An Unsuitable Duchess (19 page)

‘Whatever would I do without you?’

Sarah’s lips turned up in a mischievous grin. ‘Trust me when I say you would be lost without me.’

* * *

Not far away, two riders were racing through a clearing at top speed. The coat-tails of the rider in front flapped in the wind behind him. A satisfied smile rested on his lips. The second rider clutched his horse tightly with his muscular thighs. His slightly long black hair whipped into his eyes as he angled his body lower, attempting to outrun his opponent. His face was set in an expression of pure determination, and he was oblivious to the scenery around him.

Julian kept his eyes fixed on the grove of trees that marked the finish line. ‘You’ll never outrun me!’ he yelled over the pounding of hoofbeats.

‘This race isn’t over yet!’ Hart yelled back as he pulled his horse directly to the left of Julian’s.

Julian’s horse was ahead by a neck when they reached the trees. As he pulled in the reins he spun his horse around and laughed. ‘And that, my friend, is how you win a race.’

‘You don’t say? I would not have noticed you had won if you had been remiss in mentioning it.’

‘That is why I knew it was my duty to do so.’

Julian had forgotten how much he enjoyed flying through the fields at top speed. He was glad Hart had suggested this outing. He could have called on Katrina today, but he had been shaken by the intensity of his need for her when they’d been alone at the Whitfields’ ball. His carelessness at not locking the door had almost cost her her reputation. Fortunately Hart valued discretion. The next time he was alone with her, if they were not careful, they might not be so lucky.

‘You realise I held back?’ Hart said, breathing hard. He tossed his head to move the lock of hair that fell over his eye. The lock slid down again.

‘Yes, you have the appearance of a man who took his time,’ Julian replied, smirking.

‘I do, don’t I? In any event, it was a fine race. Let’s find a spot in the shade to rest the horses. I do believe I have a flask somewhere on me.’ Hart searched their surroundings and smiled. ‘Maybe we could beg refreshment from those fair ladies sitting in the shade,’ he said, gesturing with his head.

There was a large willow tree with a thick covering of branches swaying slightly in the breeze. It wasn’t until a strong gust of wind blew the branches aside that he spied the women sitting under it. How was it possible that Katrina was sitting not far from him on the park-like grounds of Hart’s estate? She was wearing a straw bonnet, a white and blue striped gown, and a blue spencer—and she was stunning.

* * *

Watching the men approach lazily on horseback, Katrina wondered why she had chosen this particular bonnet to wear today. She was certain there was a better choice in her wardrobe somewhere.

‘I do believe that is Lyonsdale and Lord Hartwick,’ Sarah said softly, smiling at the men as they rode closer. ‘What a strange coincidence that they’re here today as well.’

Katrina watched her friend with suspicious eyes. ‘You couldn’t possibly have known...could you?’

‘How could I have known they would be here? It isn’t as if I am a friend of either His Grace or Lord Hartwick. You look quite fetching, by the way. Your face has a bit of a pink glow.’

Katrina glared at her friend.

‘I am simply stating my opinion,’ continued Sarah.

By the time the men reached them Katrina could hear her heart pounding in her ears. She watched Julian pull his mount to a stop under the tree. The footman approached as well.

Sarah motioned him away. ‘You may stand with the carriage. We will not be requiring your assistance.’

‘Ladies, what a pleasant surprise,’ Lord Hartwick said with a tip of his head. ‘I was not aware that you were acquainted with this place.’

‘This is our first foray here, my lord. It’s quite picturesque,’ Sarah replied in an overly pleasant voice.

Julian arched his brow at Katrina and she lifted her shoulder in a slight shrug. To her, he appeared to be a suspect in this ‘chance encounter’ as well.

‘This is one of my favourite places,’ Lord Hartwick said. ‘The view from here is rather stunning. Have you had an opportunity to study the landmarks, Miss Forrester?’

‘Why, no, I can’t say that I have.’

Lord Hartwick jumped down from his horse and held his hand out to Sarah. ‘Would you be interested in having me point them out to you?’

One might think there was a fire on the blanket, watching the speed with which Sarah stood. ‘That is most kind of you, Lord Hartwick.’

