The Bedford Beauty (A Regency Novella) Read Online Free Page A

It was silly for her to want Blake's hands to remain on her. They
were friends and she had promised Mother and Papa she would marry a titled
gentleman. So why could she not stop thinking of Blake and his kisses?
    “Thank you,”
she whispered as she met those intense dark eyes. Nervousness crept over her as
he watched her. What was he thinking? Always so quiet, the nickname, Shadow,
was as appropriate as ever, except no one could overlook this dashing, handsome
gentleman. His quietness only lent itself to an air of mystery irresistible to
the women of Bedford, once they got their hooks in him. The thought did not settled well with her. She didn’t want to share Blake.
    The threesome
left the stables and cantered down the lane and out into the meadow. The sun
felt wonderful and a light breeze sent wisps of red-gold hair against her
cheeks. Summer was the best time of year to be in the country. One could explore
the outdoors without fear of the weather.
    Dayton turned
to them with a challenge in his blue eyes. “Let us race to the tree line!”
    “A lady never
races,” she replied by rote.
    “Since when
do you dislike racing?” he retorted.
    “Since I
became a woman,” she quipped.
    Blake watched
her, but with a slight frown on his face.
    “What?” she
asked impatiently.
    “You've
changed,” Blake replied to her and then nodded to Dayton as he turned away from
her on his mount. The two of them sped off, leaving her sitting all alone atop her
mare.
    How dare he
judge her! Fury and hurt coursed through her. What did Blake expect her to do,
fly break neck across the field as if she were a child? She was supposed to be
finding a husband not breaking her neck. She was grown up and proud of the
woman she'd become. It is normal for one’s objectives and purpose to change as
one becomes older. She was the same old Alice inside, but she was driven by
different goals now. Why did she even care what he thought?
    She nudged
her mare forward at a sedate pace, in no hurry to reach them. The sound of
hooves made her look to her left. A rider approached through the south meadow,
it looked like Lord Bedford. Well, this was a pleasant surprise. She hadn't
seen him since the last assembly a fortnight ago. He danced with her twice and
paid her particular attention throughout the evening.
    Now he
approached like a man with a purpose. Alice noticed the exquisite tailoring of
his green coat and tan breeches. He wore his brown hair short with gray hair
sprinkled along his temples. The man had to be in his mid forties but still
exuded a youthful virility drawing plenty of attention from women of all ages.
She found him agreeable to look upon, and perhaps with time she could love him.
He was the perfect choice for a husband as he had wealth, a title, and he was
conveniently located in Bedford. Not to mention his handsomeness was legendary
in Bedford. But did he want a wife?
    Lord Bedford
gripped the reins of his horse then tipped his hat. “Miss Fulton, lovely to see
you.”
    “Lord
Bedford, what a pleasant surprise.”
    “I was on my
way to pay your family a visit when I saw you riding. How are you? You look
beautiful as always.”
    “Thank you.
I'm quite well, my lord. I am out riding with my brother and B- Mr. Hadley.”
    “Ah. May I
accompany you?” he asked and gave her a tight smile. His brown eyes crinkled at
the corners but they lacked the warmth Blake's dark eyes contained.
    “I’d be
delighted, my lord.” She clicked the reins. She could see the small specks of
Dayton and Blake waiting near the tree line.
    “Shall you be
attending the assembly?” Lord Bedford queried in a smooth, deep voice.
    “Yes, I plan
to attend.”
    “Then it
shall be worth it for me to attend.   Might I claim the first and last dances with you?” He watched her,
trying to judge her reaction to his request.
    His
observations made her blush, but did not make her breathless the way Blake did
with his intense, quiet looks and