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Chapter Ten
Frederica woke with a smile stretching her mouth and a happy pattering inside her heart. Last night had been a revelation, and she had truly enjoyed attending a ball. Pushing the coverlet from her body, she got off the bed and rang for a servant to assist with her daily toilette. A message was delivered by the maid that she was to dress in one of her new riding habits and meet his lordship after breaking her fast.
Curious, Frederica hurriedly dressed in a smartly put-together royal blue riding habit with one of the most stylishly cut jackets she’d ever worn. A rakishly tilted hat with a single curling, plumed feather completed her ensemble together with brand new riding boots. She noted that her curls were growing longer, but she did not wish to cut it anymore and decided that she might re-grow her hair.
Once in the breakfast room, she quickly ate a wonderful breakfast of toast, poached eggs, thin slices of ham, kippers, and pound cake. The earl was not immediately available afterward, for he was in a meeting with his solicitor and his man of affairs. Frederica took the time to merely sit in the side gardens and relish the fresh air.
Lifting her face to the sky, she murmured, “Matthew, I miss you so…and I love you, brother.”
She was not certain if she believed heaven existed, but she dearly hoped it did and that perhaps her brother was somewhere he could see and hear her. Even if the musing felt fanciful, it soothed her heart to imagine it to be so. The sound of footfalls had her looking around to see the marquess coming her way.
How dashingly handsome he appeared in charcoal gray riding breeches and matching jacket, his polished Hessians gleaming under the sunlight. His top hat cast a shadow that hid his expression from her, but she swore she felt his stare as it skipped over her entire body. Standing, she went to meet him and dipped into a perfunctory curtsy. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Freddie,” he said warmly. “I trust that you slept well?”
“Oh, yes, I had the most delightful dreams.”
Somehow that enthused response brought a scowl to his handsome face, and she hid her grin.
“I’ve had our horses brought around. Let’s ride to the park, shall we?”
He had never accompanied her on a ride before, and her heart swelled with too many emotions. They entered the townhouse, and her steps faltered when she noted three servants walking down the hallway with flowers.
“Miss Frederica,” the maid said, “These came for you.”
Even the servants seemed astonished. No one had ever sent her flowers before, and she was decidedly uncertain how to feel. She cast the marquess a side glance to find him watching her with a lazy expression.
“Did you send me these?” she asked, a sudden lump of emotion tightening her throat.
“Not these,” he murmured.
And with those words, she recalled the morning after her first ball when the marquess had presented her with a bouquet of white lilies. At the time, she had been mortified and hurt that a gentleman would never court her or send her flowers.
The marquess smiled, yet the light of it did not reach his eyes. “I suspect they are from the honorable Thomas Humphrey, your beau.”
To her astonishment, the note sent revealed it was indeed Lord Thomas. Last night had been the first time they danced and conversed. Frederica had not really expected this show of…she was not sure what it was. Perplexing, there was a warm sensation lingering in the vicinity of her heart, and with a jolt, she realized it felt very pleasant to not be overlooked.
Handing back the note to the footman, she brought the flowers to her face and deeply inhaled their lovely fragrance. Handing them over, Frederica asked for a vase to be sent to her room, and the remainder could be set up in the drawing room. Shortly after, she and the marquess departed the townhouse, riding their horses down the cobbled street to Hyde Park.
“This is wonderful,” she said with a smile.
“I’ve been told it is important to be seen by the right people the night after a successful ball. I am not sure who this right crowd is, but I am also certain they will be at Hyde Park,” he said drolly.
Frederica laughed. “I can tell that sage advice came from Aunt Cecily.”
“Yes, she is rather impressed you’ve snagged the attention of a duke’s son.”
She rolled her eyes. “I daresay Aunt Cecily should wonder about his character and not his connections. Marriage is a lifelong commitment and requires choosing a companion with great care. Especially for a woman, considering her husband will be in charge of everything.”
“I do not think Mr. Humphrey will restrict you in any manner. You’ll be able to run circles around him. He certainly appeared besotted last night.”
Her heart jolted. “Besotted?”
Lord Thomas had revealed himself to be quite amiable, good-humored, and intelligent during their dance and conversation, but she doubted he fell into any throes with her considering it was their first meeting. Thankfully the marquess had been engaged with the countess when the masters of ceremonies made the introductions. Frederica rather thought the marquess imagined things; however, she liked how growly and irritated he sounded at the notion. “I do not wish to run any circles around my husband.”
The marquess made an odd sound in his throat, and she grinned. The man must surely think her a vexing hellion.
“I want a relationship that is honest and comfortable,” she murmured. “I want to freely tell him of 48 Berkeley Square and that we read scandalous books there and learn to fence and box so we might defend ourselves if needed.”
