She tried to contain her excitement in the carriage. Her foot tapped and her hands kept twisting around each other. “You will let me chose my horse, won’t you?”
Richard sighed. “We shall see. I well remember the last debacle. Can you recall how disastrous it was the last time I let you choose a horse?”
She giggled. “Rufus was so angry.”
“He jolly well had a right to be. That horse was dangerous. I was far too soft.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. He was miffed because my stallion could beat his. Goliath went on to breed Rufus many winners…”
Richard couldn’t hide his smile. His wife glowed and her excitement was palpable in the small carriage. He took one of her fidgeting hands and placed it on his thigh.
“You’ll need a steady mount for town. Riding in Hyde Park is not like galloping over the fields at home. You will be expected to maintain a respectable trot.”
Her smile dimmed. “That doesn’t sound much fun.”
“You’ll also be expected to be accompanied by a groom at all times.”
She tried to pull her hand away, but he clamped it firmly upon his thigh.
“I took a groom when I rode at Hascombe.”
Richard laughed. “Don’t look at me like that, minx. You left them trailing far behind you and gave them the slip at every opportunity. It would be dangerous to do that in town. There is a lot of poverty in this city, and hunger and need lead men to do things that they would not otherwise do.”
“But I would not carry anything of value on me when I ride. Or I could carry a pistol.” She tossed her head. “I think you’re simply trying to frighten me so I’ll behave.”
His hand tightened on hers. Just thinking about Chesterton accosting Madeline saw his unbridled anger rise. Worse could befall her from the desperate men in this city. His heart missed a beat at the thought. He could go mad trying to ensure no harm ever befell his wife. Perhaps he should never let her out of his sight again.
He stroked his thumb along her palm and she turned to smile at him. Alternatively, he could frighten her a little. “Did I ever tell you what happened to Melissa?”
She shook her head, suddenly silent at Richard’s tone. “I know something occurred not long after they married, but Rufus refuses to talk about it, and there is no way I would ask Anthony.”
“Melissa was kidnapped when out riding without a chaperone or groom.” He swallowed his anger recalling the state his brother’s wife was in when they had finally found her. “If you won’t take your safety seriously, please, please, do it for me. I couldn’t bear it if...”
“What happened to her?”
At his silence, he noted her shiver and she snuggled closer.
To hammer his point home, he continued. “Look what happened to you in Lady Pillsborough’s garden. Imagine what could happen to you in this city. You could disappear forever and I’d never be able to find you. Melissa was captured by a white slaver.”
“What’s that?”
“Not what,
who
. A white slaver abducts women to sell into the Arab and Turkish harems.” He looked at her as she struggled to understand the evil in the world. “They become sex slaves and are then probably killed when no longer needed.”
She eyed him warily. “Is this true or are you simply trying to scare me?”
“Would I ever lie to you?”
“No. But if these dangers exist, why are we not told of such things?”
He closed his eyes remembering Melissa down on her knees, tears in her eyes, her clothes torn… “We think it will protect you, but in fact it makes it far easier for you to be deceived.”
He tried to vanquish the terrible memories. Then she touched him. Madeline cupped his face. “I will be sensible. I promise to take a groom if I ride alone. Don’t worry. I hate it when you worry.”
He opened his eyes and let out a deep breath, and turned his face to kiss her palm. “Thank you.”
Then he moved like lightening and pulled her onto his lap, kissing her soundly. “So, you agree then, it’s to be a docile beast for you?”
Madeline replied offhandedly, “I have to say that you are far bossier now you are my husband than you were as my friend.”
He looked at her and something flashed between them. He could see it in her eyes, something warm and wonderful. His heart swelled and he wondered if this was the start. The start of more, or was it simply his reaction to Chesterton’s assault. “ If I lost you now, I’d mourn you forever. You’re a part of me.
You’re mine
.” And then he kissed her.
His kiss quickened every part of her body, shortening her breath and spiraling desire through her. It was intimate and sexually arousing, but most of all it was different. His lips moved possessively over her, his tongue stroking the inside of her mouth as if he couldn’t get enough of her taste.
