Read Online His Dark Enchantress (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Victoria Chatham - Free Book Online Page B

see.”
    Juliana shot her an amused glance. “They are opposites, are they not?”
    Emmaline smiled at her friend’s perception.
    “Maybe that’s what makes them friends,” she said.
    Once in the p ark and trotting smartly along Rotten Row, Emmaline silently agreed with Mrs. Babbidge that it was, indeed, a fine morning. Sunlight glinted off the waters of the Serpentine, a light breeze tweaked the leaves on the trees and the green turf beside the tan-covered ride stretched invitingly before her. A little demon of daring whispered in Emmaline’s ear but was drowned out by a question from Juliana.
    “ Did you enjoy last evening?”
    Emmaline bit her lip. There was no way s he could tell Juliana the truth, that her feelings for Lucius had grown more quickly, more deeply than she could have ever believed and that, when she stepped into his arms, she had not wanted to step out of them.
    “It is a long time since I have been in the company of so many people,” she said. “I was simply overcome by it all. I am so sorry I spoiled your evening.”
    “You did not spoil my evening, silly.”
    “No?” Emmaline gave Juliana a sideways glance.
    “Well, maybe a tad,” Ju liana admitted with a smile. “I enjoyed Mr. Beamish’s company very much.”
    “Aha – now comes the truth of it!”
    “As does my brother.”
    Emmaline looked up to see Lucius trotting towards them. He sat his horse in perfect balance . Beneath lowered lids she glanced at the long, firm muscles of his thighs, imagined his slim fingers that were even now encased in black leather riding gloves, closing around hers. She swallowed hard.
    “Juliana, I have to ask you quickly – have you divulged any information from my letters to your brother?”
    “None. You know I would not.”
    Emmaline cast Juliana a grateful smile but Lucius was too close for her to say more.
    “I trust the air has revived you this morning?” he asked of her as he drew alongside.
    “Indeed, my Lord, I am now feeling quite well,” Emmaline acknowledged. The little demon was back, its voice stronger now. She turned her head and looked Lucius directly in the eye. “The only thing that could possibly make me feel any better would be to race you to the end of the ride, for I know I would win.”
    As soon as she uttered the words, Emmaline could have bitten her tongue. Why had she let that demon spur her to issue such a challenge? She gulped. Too late now to retract it.
    “That is an offer I cannot refuse,” Lucius said with a slow smile. “But what should be the prize to the winner?”
    Momentarily flustered, Emmaline sought for an answer.
    “Admission,” she said finally. “Admission that the winner is the better rider.”
    “A bold statement from one who has only today met her mount.”
    “She is female, is she not?”
    Lucius nodded and the smile continued to play across his lips. The mare’s prancing and Emmaline’s spirit would make for an interesting combination.
    “ Which means we will fare very well together.” Emmaline gathered up her reins and steadied the mare who was already snatching at her bit with anticipation. “Mr. Noble, please give us a count of three.”
    Lucius, smiling widely now at the seriousness of her expression and not her challenge, expertly manoeuvred his bay thoroughbred beside Psyche. Noble steadily counted to three as instructed and the two horses sprang forward.
    Focusing her gaze over the mare’s head, Emmaline ignored the sound of the horse beside her and closed her ears to the outright laughter of the man astride it. She turned her head to look over her shoulder.
    “Don’t you dare let me win!” she shouted.
    “Wouldn’t dream of it!” Lucius returned as he edged ahead.
    Allowing him to take the lead by half a length, Emmaline loosened her hold on the reins. Psyche surged forward, her legs reaching, hooves pounding. She heard the sharp, snorting breath of Lucius’ horse as she passed it.
    The wind rushed in her face , brought