Stripping to the waist, Frank made his way to the ring and put on his boxing gloves. A bout with Jackson was just what he needed. Boxing was the only thing that freed him from the oppressing ennui of his existence. Though it had lifted for a brief time in Miss Edwards’ company, it was back in evidence today.
Had he been mad to ask her to ride in the park? Lila was right. She would probably bore him past bearing before long. But he had not been able to resist her courage. And he had been surprisingly attracted to her. She was a taking little thing. Determined to experience life on her own terms, limiting though they may be. And here was he, possessed of wealth, health, looks, everything a man could want. And he strove for nothing. He drifted on a superficial cloud of easy activity. Every day like the other. Was it possible an angel could breathe some purpose into him?
~~*
Miss Edwards appeared promptly when he called for her at Buck’s house. Her carriage dress was daffodil colored, striped with white. A saucy straw bonnet trimmed with matching daffodil ribbons completed a cheerful picture, as different from Lila as he could imagine. And she looked pleased to see him.
“Lord Trowbridge, how lovely to see you again!”
“Angel, you are looking quite like the goddess of springtime.”
She laughed. “I am much too short to be the goddess of anything. I see you still intend to overwhelm me with flattery.”
“But I am so good at it!”
“I must confess, no one has ever flattered me before. It is certainly a novel experience.”
“Then I will continue to practice it.”
When he lifted her up into the curricle, he was surprised how fragile she was. And light as goose down.
“Oh, your chestnuts are beautiful. And so perfectly matched.”
“Thank you. Do you know aught of horses, then?”
“I do, actually. My brother-in-law, the duke, is quite a connoisseur, and my sister Elise is a bruising rider. I love to spend time in the stables, visiting their horses, currying them, and feeding them apples. There is one mare named Strawberry who is very sedate, and sometimes Elise will take me riding on her in the park at Ruisdell Palace. I enjoy it so much. It is a source of great regret to me that I cannot ride as much as she does.”
“Is it difficult because it jars your knee?”
“Yes, that is it exactly.”
He eased his equipage out into the stream of vehicles headed for the park.
“I am sorry that you cannot enjoy a bruising ride. It is one of life’s great pleasures.”
“I have so little that I can do in the way of exercise. Have you any advice for me? I know that you are an accomplished sportsman.”
Frank thought about the problem. “Has the violin done anything to strengthen your arms and back?”
“Oh yes. That part of me is very strong, indeed. Playing the violin for long periods is very taxing.”
They entered the park, and Frank could see heads begin to turn their way. He was pleased for Sophie’s sake. His boredom fled as he shared her vision of everything as new. It delighted him.
“I think, if I could find the proper sort of women’s bow, that you might take up archery. A regular bow is probably too stiff for you. We could move the target nearer. Archery is a sport requiring a great deal of skill and coordination. And it offers plenty of exercise.”
“Would you do that for me? That would be excellent. I would really be quite grateful.”
“I will look into finding a bow for you.”
He had not imagined that there could be any crossover interests between his world and hers, but perhaps she would prove athletic in her own way. What a pleasant, unlooked-for development. He could not deny that his attraction to her was growing, the more he learned about her. Perhaps it had even been at the back of his mind when he had dismissed Lila this morning. Teaching this angel to aim at a target would allow him to encircle her in his arms. Right now, her nearness was tantalizing. Her scent was the delicate fragrance of Lilies of the Valley.
Many young bucks were clearly admiring Sophie. She looked very fine with her sparkling eyes and ready smile. Two of them came alongside the curricle.
“Will you not introduce us, Trowbridge? Who is this beauty, and how is she so misguided as to be riding out in your curricle?” asked Featherington.
“She must be your sister. ’Tis the only explanation,” said Phillips, a young scoundrel if ever there was one.
“Lord Featherington, Mr. Phillips, I should like to present Miss Edwards, sister to the Duchess of Ruisdell and the Marchioness of Deal. Hear and take heed. She is very well-connected. Miss Edwards, meet two of the veriest rascals among the ton.”
“I shall make sure to beware of them, Lord Trowbridge,” she said with a smile that told them the opposite was the case.
“And where are you staying in London?” Phillips asked.
“With my sister, the Marchioness. Perhaps you are acquainted with the Marquis?”
“No, as a matter of fact,” Phillips said, “I am not. He is not in Town much. I have seen him only very occasionally in White’s, but have not made his acquaintance.”
“Are you fond of music?” she asked.
“Music?” Phillips echoed.