It kindled a hunger for more, and blew the defenses around her heart wide open. She loved this man. And he was hers. Her arms tightened around his neck and she clung to him.
No one would take him from her and she’d never give up on winning his heart. The prize for doing so would be worth any sacrifice.
When finally he left off, it was to whisper, “We’re here. The carriage has stopped moving. I feel inclined to order James to turn around so I can take you back to bed.”
“I don’t think I’d mind if you did.”
“That would be selfish of me,” he whispered huskily. “You’d die of boredom if I left for Newmarket and you had no horse to ride.”
“Let’s hurry then. I’ve decided I’ve something more desirable to ride this afternoon,” and she flashed him a seductive look as James helped her from the carriage, and laughed with delight when Richard groaned and called, “Unfair, minx.”
Tattersalls was not so busy today. Monday was the main auction day, with Thursday being the secondary day. A few men began to protest her presence until they learned of her identity, then she found herself surrounded by men wanting tips on Rufus’s up and coming thoroughbreds.
If he didn’t rescue his wife, they’d be here all afternoon.
They finally found a temperate six-year-old gelding named Woodstock. He had a responsive mouth and good legs. His hooves were in excellent condition. It was obvious he’d been well cared for, and as well he had an intelligent countenance and a twinkle in his eye. Woodstock seemed to take to Maddy immediately.
“I can’t believe you’re suggesting I buy Woodstock.” She planted a kiss on his nose. “I’m not insulting you, my fine boy, but really.” She turned on her husband. “I’ll never win any race on him.”
“Life is not about winning every race. There are some things which are more important.”
Maddy snorted. “Then why are you not riding such a docile beast? I’m just as good a rider as you. As my friend, you’ve never before forced me to ignore a fine beast like the grey stallion in the stall over there.”
She pointed to a formidable, but exciting horse that he admitted he’d eyed with anticipation. Trust Maddy to spot the finest piece of horseflesh available for sale today.
He gritted his teeth—friend? “As your husband, I feel a duty to be more cautious.”
She raised a dainty eyebrow. “I see.” She continued to walk around Woodstock, stroking his coat. “When did husband and friend become mutually exclusive?”
He was not going to back down. There was too much at stake. He could lose her, and he desperately wanted the chance to win her heart. No grey, prancing stallion was going to take that from him.
“When I realized that I had more to lose.”
They stood staring at each other, silent in their communication. He knew exactly what Maddy was thinking. He was being over protective. Indeed he was, most definitely. The tension rose and stretched between them. The stubborn wench was not backing down either.
He moved to her side and bent down and whispered in her ear. “Don’t you think your racing like a heathen days are over?” He placed his hand on her stomach. “What if you are already with child? I want both of you to be safe.”
Richard watched the smile break over her face and knew he’d won his point, if not the match.
Quietly she uttered, “I hadn’t considered that scenario. We haven’t talked about a family but I suppose it’s more than likely given you can’t keep your hands off me.”
“Are you complaining, my love?” he teased.
Her face reddened delightfully. “No, I’m definitely not complaining.” Her breathless words saw his body tightening. She sighed and looked longingly over at the stallion, then back at Woodstock who stood patiently beside her. “I want a family. A large family.”
“So do I. I also want you safe. Will you humor me?”
She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You’re right.” She patted Woodstock’s nose. “You, my pretty boy, will be most suitable.”
An inward sigh of relief filtered through him. Thank God. He thought he’d have a terrible job convincing Maddy to take the more subdued horse.
Maddy relented and agreed to ride Woodstock round the auction ring to try him out and, thankfully, she decided they would suit each other well.
Richard left her with Woodstock and the gelding’s groom while he took care of the paper work.
“My, my, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a fine filly at Tattersalls before.”
Her head jerked round to face the speaker.
The horse is a gelding, silly man
. It took her several moments to understand that the gentleman standing before her was talking about her.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” he intoned.
When she ignored him, his friend offered, “Lord North, I’ve been told she’s the Earl of Hascombe’s sister, Mrs. Richard Craven.”
