Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Author:Lisa T. Bergren
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Grand Tour, Europe, rags to riches, England, France, romance, family, Eiffel Tower
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: 2012-04-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

~William~

With the group weary of history, art, politics, and religion, Will’s uncle wisely prescribed an afternoon in the countryside, hiring mounts at a stable and taking the rest of the day in a beautiful park. But then, complaining of his rheumatism, Uncle Stuart had left the picnic and ride in “Will’s capable hands.” Will groaned when he found out, but their young clients had donned riding costumes and assembled in order. A groomsman led the way down a pebble path, while Will and Antonio brought up the rear of their group. All appeared to be in order. Exquisite order, Will thought, chastising himself for allowing his eyes to wander over the slim legs and curves of the young women ahead of them, particularly Cora’s.

It didn’t help that Antonio nudged him and gestured with his chin at what Will had already noticed. Righteous indignation ran through him, with a quick shot of shame following close behind. “Mind your manners, man,” he growled, saying to Antonio what he was telling himself. Antonio’s black eyes widened in surprise at his gruff answer, and then his face eased into a knowing smile.

Perhaps women were best served to always be in gowns, Will thought. Bathing suits and jodhpurs only led a man’s mind to wander.

They reached the stables and entered the building where the mounts were saddled and ready. With relief, Will and Antonio set down the heavy baskets carrying a picnic the maids at the cottage had packed for them.

Will watched the stable hands help the women mount, feeling tension waft through him, especially as a man placed Cora’s boot in a stirrup, his hand lingering on her calf. She was paying no attention, however, her eyes going to Vivian again and again. He knew they had had some sort of exchange the day before in the Parliament building. He didn’t know what it was about—only that, ever since, Cora had stayed on the opposite side of the group from Vivian.

He gazed around. The stables advertised that they only had the finest mounts for hire, which was what drew his attention yesterday when he’d been organizing the expedition. But that meant the horses were high-spirited, and three were struggling for control—Vivian’s, Cora’s, and Hugh’s.

He neared Vivian. “Perhaps we can ask them for a more genteel mount.”

She lifted her nose in the air. “Please, William, tell me you’re joking. I’ve been riding since I was old enough to walk.”

He suppressed a sigh and turned toward Cora as her mare pranced sideways. “Cora? Would you like a different mount?”

“No. She’ll settle down,” Cora said, stroking the mare’s neck and looking again in Vivian’s direction. Was pride holding her back too?

He looked toward Hugh, but the man was already trotting off beside Felix, his back to him. Will knew he wouldn’t appreciate the question.

Antonio, an expert horseman, pulled up beside him as Will mounted. “Want me to watch the young women while you attend Hugh?”

Will scowled at him. “You attend Hugh. I’ll watch over the women.”

Antonio laughed and gave him a shrug.

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