The Bluestocking Duchess by Julia Justiss

Author:Julia Justiss
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-11-25T18:29:25+00:00

Chapter Twelve

He shouldn’t be so pleased that he’d managed to sneak some time alone with Jocelyn, Alex thought as he guided the landau through the busy streets, but he was. How fetching she looked in the carriage gown of a burnished brown hue that brought out the chestnut highlights in her hair and emphasised the velvet depth of her dark eyes! With her completely absorbed in telling him stories about the sculptures while they toured the gallery, he’d been able to indulge himself just looking at her—while listening to a fascinating and impressive bit of scholarly explanation.

She was just as intriguing and even lovelier than the ancient Greek sculpture she’d described. Generally, they spent much of their time together trading quips and barbs. He truly had appreciated the opportunity to listen while she talked at length about the era that engaged her whole family. She was not only thoroughly versed in the subject, she had a real aptitude for explaining it, an ability to compare facets of ancient Greek life to contemporary equivalents in a way that made the long-ago past both approachable and interesting.

He couldn’t wait to draw her out further.

As the carriage approached Berkeley Square, Alex slowed the horses. ‘Gunter’s establishment occupies numbers six and eight,’ he said, nodding with his chin in that direction. ‘Once I’ve pulled up the horses in the centre of the square, I’ll signal a waiter to come and take our order.’

‘The plane trees are handsome, but I’m glad they haven’t fully got their leaves yet,’ Jocelyn said as he guided the carriage to a halt. ‘With the buildings to block the breeze, it will be pleasant to sit in the warmth of the filtered sun. Now, as you’ll note, I was on my best behaviour on the drive here. Not a single attempt to steal the reins. Although...’

He looked over to see a half-smile on her lips as she angled her head up at him, her eyes dancing—an expression that experience told him promised mischief.

‘“Although” what?’ he asked warily.

‘Since I have been so polite and ladylike, I thought it might be only fair, if you should drive the landau to Hyde Park some morning, that you allow me to try the ribbons then.’

He shook his head. ‘I should have known you’d want to exact some concession for your exemplary behaviour. On the few occasions when I can get away in the early morning, I usually ride, or drive my curricle.’

She made a little moue of disappointment that instantly made him want to grant her what she’d asked. Fighting to resist it, he said, ‘Do you ride there every morning?’

‘Yes, unless the weather is very bad. As you know, riding is one of my chief joys, important enough to me that I didn’t accept my aunt’s invitation until I made sure she would allow me to ride here. Not that the job horses one can hire have the spirit or the speed of the Duke’s hunters, but the hack I’ve found gives me an acceptable ride.

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