“Ah, I see. Mr. Craven has left you here on your own. Can I be of assistance?”
She demurely shook her head.
“Craven? I thought he was sniffing after Wrentham’s wife.” He looked her over as if inspecting one of his horses. “Timid wee thing, ain’t you, gal? You need to understand that a man likes a bit of spirit in his filly.” Under his breath he added, “Hence, why Craven is dallying with the Wrentham woman.”
Her head lifted. The man wanted spirit. She’d give him spirit; still seeing Lady Wrentham indeed! The pain of Sarah’s constant presence in their lives was enough to see her forget she was a lady.
Hidden from Lord North’s view, she pulled on Woodstock’s bridle and forced the gelding to move so that Woodstock’s behind was in Lord North’s face. To her immeasurable pleasure, Woodstock lifted his tail and broke wind directly in Lord North’s face.
She could not contain her giggle.
Lord North lifted his arm intending to strike at her horse, but before she could protest, Richard was there, gripping the man’s arm.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, North. The lady is very fond of the animal, and I’m very fond of her. If she asked me to beat you to a pulp for the insult, I would gladly oblige.”
North stood bristling with indignation before finally uttering, “Perhaps she’s a spirited filly after all.” Turning to Richard, he added, “You seem to be collecting a fine stable of fillies. I might pay the recently widowed Lady Wrentham a visit if you have bowed out.” He smiled at Maddy before turning back to Richard and saying, “Seems you’ve got your hands full there.”
Maddy gasped and she watched Richard’s hands curl into fists. “I will ask you to remember you are a gentleman.”
“Of course, apologies, my dear.” He gave a small bow. “Still, you do seem to change fillies at an alarming rate. I had no idea you were looking at marrying. Still, since you lost out to Wrentham, best to get back on the horse so to speak.” North turned and leered at her. “Men are very fickle when it comes to the heart, none more so than your husband. It would seem as though he has recovered rather well from his loss to Wrentham.” He raked her from head to toe most indecently. “Once he grows tied of you, let me know. I’d be happy to play stallion to your filly.”
Maddy had to hold Richard back. “Don’t let him goad you into making a spectacle.” The men were staring at Richard as he stood there heaving with suppressed rage and barely controlled hatred. She placed her hand on his arm and he gave a start, finally looking at her as if she were a stranger.
“See that Woodstock is delivered to my home,” he barked at the groom.
The carriage ride home was tense and strained. Gone was the playful banter of earlier.
“When will you talk to me about Sarah? Even when she’s not in our actual presence, she is a constant visitor.” Richard didn’t say anything. He simply sat staring out the window. When they reached the house, Maddy spoke again before descending the carriage, “At some point we are going to have to discuss your feelings for her. I’m tired of there being three of us in this marriage.”
With that, she swept into their home and left him sitting in the carriage.
Richard sat staring into space. He was such a coward. He knew she was correct. Their marriage could not move forward until they had discussed his relationship with Sarah, but by doing so, he would have to reveal his true self, that of a man with a vacillating heart. He would have to confess that to love him was a risk, for he could not guarantee how long his affections would last. The reason he hadn’t called North out was because he’d been speaking the truth. He
did
have a fickle heart.
Most rakes took great pains to ensure their paramours knew love was not involved in their relationships. He had never done so. He had always professed to be in love and had relished the warmth and joy he had received from giving himself to only one woman. He had also relished the feeling that in the past, he and his current paramour were the only two people in the world who had mattered. And he’d always vowed to be there for them.
That is why, unlike most men, he did not take more than one lover at a time. He threw himself into each and every relationship, thinking this was
the
one. Invariably, it never had been.
Would it be different with Maddy?
Of course, it
had
to be. She was his wife. He couldn’t leave her and she could not leave him. That’s what made it so frightening. To let her believe he loved her and then take that away from her...She deserved better than that from him.
In truth, he hoped he would never grow tired of her. He hoped they would share a wonderful life together, and he prayed he would not feel the urge to stray from his marriage vows.