LITMIR.BIZ

       Chapter Seventeen

      The Forresters’ barouche rolled through Richmond under a canopy of trees as a soft breeze blew. The coachman guided the team of four to a raised mound where trees and shrubs dotted a grassy lawn that sloped off in all directions. Sarah chose a shady area under an old cascading willow tree as the perfect spot for a picnic.

      If Katrina had to spend a day without being near Julian, at least she was in a pretty place.

      After setting a large wicker hamper on the white cotton blanket, Sarah’s footman returned to the barouche.

      ‘This really was a fine idea, and at this early hour I’d be surprised if we encounter anyone else for hours.’ Katrina began unpacking the food from the hamper. ‘I can’t recall the last time I was on a picnic. Whatever made you think of this?’

      Sarah gave a careless shrug. ‘It came to me the other day when I was in Hyde Park. I was told this is an ideal place to pass the time. Spending the day away from London is a nice reprieve from all the calls we must make and the dull visitors we must receive.’

      ‘Whatever would I do without you?’

      Sarah’s lips turned up in a mischievous grin. ‘Trust me when I say you would be lost without me.’

      * * *

      Not far away, two riders were racing through a clearing at top speed. The coat-tails of the rider in front flapped in the wind behind him. A satisfied smile rested on his lips. The second rider clutched his horse tightly with his muscular thighs. His slightly long black hair whipped into his eyes as he angled his body lower, attempting to outrun his opponent. His face was set in an expression of pure determination, and he was oblivious to the scenery around him.

      Julian kept his eyes fixed on the grove of trees that marked the finish line. ‘You’ll never outrun me!’ he yelled over the pounding of hoofbeats.

      ‘This race isn’t over yet!’ Hart yelled back as he pulled his horse directly to the left of Julian’s.

      Julian’s horse was ahead by a neck when they reached the trees. As he pulled in the reins he spun his horse around and laughed. ‘And that, my friend, is how you win a race.’

      ‘You don’t say? I would not have noticed you had won if you had been remiss in mentioning it.’

      ‘That is why I knew it was my duty to do so.’

      Julian had forgotten how much he enjoyed flying through the fields at top speed. He was glad Hart had suggested this outing. He could have called on Katrina today, but he had been shaken by the intensity of his need for her when they’d been alone at the Whitfields’ ball. His carelessness at not locking the door had almost cost her her reputation. Fortunately Hart valued discretion. The next time he was alone with her, if they were not careful, they might not be so lucky.

      ‘You realise I held back?’ Hart said, breathing hard. He tossed his head to move the lock of hair that fell over his eye. The lock slid down again.

      ‘Yes, you have the appearance of a man who took his time,’ Julian replied, smirking.

      ‘I do, don’t I? In any event, it was a fine race. Let’s find a spot in the shade to rest the horses. I do believe I have a flask somewhere on me.’ Hart searched their surroundings and smiled. ‘Maybe we could beg refreshment from those fair ladies sitting in the shade,’ he said, gesturing with his head.

      There was a large willow tree with a thick covering of branches swaying slightly in the breeze. It wasn’t until a strong gust of wind blew the branches aside that he spied the women sitting under it. How was it possible that Katrina was sitting not far from him on the park-like grounds of Hart’s estate? She was wearing a straw bonnet, a white and blue striped gown, and a blue spencer—and she was stunning.

      * * *

      Watching the men approach lazily on horseback, Katrina wondered why she had chosen this particular bonnet to wear today. She was certain there was a better choice in her wardrobe somewhere.

      ‘I do believe that is Lyonsdale and Lord Hartwick,’ Sarah said softly, smiling at the men as they rode closer. ‘What a strange coincidence that they’re here today as well.’

      Katrina watched her friend with suspicious eyes. ‘You couldn’t possibly have known...could you?’

      ‘How could I have known they would be here? It isn’t as if I am a friend of either His Grace or Lord Hartwick. You look quite fetching, by the way. Your face has a bit of a pink glow.’

      Katrina glared at her friend.

      ‘I am simply stating my opinion,’ continued Sarah.

      By the time the men reached them Katrina could hear her heart pounding in her ears. She watched Julian pull his mount to a stop under the tree. The footman approached as well.

      Sarah motioned him away. ‘You may stand with the carriage. We will not be requiring your assistance.’

      ‘Ladies, what a pleasant surprise,’ Lord Hartwick said with a tip of his head. ‘I was not aware that you were acquainted with this place.’

      ‘This is our first foray here, my lord. It’s quite picturesque,’ Sarah replied in an overly pleasant voice.

      Julian arched his brow at Katrina and she lifted her shoulder in a slight shrug. To her, he appeared to be a suspect in this ‘chance encounter’ as well.

      ‘This is one of my favourite places,’ Lord Hartwick said. ‘The view from here is rather stunning. Have you had an opportunity to study the landmarks, Miss Forrester?’

      ‘Why, no, I can’t say that I have.’

      Lord Hartwick jumped down from his horse and held his hand out to Sarah. ‘Would you be interested in having me point them out to you?’

      One might think there was a fire on the blanket, watching the speed with which Sarah stood. ‘That is most kind of you, Lord Hartwick.’

      Katrina suppressed the urge to trip her as they brushed the cascading branches out of their way and walked to the look-out with his horse trailing behind.

      Julian slid out of his saddle and tied the reins to a branch. Patches of sunlight danced along his brown coat through the leaves.

      He gestured towards the blanket with his hand. ‘May I?’

      She nodded as she took off her least favourite bonnet.

      After he had accepted a glass of Madeira, he stretched out his legs. ‘I only decided on this adventure last night. How did you arrange this?’

      Katrina wondered why she had never noticed that his legs were so long and powerful. She raised her gaze to meet his. ‘I didn’t arrange this. I assumed you did.’

      They both turned to find their friends occupied with viewing the scenery through the trees. ‘You do realise you are on his land?’

      It would take a great deal of control not to trip Sarah at some point today. ‘I was not aware. Sarah never said...’

      ‘They believe they are quite clever.’

      ‘I believe they are two people who should never be left alone together. In some ways they are far too much alike. Does he know?’

      He appeared affronted by her question. ‘About our arrangement? No, I vowed not to tell anyone. Does she know?’

      Katrina shook her head. ‘It was difficult not to tell her, but I too have kept our secret.’

      He looked back at their friends. ‘I wonder what they would say if we told them we might have been alone in your home if it weren’t for their assistance.’

      ‘I believe my picnic would come to a rather abrupt end.’

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