Lord Bideford took a step back and bowed, then he swiftly walked down the hall without saying another word.
Ellie watched his retreating figure until he turned the corner, and then she stepped into her room. It was only then that she realized she never did select a new book to read.
14
Dressed in his riding clothes,Roswell descended the stairs and saw Miss Bentley and Emma in the entry hall. “Good morning,” he greeted.
Miss Bentley shifted her gaze towards him and smiled so brilliantly he almost tripped over his own feet. “Good morning,” she replied.
“May I ask what you two are doing standing about in the entry hall?”
“We are waiting for our horses to be brought around front.” Miss Bentley paused. “Would you care to join us on our ride?”
It only took him a moment to come to his decision. “I believe I shall.”
“But I thought you preferred to ride alone?” Emma interjected.
“I am prepared to make an exception,” he replied, “especially since I had already planned on going riding.”
Miss Bentley nodded approvingly. “The more, the merrier.”
Emma eyed him suspiciously. “I just find it odd that you are choosing to join us this morning.”
Roswell patted his sister’s shoulder. “I daresay you are reading something into it when nothing is there, dear sister.”
Thorne stepped into the entry hall. “Your horses have all been brought around front.”
“Wonderful,” Roswell declared.
As they departed the townhouse, Roswell assisted each one of the ladies onto their side saddles before he mounted his own horse. They walked down the street towards the entrance to Hyde Park.
Once they arrived, Miss Bentley glanced over at him. “It would be a shame if I beat you in a race again.”
He chuckled. “It is considered polite to allow a young woman to win in a race.”
“Is it now?” she asked, mirth in her voice.
“It is.”
Miss Bentley’s horse whinnied. “Then I propose we have another race, and you don’t have to worry about hurting my delicate constitution by winning.”
“Careful what you wish for, my dear,” Roswell said, amused.
A mischievous smile came to her lips. “I propose we race to the bank of the river,” she suggested, pointing towards the Serpentine in the distance.
“I’m game,” he replied.
Miss Bentley shifted towards Emma on her side saddle. “Are you in on the fun?”
Emma shook her head. “I will sit this one out.”
“Are you sure?” Miss Bentley asked.
“Don’t fret about me,” Emma replied. “I’ll catch up to you.”
Miss Bentley adjusted the reins in her hands and turned to Roswell. “Shall we begin on three, then?”
Roswell nodded. “One… two…three!” The words had barely left his mouth when Miss Bentley kicked her horse into a run.
