BUTTERFLIES AND SURPRISES
“Well, we do not want to keep the Duke waiting,” Lady Bellmore said as she read the note over Charlotte’s shoulder.
“No, of course not.” Charlotte tried to ignore the swooping sensation in her stomach as she read the Duke’s note, feeling as though she had swallowed thousands of tiny butterflies.
My Precious Plum,
Meet me at the stables in an hour. I have a surprise for you — if you are game for a little exploration of Banbury.
Yours,
Sweetkins.
She tried to be irritated at the silly nicknames, but she found she could only be quietly amused. She imagined Dominic grimacing and wincing as he wrote the word sweetkins, and she could not help but smile at the thought.
“Do not just stand there smiling! We need to get ready!” Lady Bellmore gave her a gentle shake. “And just think, you will get to try the new riding clothes he bought you.”
Charlotte nodded and changed into her clothes with Beatrice’s help. She kept reading the letter from the Duke and feeling the same odd giddiness within her.
She was enjoying her time at the estate, but she had been itching to explore the neighbouring town of Banbury. She had heard a great many things about its history and the fact that the Duke had decided to take her on an adventure made the day seem somehow brighter.
Get it together. He is only playing the part of doting fiancé. He does not actually have feelings for you.She gave herself a little shake and set off towards the stables with her mother in tow.
When they arrived, the Duke was waiting for them, his own riding outfit matching hers. He beamed at them when he saw them approach and bowed to them.
“I am so glad you came,” Dominic said as he helped Charlotte mount the black mare that she was to ride.
“Was there any doubt? Your letter was rather intriguing,” Charlotte teased him as she mounted her horse. “Besides, I have been itching to explore Banbury since we arrived.”
“Is my family already driving you mad?” Dominic laughed. “I thought you were made of sterner stuff than that.”
“Actually, I am really enjoying spending time with your family. It is rather delightful. But well…” Charlotte trailed off, feeling suddenly self-conscious.
“Well?” Dominic canted his head towards her.
“It is nice to get out and stretch one’s legs every so often, and there is so much rich history in the town that I have spent so many hours reading about, it seemed a shame to be so close and not at least visit it.” She gestured in the direction of the tone, wistfulness seeping into her voice.
“Well, now you shall get your wish and a surprise as well!” Dominic gave her a mischievous grin.
“Apparently so,” Charlotte agreed.
“I have given your stepmother Bess.” Dominic gestured to the horse one of the grooms was helping Lady Bellmore mount. “She is a gentle and sweet creature. Good for novice riders — I did not get the sense that she was a particularly accomplished horsewoman.”
“She does not generally care for riding, but I do.”
“I had heard. Hence getting you a riding habit.”
“Which you will note I am wearing.”
“And what do you think of it?”
“It is lovely. And fits perfectly. Honestly, I marvel at how you accomplish such a thing.”
“That is my secret, dear Lady.”
“You are full of secrets and surprises today, it would seem.”
“Perhaps I am simply in a secretive mood.” Dominic winked at her and mounted his own horse. “Besides, I am sure you will enjoy it.”
