“I supposed not,” he replied with a small curve to his mouth.
“Do you see those wildflowers in the distance and that rather large rock? See you there!” Theo said, nudging her horse into a flat out run. A quick glance behind her showed that the duke had taken up her challenge. Delight rushed through her body, and her heartbeat quickened as they sped past the rolling countryside—a blur of greens and the bright splash of flowers. The steady sounds of hoof beats thumping the ground in a thrilling rhythm urged her to encourage her horse to move faster. They raced neck to neck for a few minutes, the wind whipping at her face, the power of the horse jarring her in a few places, and the sheer joy of being free surging through her heart.
They came to a shuddering halt, and Theo laughed tipping her head to the sky. “Now wasn’t that glorious?”
A smile lingered about his mouth. “I daresay it was. You are also an incomparable rider.”
She regarded him in mock astonishment. “Was that a compliment?”
“I’ve been known to give them,” he said drily.
“Thank you, Your Grace, I do like being flattered.”
Whatever she said appealed to his sense of humor, for his mouth softened, and a glint of amusement entered his eyes. “I would like to tell you something else about your sister,” Theo murmured. “And I hope the knowledge might ease some of the worry in your heart, if not the pain of her decision.”
There was a moment of tense silence. Then the duke said, “Tell me.”
“You are very much larger than I am, but I was able to drop you on your arse,” she said with a smile. “Perdie has that same skill.”
A swift intake of breath and his gaze sharpened. “She does?”
“Yes. We do not meet at 48 Berkeley Square to gossip. Well not only to gossip,” Theo said with a light laugh. “Perdie is very well able to defend herself from rakes and ruffians should the need arise. She also knows how to fence. Her level has not reached mastery, but she is good. She also knows the art of boxing, and I believe a facer from her would leave many with sore prides and cheeks.”
“My sister learned all this from your…ladies club?”
“Yes.”
“And all the other ladies learned as well?”
“Once they are interested. It is not mandatory.”
“And what else besides fighting, wagers and dares does your club offer?”
“Fencing, boxing, we read all sorts of books gentlemen believes us to gentle to read,” Theo said teasingly. “Most importantly we have friendship…and we support each other in our endeavors no matter how outlandish it might seem. A dream is a dream.”
The duke fell silent, and they trotted in that companionable atmosphere, and Theo hoped he could rest a bit easier knowing she was not the helpless damsel he imagined.
“You are a very interesting woman, Lady Theodosia.”
“So, you’ve said, Sebastian,” Theo replied with a tip of her feathered hat.
He chuckled and it transformed him entirely—the duke was simply too appealing. A hot feeling pierced her belly and she had to look away from his countenance.
“Thank you for letting me know about Perdie’s skills. I do feel better for knowing it.”
“You are welcome,” she said, smiling at him.
“Why precisely did you open this club of yours?”
She jolted, truly surprised at the question.
“I told you…I find you interesting,” the duke said, his gaze skipping over her face with intimate slowness.
“I…” Theo glanced away for a brief moment. It has been so long since she had genuine discourse with a gentleman where she had to reveal something private about herself. The light flirtations with gentlemen of society held little substance, and what friendship she owned were all with the ladies of her club. “I have no notion where to start, so perhaps it is best I do not start at all.”
The duke rose a brow. “We have a couple hours ahead of us before we reach Brighton.”
Theo bit into her lower lip.