Katrina suppressed the urge to trip her as they brushed the cascading branches out of their way and walked to the look-out with his horse trailing behind.

Julian slid out of his saddle and tied the reins to a branch. Patches of sunlight danced along his brown coat through the leaves.

He gestured towards the blanket with his hand. ‘May I?’

She nodded as she took off her least favourite bonnet.

After he had accepted a glass of Madeira, he stretched out his legs. ‘I only decided on this adventure last night. How did you arrange this?’

Katrina wondered why she had never noticed that his legs were so long and powerful. She raised her gaze to meet his. ‘I didn’t arrange this. I assumed you did.’

They both turned to find their friends occupied with viewing the scenery through the trees. ‘You do realise you are on his land?’

It would take a great deal of control not to trip Sarah at some point today. ‘I was not aware. Sarah never said...’

‘They believe they are quite clever.’

‘I believe they are two people who should never be left alone together. In some ways they are far too much alike. Does he know?’

He appeared affronted by her question. ‘About our arrangement? No, I vowed not to tell anyone. Does she know?’

Katrina shook her head. ‘It was difficult not to tell her, but I too have kept our secret.’

He looked back at their friends. ‘I wonder what they would say if we told them we might have been alone in your home if it weren’t for their assistance.’

‘I believe my picnic would come to a rather abrupt end.’

‘And I believe my friend would suddenly remember an important meeting back in Town.’

The sight of Julian’s soft lips curving into a smile left her mouth dry. While she had been attracted to him before, knowing what his kisses did to her was a complete distraction now. Did those kisses have any effect on him as well? Would he want to kiss her again?

She took a sip of Madeira. ‘While we are waiting for them to stop pretending they are interested in the view, I was wondering if you might offer some assistance in a matter that has been troubling me.’

A look of concern crossed his face. ‘Of course.’

‘Recently I received a substantial bouquet of thistle and ragwort. Unfortunately the sender was remiss in signing the card. I don’t suppose you would have any idea who in London might send such a thing?’

His brow creased, but he had a hint of a smile. ‘Someone sent you weeds? How unusual. Does that happen often?’

‘Never. I found the colour combination quite striking, and I wish to show my appreciation to the sender for their thoughtfulness. But, alas, I don’t know who to thank.’ She smiled innocently.

His gaze dropped to her lips. ‘And how would you show that appreciation?’

‘I don’t believe it would be proper to divulge that to anyone but the sender. A pity, that...’

‘Yes, a pity.’ He shifted slightly. ‘You can give me an idea, though?’

‘No. I don’t believe I can.’ Katrina averted her eyes as she tried not to smile.

He leaned towards her. ‘Not even a hint?’

She shook her head and took another sip of Madeira.

Julian swallowed hard.

She bit back a smile. Perhaps he did want to kiss her again. There had to be something they could talk about that did not conjure up thoughts of his lips on her skin. Her breasts began to tingle and she almost spilled her wine.

‘Do you ride here often?’ she asked, all in one breath.

It took him a moment to answer, as if his thoughts had been far from where they were. ‘I haven’t in an age. Although Hart and I have enjoyed racing up this mound for many years.’

‘I assume from the familiar way you refer to him that you are great friends?’

He nodded. ‘We are. I have known him all my life. Our family estates border one another, and we attended Cambridge together. And you and Miss Forrester—are you great friends?’

‘I feel we are becoming so. I was introduced to her years ago in Washington, and now we share a similar circumstance in a foreign land. She has a good heart, and we have similar tastes in amusement.’

‘Is Washington your home?’

‘While I’ve spent considerable time there, my home is in New York. We have a residence not far from New York Harbour, where my father owns a shipyard, but we also own a home further north in Tarrytown, along the Hudson River, away from the hustle and bustle of town.’

It appeared as if he wanted to say something, but he wasn’t sure how to put it into words.

Katrina tilted her head and studied his uncomfortable expression. ‘Is there something you want to ask me?’

‘I understand he is a widower. I was wondering... That is to say...’

‘Do you wish to know about my mother?’

He nodded. ‘Forgive me, I am certain it is a subject you do not wish to discuss.’

‘There is no need to apologise for your interest. My mother died long ago.’

