elbow.

“My lady,” he said, leaning closer as they descended. “His eagerness for us to depart leaves me unsure. I don’t know whether to be amused or take offense.”

Elizabeth laughed, and Richard chuckled. Hastings stood by as Clarkson helped Richard into his greatcoat.

“It seems you rank over me this afternoon, Hastings. My son anxiously awaits you.”

Hastings glanced up the stairs and smiled. “Yes, my lord. It is a task he enjoys. He has many questions about the inner workings.”

“He has many questions about many things,” Elizabeth said, recalling the animal husbandry book. She shared the tale with Richard as they exited and got into the carriage. “I looked on the shelves, but I couldn’t find something more accessible or appropriate.”

Richard appeared contemplative as he tapped the roof and sat back on the bench across from her. She would have preferred he sit beside her, but at least he wasn’t gazing out the window blankly.

“I cannot think of any offhand, other than the WeatherbysGeneral Stud Book, but it would be even—forgive my pun—less fruitful than the animal husbandry one.”

She laughed again, delighted to see him so relaxed as he grinned, clearly taken with his own joke. His conversation continued to be light and amusing, and far too soon, they pulled in front of a livery stable. Richard helped her out of the carriage as a young boy ran inside. Richard held her securely as they walked along the wooden ramp that bridged the way through double stone arches. The dark entrance led to a small courtyard surrounded by stables.

A rather small man stepped out from the far side and hurried toward them. He looked surprised as he whisked off his cap and bowed.

“My lord,” he said, then turned to her and repeated his actions. “My lady.” He straightened and addressed Richard again. “Is there a problem with your stable, my lord?

Richard waved his hand in dismissal. “Not at all, Bennet. Not at all. We are looking to purchase a pony for my son. Lord Rawley tells me he has two here to be sold.”

Bennet jammed his cap back on his head, looking relieved that Richard was not there with complaints. “I’ll bring them out. It’s not fit in the stalls for a lady.”

Elizabeth looked around at the stalls lining the courtyard. She knew their two carriage horses and the pony were leased, but she’d never been party to the arrangements. Richard always brought his own mount to London. He detested long coach rides and preferred to ride more quickly astride his horse. She’d fast grown used to his sunrise rides in the early days of their marriage, although she could sometimes convince him to forfeit one for other pleasurable activities. She smiled at the memory.

“I knew you would enjoy choosing William’s pony,” Richard said, catching her smile and misinterpreting it. “Although, I do believe poor Bennet is not accustomed to seeing a woman in here.”

“He did seem somewhat uncomfortable.”

“I’m certain you would find a horse repository interesting. You would enjoy the thrill of an auction. But we wouldn’t manage to get so much as a toe inside Tattersall’s or Aldridge’s.”

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