Page 12 of Make Mine a Marquess

“Keep a firm hold,” Phoebe advised. “Horses can sense your unease.” Her cousin was not a skilled horsewoman.

Phoebe scanned the group and her brow furrowed. “Did the men leave for the hunt without us?”

Clearly nervous in her sidesaddle, Beatrice concentrated on her mount. “We were never to hunt, but to meet the gentlemen for an outdoor luncheon.”

Phoebe understood how Society worked in London. Men, including her father, attended their private clubs, while the women visited each other for afternoon tea and to gossip about the latest Scandal Sheet. But for some reason, she’d hoped…wished things would be different in the country.

Phoebe stirred in her own sidesaddle. Oh, how she longed to ride astride as she did when no one was around at her father’s country home. She’d ride each afternoon, and she longed for the rush of wind on her face and in her hair.

In contrast, the women here, including Beatrice, needed groomsmen to assist them in mounting and to lead them. Would a pleasant day outdoors turn into a bore?

A groomsman called out, and the ladies urged their horses into step behind him. Beatrice rode alongside Phoebe. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Forgive me, but we are going at a painfully slow pace,” Phoebe said.

Her cousin let out a huff. “Thank goodness. I fear I’d fall off if were to trot.”

A tug of guilt centered in Phoebe’s chest. Beatrice didn’t have the pleasure of spending summers at a country home with stables full of thoroughbreds. They were cousins, their father’s brothers, but Phoebe’s father had made his fortune in coal and owned numerous collieries while Beatrice’s father was a poor businessman. Her parents had sent Beatrice with her spinster aunt to the house party in hopes she would attract a suitable mate—one with money.

“You’re right,” Phoebe said. “It’s a lovely afternoon and if we’re together, that’s all that matters. We certainly do not need to ride with the men.”

They traveled along a well-worn path through a field of wildflowers. Splashes of purple, yellow, and white appeared as breathtaking as a master painter’s landscape. Phoebe breathed in the fragrant scent and relaxed. It was easy to fall behind the group as Lady Delmont and Phoebe’s mother took the lead. She suspected her mother was thrilled to have the attention of Lady Delmont, Society hostess and wife of the Earl of Delmont, a powerful man. Her mother did not travel in the same social circles as the lady, and they had never spoken in London. But here, it seemed, the rules were somewhat relaxed.

The path wound into the trees where it was cooler beneath a canopy of tall oaks. Phoebe and Beatrice exchanged amused glances, overhearing the conversation of the twins.

“The marquess’s arrival home was shocking. Who would have guessed he’d survived?” Clarice Madison said. With dark hair and hazel eyes, she would be pretty except for her sharp nose which gave her a shrewish look.

“He’s devilishly handsome with his bronzed skin,” Elaine Madison said. The second twin shared her sister’s dark hair and eye color, but had bad teeth and, as a result, she never fully smiled.

“And don’t forget the marquess’s sinfully dark eyes.” Clarice feigned a shiver.

“I prefer my men fair. Like our host Lord Willard,” Elaine said.

“You mean our former host,” Clarice said. “The Marquess of Landon is our host now. It’s his home.”

The statement, no matter how bold, was true. She wondered how her betrothed was taking the fact that he was no longer trustee of the vast estate and its wealth. Willard had appeared happy at his cousin’s appearance. He didn’t seem to have a care that he was no longer host of the house party, either. It was a good sign.

The trees thinned and moments later a large, glistening lake appeared. The surface was as calm as glass and two white swans, with long, elegant necks, floated upon the water. The perfect scene took Phoebe’s breath away.

“Look! We found the gentlemen.” Lady Milton interrupted Phoebe’s thoughts as she pointed.

Phoebe strained to see past the women mounted in front of her. The men had stopped to water their horses. Standing together, they talked and laughed as they drank from half a dozen wineskins they’d brought along with them. Six grouses were tied to the back of one of the horses.

Phoebe reined her horse in so that she would trail behind the other women as they joined the men. Just before they reached them, a hawk soared above. It cried out and startled Lady Delmont’s horse, which reared on its hind legs.

Lady Delmont screeched in terror and held tightly to her sidesaddle as the frightened horse galloped away from the others.

Phoebe gasped, her heart thundering in her chest. Without a thought, she urged her own mount after Lady Delmont. Her horse’s hooves pounded on the ground, then splashed over the river’s edge to follow. Water splashed on her riding skirt and sprayed her face. She paid no heed, blood rushing through her veins, intent on reaching the lady and her wayward horse. Lady Delmont bobbled on the saddle, and Phoebe feared she would tumble off and strike the ground before she could reach her.

Pounding hooves sounded behind Phoebe. She glanced back to see the Marquess of Landon in pursuit. Shock flew through her as he waved his hand and shouted, “Slow down! Let me help her.”

She shook her head and turned back, urging her horse to go faster. Did he think he could reach Lady Delmont before her? Or that she wasn’t capable? He had the advantage of riding astride, but she was still more than competent.

They reached Lady Delmont at the same time. The lady screamed, clinging onto the pommel for dear life. The marquess approached from her right side while Phoebe rode to her left.

Phoebe reached across and grabbed the horse’s reins. Her breasts rose and fell under her labored breathing. Landon grasped the pommel and held onto Lady Delmont to prevent her falling. The horse slowed, then came to a stop by the river’s edge.

The marquess leaped down from his stallion to help Lady Delmont from her mount. The woman clung to him, hysterically sobbing. “You’re safe now, my lady.” Landon’s voice was calm and soothing.