Some days, it had seemed an impossible task, but it had deepened her determination, a trait that served her well later in life as she struggled to become recognized in the scientific world even though a woman. And it would serve her well now. She would do whatever it took to find the answers she was looking for. Tomorrow she’d find a way to escape to the village. Her likelihood of success might be slim, but scientists dealt in seeming impossibilities every day.
The one thing she knew was that the only true failure was to quit trying.
And she would not give up today.
Chapter Eleven
P
uffs of white gusted from man and beast in the crisp morning air. The thundering of hooves and the harsh exhalations of his own breath were all Geoffrey heard, all he could focus on as he pushed Gringolet faster and faster.
The day had dawned in brilliant hues. Pinks and deep yellows were just starting to chase away myriad colors of indigo and blue that hovered in the mist. It blanketed the ground, rising like smoke on the battlefield. Geoffrey squeezed his eyes shut and pushed Grin harder.
After ten years together in the 12th Light Dragoons, Geoffrey couldn’t have parted with the charger. The horse was a tie to his past, a bloody past he desperately wanted to let go of but never could. Grin was just as vital to his present. Without their daily ride, without the avenue to pound out the frustrations of this new life, Geoffrey didn’t know how he’d survive. He needed the escape, this morning in particular.
He drove the horse until Grin’s chest heaved beneath him. Geoffrey eased back on the reins, bringing Gringolet to a halt on the low rise overlooking the lake. He reached forward to stroke Grin’s sleek gray neck. The stallion’s heartbeat pulsed vigorously, as did his own. Grin blew a long breath that fluttered his horsey lips.
“I’m sorry, old boy. We’re not as young as we used to be,” Geoffrey lamented, a frown creasing his face. Why was he taking such chances? Only a fool would ride that dangerously fast without a host of enemies chasing him.
Geoffrey led his horse nearer to the water. The sunrise reflected in the still, glassy lake, and as Geoffrey looked out over the expanse, he envied its peace and serenity. God knew his life since inheriting the earldom had been severely lacking in those qualities.
As if taking on the enormous responsibilities of the earldom’s vast holdings and business dealings while wading through Parliament weren’t challenge enough, the blackmail threat had arrived earlier this week at his town house. No, his reign as earl had not been peaceful, and he had no expectation it would become so anytime soon.
Yet he suspected something else drove him to recklessness this morning.
Or rather someone else.
For the third night in a row, he’d been kept awake by thoughts and dreams of Liliana Claremont. Damn, but she’d gotten under his skin.
He’d done his best to ignore her since dinner three nights past, but his body hummed with awareness anytime they were in the same room. His eyes were drawn to her every efficient yet graceful move, his ears attuned to her husky voice. Even his nose smelled apples and lemons where there were none.
Like now. Geoffrey drew in a deep breath of crisp morning air to clear his senses.
This had to stop. But ignoring Liliana wasn’t working…The harder he tried, the more she haunted his dreams. Last night, his “fantasy Liliana” had come to him in the library clad only in a filmy ivory dressing gown. Her creamy golden skin had glowed against the lighter fabric, the hints of red in her hair glinting in the firelight. She’d said nothing, simply beckoned him with her violet gaze. She’d knelt before him and—
Dear God. His entire body hardened at the memory. He couldn’t go around like this for the remainder of the house party. What was it about that woman that attracted him so, against his better judgment?
Gringolet’s ears perked and the stallion raised his head, alert. Geoffrey looked in the same direction but saw nothing. Nor did he hear a sound out of place amidst nature’s morning cacophony. He’d learned years ago to trust Grin’s instincts, however. Geoffrey sat motionless, tense in the saddle, ready for whatever came.
The horse burst through the woodland into the meadow like a covey of grouse at first shot. Geoffrey could hear the echo of the nonexistent gunshot, so real was the impression. Then he realized it was simply his own heart pounding in his ears.
Liliana.
He wasn’t sure how he knew it was she, for the rider was in breeches and sitting astride. A cap covered her hair and she was at least fifty yards to the other side of the lake, but there was still no doubt. He prickled with that singular awareness he’d come to associate only with her.
She bent forward, leaning over the horse’s neck as she said something to the mount. Encouragement, most likely, if the burst of speed was any indication. Only a few of his stock could fly like that…
By God, she rode Amira. She must have convinced Griggs she was a capable rider, or the stable master would never have saddled Geoffrey’s favorite mare for her. Still, he’d have to have a word with the man. Amira was too valuable for guests to take out.
His concern eased as horse and rider raced closer. Amira was in capable hands, and Liliana’s obvious skill told him she rode astride often.
Yet another trait that supported Geoffrey’s growing opinion that Liliana Claremont was no ordinary miss.
He accepted that he’d been wrong about her. She’d proven she had no interest in winning him. Rather demonstrably. She’d insulted him, ridiculed him, challenged him and bested him. After his anger had abated, he’d realized she also intrigued him.
Liliana slowed the mare to a canter, then a trot. She’d been coming from the east…Something squeezed within him. Aveline’s holdings lay just over the park. Geoffrey’s fists clenched. While he’d been overly aware of Liliana these past three days, she’d had eyes only for Aveline, rot him. Did she return now from a night in his arms?
No. Geoffrey gave his head a shake. Amira had been in the stable when he’d saddled Grin, and he’d been riding only an hour. And while one could certainly do the deed in less time, Geoffrey had never known Aveline to seduce innocent young maidens.
The urge to throttle the other man eased, and Geoffrey relaxed his shoulders. He’d forgotten how easily jealousy could make one think like a fool.
Jealousy? Of course not. He straightened in his saddle, unease creeping in. Jealousy was a precursor to love, and he adamantly refused to succumb to that debilitating emotion. Just because he’d been intrigued by the chit didn’t mean his feelings had been moved. Admittedly she provoked a powerful attraction, but that had nothing to do with finer emotions. He wouldn’t allow himself to fall victim to his father’s fate. Look what love had gotten him.
Still, his curiosity roused. Why was Liliana out riding unaccompanied and so very early, not to mention scandalously dressed? Well, he wouldn’t know unless he asked.
Geoffrey knew the exact moment Liliana became aware of his presence as he and Grin emerged from the greenery. Her face went blank and her eyelids fluttered down. She glanced toward the house, probably judging whether she could pretend she hadn’t seen him and flee to the stables.
Instead she waited in the meadow.