“His first son went into the Army, but his second son wanted to go to sea. When my uncle would not recommend him for a position as a ship’s boy, my cousin asked my father to do it, and he did.”
Now everything made sense. “And how is your cousin faring?”
“Excellently.” Turley smiled. “He is now a commander.”
Before he had told her the whole story, she had wanted to see the property. Now she was happy to leave well enough alone. She finished her fourth cup of tea. “Are you ready to go?”
“I am.” He rose and held her chair for her. “I’m surprised that neither Littleton nor Adeline are down yet.”
“It was a late night, and he usually waits for her to rise.” Georgie thought that was sweet, but Turley was sniggering.
Their horses were being saddled when they reached the stables, and the groom was waiting.
When Lilly nickered Georgie took a carrot out of a bucket and gave it to the mare. “Good morning.”
She and Turley led their horses out, but before Lilly could kneel, Turley’s hands clasped Georgie’s waist, sending tremors of pleasure through her body. Fortunately, she was not facing him, for she was certain he’d be able to see how his touch affected her. When she finally landed on her saddle, she took a breath and managed what she hoped was a serene expression.
“Ye two ready?” the older man asked.
In one graceful movement, Turley was on Lochinvar. “We are.” He glanced at her. “The racing spot?”
“Of course.” She bit off a remark about beating him, and instead patted Lilly’s neck and whispered, “Do your best today.”
After trotting out of the yard, they gave their horses their heads for several minutes, before slowing them to a walk. It would not do any good to wear them out on the way. The day was bright and the grass was frosted in some areas.
When they arrived at the lane, Johnson moved off to the side. “Let me know when ye want to start.”
She glanced at Turley. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Anytime,” she called to the groom.
“Right then. On three. One. Two. Three.”
Lilly started a little ahead of Lochinvar and managed to stay ahead of him until just before they reached the finish when the other horse caught up with her. Still, a tie was not what Georgie wanted. They raced thrice more, and at the end they had tied twice, and each of them had won once.
They turned to walk the horses back when Lord Lytton came out of the woods. “Good morning.”
Georgie thought Turley scowled, but when he greeted the other man there was no sign of it in his face. “Good day to you.”
“Good morning,” she said. “What brings you here?”
* * *
It was a good thing Marc expected that he’d be asked that question and had formulated an answer. “I must have turned the wrong way. I was out riding and meant to go back to Bottomley’s house.”
Turley stared steadily at Marc letting him know that he was intruding. “It’s an easy mistake to make. You just need to turn around and go the other way. Did you not remark the direction when your coach made the same mistake?”
“Er. It appears not. However, I frequently work when I’m traveling and don’t pay attention to the road.” He gave them an apologetic look. “I’ll know the next time.” He glanced around him, hoping Miss Featherton would ask him to join them. “It’s a good straight path here. Is this where you usually ride?”
“We race,” the lady said. “But it is time for us to return.” She and Turley exchanged glances and Marc knew that he was decidedly de trop. Turley and Miss Featherton had the look of a settled couple, and Marc would not be surprised to hear of a betrothal in the near future. “Have a pleasant day, my lord.” She gave him a polite smile. “If you attend the garden party, we shall see you there.”
“Yes, of course.”
Turley waved as he turned his horse. “You shouldn’t have any problems finding the way back.”
“No. I don’t suppose I will.” This was disappointing, but not a complete waste of time. He knew without a doubt that Miss Featherton had no interest in anyone but Turley. He retraced his way back to Bottomley’s. Marc had spent the last two Seasons looking for a wife, and had yet to find one. The only other lady in which he could be interested and who met his aunt’s qualifications was Lady Aurelia. But was she interested in him? He supposed it was time to start looking at her in a new way.
