My Lord, My Rogue by Anna St. Claire

Author:Anna St. Claire [St. Claire, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sassy Romances

“Let me assist you both from your horses,” Benjamin said, lifting Honora from her horse. He turned to help Bridget, but the woman had already slid down from her horse and was brushing off her skirts. “Where did you learn to ride, Bridget? You seem a capable horsewoman.”

He would swear the woman blushed to her roots. “M’lord, Lady Honora and I have been together for many years. She taught me to ride.”

“You were very easy to teach, Bridget. Considering you had grown up on a farm, I have always believed you knew how already,” she laughed.

“Of course, you taught me, m’lady,” Bridget demurred with a shy smile.

“’Tis fine, Bridget. The opportunity to ride and be out of the house meant so much to me.”

Benjamin observed the exchange, aware that the woman had just been outed by her mistress and both were fine with it. Their easy friendship was palpable to anyone. Honora had been lucky to have this one by her side, he thought. “Bridget, I believe we have a special place for you, as well.” He escorted her to her table, which was a smaller replica of theirs, complete with china. The woman rubbed her hands to warm them before removing her outerwear and sitting down. A small basket lay beside her table.

He turned his attention to the other side of the greenhouse where Honora held up a plate, studying it.

“My goodness! This is your quality china! What a treat that you have arranged for us today,” she said, beaming with anticipation.

“I am sure the food will be every bit as good as the presentation.” He began sorting through the food items as he took his seat next to her at a beautifully appointed, intimate table. The table had a white cloth and a small vase of white roses as its centerpiece. Meats, cheeses, grapes, wine, and biscuits filled the basket. “I confess, I ate a pretty light breakfast and am looking forward to this.” He handed a white plate rimmed with gold edging to Honora and encouraged her to take her fill.

“I have never spent time in a greenhouse,” she said lightly, while selecting food for her plate. “I feel rather comfortable in here.”

“I feel sure you could pass as a lovely rose, Honora,” he blurted. He turned to look at the wall of ivy and lattice that separated them from where her maid was sitting, hoping she was otherwise occupied. Luckily, the woman was still sorting through her basket of food. He did not feel she heard his remark.

“Do not worry. Bridget will stay busy with her selection,” Honora offered, seeming to understand his discomfiture. She handed him a plate. “Your cook packed a good wine. Shall I pour a glass?”

He noticed she had taken her gloves off. “That would be nice. Thank you.” He waited for her to place the carafe down. “Let me offer a toast to a warm and wonderful lunch,” he said, stopping himself before he said anything more, hoping to keep things moving in the right direction.

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