Lord Fox's Pleasure by Helen Dickson

Author:Helen Dickson [Dickson, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Thomas laughed softly. ‘I think my sister has made a very accurate assessment of your character, Lucas.’

‘Aye,’ Prudence said, eyeing Lucas with deep distrust, feeling herself beginning to soften when he smiled in an attempt to mollify her—a devilishly engaging smile, those wonderful green-brown scamp’s eyes full of lively amusement. ‘I know him for a bully and a beast.’

‘Lucas and I have finished our business, Prudence, so perhaps you would like to show this “bully and a beast” your horse before he leaves,’ Thomas suggested.

Prudence didn’t like, but with a supreme effort she forced a slight smile to her lips. ‘I’m sure Lord Fox has more important things to do than look at my horse.’

Lucas exchanged an amused, knowing look with Thomas. ‘Nothing would please me more than to see your horse,’ he said, able to imagine her reaction if he told her he had already seen the chestnut mare, that he had chosen it because its coat was the same vibrant colour as her hair, that he had also examined it closely for any defects—and paid for it. ‘And since I am in no hurry to return to Marlden Hall and there are many delightful things we might do on your birthday, perhaps you will allow me to be your escort on your ride. You might also like to accompany me to my home. The gardens are splendid at this time of year,’ he added gently as bait. ‘I’m sure you will agree.’

His invitation to show her his gardens was tempting, for they were renowned for their magnificence. She’d had a glimpse of them when she had been there two weeks ago and would dearly love to take a closer look, but her aversion to being alone with him outweighed her longing to see his gardens.

‘It’s quite out of the question. I couldn’t possibly go with you alone, my lord.’

Not to be put off, Lucas turned to Thomas. ‘What do you say, Thomas? Do I have your permission to take Prudence to Marlden Hall?’

‘Of course,’ Thomas replied without hesitation. ‘Providing you see her safely home afterwards I have no objections.’

‘Thomas! It would be most improper,’ Prudence argued. ‘Perhaps Arabella could accompany me. I’m sure she would like to see the gardens, too.’

‘Arabella, I know, has made other arrangements for this morning. You’ll be quite safe with Lucas.’

Lucas smiled smugly. ‘There you are you see. It’s settled.’

His eyes took hold of hers, challenging her to refuse. Prudence knew she couldn’t, which did nothing but increase her smouldering resentment towards him.

‘Will you not accompany us, Thomas?’ she asked in sudden desperation, hoping that he would.

‘Sadly I have no time for simple pleasures today. I have to visit two of my tenant farmers to discuss the rents, and mid-morning I’m meeting Ned to look over some cattle I bought last week.’

Prudence was disappointed. ‘I see.’ She looked at Lucas, who was smiling in the most infuriating way. ‘Then if I’m to go with you to look at your gardens, my lord, I really should change my clothes.

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