Natalia shrugged. “You’re right. If it came to a decision between Nikolai and Sherbourne, the viscount would be the best choice.”
“Then you have to let your father know you’re interested. Right now, he believes youwantto marry Prince Nikolai.”
“Why on earth would he think such a thing? I’ve told him I abhor the idea more times than I can count.”
Clarice shook her head. “To men, actions speak louder than words. He hasn’t paid much attention to what you’ve said, but he watches you far more closely than you think. You’ve been so aloof, so uninterested in London’s most eligible bachelors. He thinks you’re holding out to be a princess.”
Natalia choked back a laugh. “If that’s the case, then he doesn’t know me at all.”
“What man ever truly knows any woman?” Clarice patted Natalia’s knee. “Just think about what I’ve said. You’ve got some important decisions to make, and you’re running out of time.”
* * *
Tuesday morning dawned warm and bright, full of possibilities. Natalia hurried through breakfast then rushed down to the stables for her weekly ride.
The young groom, Alec, was still sweeping out the stalls when she arrived. The smell of manure and fresh hay reminded her of her father’s country estate, where she’d spent much of her childhood. Although early, she chafed with impatience as she waited for Alec to saddle her small bay mare, Betsy.
Finally, they were off. Alec trailed respectfully behind her as they headed into the park.
Natalia took a deep breath of the crisp morning air and tried to calm her rioting emotions. She must consider the possibility Captain Blake wouldn’t even show. But in her heart, she knew he’d been looking forward to this encounter as much as she had.
The park was nearly deserted at this time of morning, so the risk of being caught was minimal. And besides, she wasn’t doing anything wrong. Just a chance meeting between two acquaintances. Alec would be within sight the entire time. It wasn’t as though the captain could actually kiss her…
Shaking her head against such foolishness, Natalia rose up in her saddle and scanned the trees. With a sigh of disappointment, she sank back down and urged her mare toward the secluded back edge of the park. Maybe he didn’t want to show himself until he knew they wouldn’t be seen.
Just when she’d nearly given up hope, she caught sight of him. He skirted a stand of oaks, riding a magnificent gray gelding, his dark hair gleaming in the sunlight. She drew in a deep breath, dazzled as ever.
Smiling in delight, she lifted a hand and waved in a very unladylike manner.
He returned her wave with equal enthusiasm and guided his horse toward hers at a spirited canter. He rode with the grace of a born horseman. He must have been awe-inspiring in full dress uniform as he led the Calvary into battle.
“Good morning, Lady Natalia,” he called, his voice filled with good humor. “What a surprise, running into you here.”
Alec rode forward, ready to protect her, but she motioned him back, signaling that Captain Blake was a friend. The young man fell back to give them some privacy, yet remained close enough to provide proper chaperonage if anyone else should happen by.
“Hello, Captain Blake.” Natalia gazed at him as he fell in beside her, noticing how fine his muscular thighs looked in his buff trousers. He wore high black boots and an emerald riding jacket, his handsome face flushed with healthy color.
He grinned at her intense perusal and returned her interest tenfold. His smoky gaze settled overlong on her bosom, even though her smart blue riding habit was quite modest. Blushing, she looked away.
“I didn’t really expect to see you here this morning. I thought you’d come to your senses and change your mind,” he said, energy and excitement in his voice.
She gave a breathless laugh, feeling a sense of freedom she’d never known before. “Well, apparently, I’m not a very sensible girl.”
“Perhaps not,” he agreed, though he seemed to appreciate her spunk. “But if you have to be foolish over something, I’m glad you’ve chosen to be foolish over me.” He cocked his dark head toward Alec. “Are you certain he won’t run and tell tales to your father?”
“He won’t say anything,” Natalia assured him. She and Alec were great friends, and she could count on the young groom to keep his mouth shut.This time. She was safe as long as she and Captain Blake didn’t make this a habit.
For a moment, they rode in silence, while Natalia cast about for something to say. She’d invited him on the pretext of discussing the war, but she didn’t think he wanted to talk about his painful experiences.
Reaching over, she patted his gelding’s neck. “What a fine animal. Did he travel to the Crimea with you?” There. She’d given him an opening. Now it was up to him.
Regret flickered in his eyes. “This spirited young thing belongs to my friend, the Earl of Basingstoke. I had to sell mine. Couldn’t afford the upkeep.”
He’d given up the horse that carried him through battle? She wanted to ask why he hadn’t stabled the animal with his father but feared making another blunder. Everyone knew he and his father weren’t on the best of terms.
Another silence fell between them, and Natalia cursed her lack of conversational skill. He must think her a complete lackwit.
“You still haven’t danced with me,” he said at last, sparing her the need to think of something else to say. “Do you plan to remedy that in the near future?”