An unsettled expression crossed his face as he turned away. ‘You have my condolences.’

‘Thank you.’

She had never known her mother. From what she could tell from her father, her parents had loved each other deeply. That was what she wanted in a marriage.

She studied Julian’s chiselled profile. He was an honourable man. He was easy to speak with and he made her laugh. Would she find a man like him when she returned to America? Her heart grew heavy, and she reached for more wine.

‘You mentioned you have known Lord Hartwick since you were children. I cannot imagine you so young. What were you like?’

He appeared to consider her question thoroughly. Then his lips curved and his eyes sparkled. ‘I wanted to be a pirate.’

That was an unexpected revelation. ‘If I promise to keep your secret, will you tell me if you were successful?’

He smiled. ‘I did have a swordfight in a boat. Do you suppose that counts?’

‘I suppose. Did it have a crew?’

‘I presided over a crew of one. My first mate attempted a mutiny, hence the swordfight. Apparently he was tired of rowing.’

‘Your first mate didn’t happen to be Lord Hartwick?’

Julian laughed and shook his head. ‘Actually, it was my brother, Edward.’

That was a new revelation. Why had she never seen his brother at any of the social engagements she had attended?

‘I was unaware you had a brother.’

‘I did. He was killed in a riding accident nine years ago—a month before my father died.’ Pain and loss were reflected in his eyes.

She held out her hand to offer some comfort. He threaded his fingers through hers and then stared at their intertwined hands as if he had never seen his hand placed with another.

‘Were you very close?’

A sad smile crossed his lips. ‘We were born only ten months apart and were inseparable.’

‘You are very fortunate to have had him in your life, even for a short while. I always wanted a brother or a sister to share in my amusements. And I have a sneaking suspicion the two of you might have enjoyed a bit of mischief together.’

His eyes crinkled at the corners as a full smile brightened his previously melancholy demeanour and he let go of her hand. ‘We might have found ourselves in trouble a time or two. I recall one autumn we decided to hide in piles of leaves and startle the gardeners as they worked on tidying up the gardens around our estate. I don’t believe they found it as amusing as we did.’

‘Did you receive a scolding or did news of your antics never reach your parents?’

‘My parents were unaware. However, my grandmother informed us that if the gardeners refused to clean up the leaves Edward and I would be forced to do it ourselves.’ He rubbed his hands on his thighs, as if he was eager to recount another amusing tale. ‘There was also one summer when a vast number of frogs were mysteriously finding their way into my mother’s bedchamber.’ He let out an uncharacteristically loud bark of laughter. ‘To this day I can still recall the sound of her screeches each time she discovered one.’

How was it possible that this reputable duke was more mischievous as a child than she had ever been? The very thought of his very dour mother jumping around her bedchamber made Katrina laugh.

* * *

It surprised Julian that there wasn’t any hollowness in his chest as he discussed Edward. In fact, in an odd way, he felt closer to his brother now than he had in a long time.

A dragonfly landed on his sleeve and fluttered its wings for a few moments before it flew away.

His brow furrowed. ‘Are you eager to head back to America?’

‘It’s not easy to be away so long from what is comfortable and familiar.’

‘I suppose it isn’t,’ he agreed, out of politeness. All his life everything around Julian had been familiar—everything except the way he felt being with this woman. Being around Katrina made him feel somehow different, somehow more alive.

‘I say, Miss Forrester, may I open that bottle of wine for you?’ Hart asked as he and Miss Forrester joined them on the blanket.

Julian dragged his gaze away from Katrina. ‘Did you enjoy the scenery?’

‘Miss Forrester and I took note of every building we were able to see from here—twice.’ Hart poured some wine and handed the glass to Katrina’s friend. ‘I say, Miss Vandenberg, is that pigeon pie?’

‘It is, my lord. Would you care for some?’

‘Yes, please,’ Hart said, sending her one of his charming smiles. ‘And you do not have to “my lord” me, Miss Vandenberg. Hartwick will suffice.’

Julian was uncertain if he liked them being on familiar terms. But it was not as if he thought Hart would seduce her. He knew his friend would never betray him. And it most certainly was not that he thought Katrina might prefer gregarious Hart to him.