The Bedford Beauty (A Regency Novella) Read Online Free

war
experiences and enjoy life once again.
    Happy in her
new purpose, Alice walked down the hall and into Papa's library to find a book
to peruse. Blake turned as she entered the room and their eyes met.
    “Oh!” Alice
exclaimed. Resolve or not, she hadn’t expected to see him so suddenly.
    Blake
recovered first and bowed, his expression neutral, but his eyes held a
curiousness and intensity making her shiver. She could feel his presence
emanating through the room, drawing her in. The way his tan breeches molded to
his long, muscled thighs and the close fitting burgundy jacket outlined his
solid upper body made her mouth go dry. His dark brown hair was pulled back
from his face and afforded her a good view of his strong square jaw.
    “Hello.”
    “Hello,” he
replied with a slight smile. She was fascinated by the way his lips turned up more
on the left side. He moved a few steps closer to her. “Are you looking for
something?”
    “I-yes. I
didn't know you were here. How are you? Are you settled in at home now?” She
sounded breathless and silently berated herself for it.
    “Yes, I am.
Thank you. I'm awaiting Dayton to go riding. Would you like to accompany us?”
he inquired politely but his eyes belied a yearning and desire that set her
pulse racing.
    “I would be
delighted. Let me put on my riding habit and I shall join you in the stables.”
    His eyebrows
rose and those rich brown eyes lit up at her reply. She had surprised him.
Warmth and excitement suffused her knowing she had made him happy.
    Before she
could turn to leave, Blake placed a hand upon her arm. “Wait. I wanted to give
you this.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a slightly flattened
red rose and handed it to her.
    Alice
gingerly accepted the rose with shaking fingers which met his warm ones as her
fingers curled around the stem. Her eyes met his as she brought the rose to her
nose and inhaled its sweet fragrance.
    “Thank you. I
love roses. It was thoughtful of you.”
    “I’ve been
carrying different roses on me for days hoping to see you. I miss the times we
used to spend together. I want to spend a great deal more time with you,” Blake
replied in earnest.
    Alice was
stunned and moved by Blake’s thoughtfulness and desires. She probably shouldn’t
have been surprised considering the Earth shattering kiss they shared by the
lake.
    Alice blushed
and smiled at him all the while gripping the rose tightly with her fingers.
    “I’ll go
change now. Thank you again for the flower.”
    Ten minutes
later she raced toward the stables, as fast as a lady of good breeding could go
of course. She heard her Mother's chiding words requiring her to act more
lady-like. Those sermons were drilled into her throughout the London season.
    “There you
are. I didn't think you'd show up this fast since you're a prim and proper
miss,” exclaimed Dayton, mischief lingered in his eyes as he climbed up on his
thoroughbred horse.
    She flashed
him her best smile and quipped, “A lady never rushes.”
    She smoothed
her hands down the front of her forest green riding habit Mother had bought for
her London season. Not like her ever had the opportunity to do more than a
sedate pace upon a hired mare in Hyde Park.
    “Are you
implying you're a lady now?” Dayton teased.
    “You beast! I
am going to tell your future wife all the embarrassing stories of your youth
including how you tried to ride your horse backwards and fell off into that
ditch. You couldn't sit for a week after all that bruising.”
    “My future
wife will love me all the more for my youthful escapades,” replied Dayton,
though a blush stained his cheeks.
    “You remember,
don't you Blake?” She asked with a smile.
    Blake
grinned. “I recall quite a bit of whining too.”
    “Ha!” Alice
exclaimed triumphantly.
    Blake stepped
near and placed his hands on her waist to lift her onto the sidesaddle. His
hands did not linger this time like they did at the lake and she was
disappointed.