Alec turned instantly at the sound of Scarlett’s voice. He took in her stylish black riding habit, not surprised in the least at her choice of attire. He had become quite adept at reading women, and after last night he’d had a hunch that she would be up early and dressed for a ride. He mentally congratulated himself on his intuitiveness. “Good morning, Scarlett.” The fact that she was Colin’s sister didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy her company, at least outside of the bedroom. As she entered the room, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. Her extraordinary beauty still astounded him.
She smiled, loving the sound of her name on his lips. “Did you sleep well?”
Did he sleep well? Hell no he hadn’t slept well. He’d woken up in the middle of the night with a throbbing erection, thanks to those brazen looks and seductive smiles she had been sending his way throughout the evening. “Quite well, thank you.”
Scarlett looked pointedly at his expensive leather riding boots, and then back up to his face. “You’re dressed for riding.”
“As are you,” he said, his own gaze sweeping her from head to toe. No more breeches for Lady Scarlett, he mused. How unfortunate, for he could only imagine how enticing those breeches would look upon her lush figure now. His eyes drifted to her glorious hair, pulled to the side and tied with a satin ribbon, and to the creamy whiteness of her skin, a perfect contrast to the rich black fabric of her riding habit. She looked ravishing. He longed to ravish her, and might well have set about to do just that if she weren’t Colin’s sister. Instead, he bestowed upon her his most charming smile. “Shall we?” Just because he couldn’t take her to bed, didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy her company, he thought once again. “That is, unless you would care for something to eat before we go?”
“No, I’m not hungry,” she replied quickly. She wasn’t about to waste one minute on something as trivial as food, not when she had Alec Weston all to herself.
“Good, because I’ve got something to show you.”
“You do? What is it?” she asked curiously.
“You’ll have to wait and see,” he said mysteriously.
She tried to coax the secret out of him once they had donned their coats and gloves a short time later, but he wouldn’t even give her a hint. Their banter was playful and easy, and Scarlett was in heaven.
As they made their way to the stable, their booted feet left two sets of tracks in the freshly fallen snow. They had gotten about an inch, just enough to cover the area in a brilliant blanket of white. It was lovely. They could see their breath as they walked, but the air was still and the cold was easily bearable. They moved along in companionable silence for a time, simply enjoying the beauty of their surroundings.
When they reached the stable, Alec grinned and asked her if she was ready to see what he had brought. She nodded eagerly, as a sneaking suspicion suddenly entered her thoughts. It was unusually quiet as they entered the building, the only sounds the restless movements of the horses within their stalls. It was Sunday and most of the McPhearson staff had the day off, including the majority of those that worked in the stables. At present, there didn’t seem to be a sole around.
“Close your eyes,” Alec commanded softly.
Scarlett did so instantly and without question. When she felt him reach for her hand she nearly swooned, despite the blasted gloves that prevented her from experiencing the touch of his bare skin.
Gently Alec pulled her forward and they walked side by side down the immense corridor, passing a dozen or more stalls before they stopped. He released her hand, and then reaching to lightly grasp her shoulders, turned her slightly. “Open your eyes,” he said.
She did, and saw at once the glorious stallion Alec had purchased when she was a child.
“Remember him?” “Alec asked, reaching out to fondly stroke the stallion’s proud head.
Scarlett smiled up at him in response. “I certainly do.” How could she not? “I was terrible,” she admitted, “and he’s still magnificent.” Reaching out her gloved hand, she stroked his head and then brushed her hand along his powerful neck. “I think he likes the attention,” Scarlett noted, as the huge animal nudged against her hand.
“Brutus loves the ladies,” Alec told her with a playful wink.
As does his owner, Scarlett mused, well aware of Alec’s reputation as a rake. Over the years she had read every paper and gossip rag she could lay her hands on, searching for any mention of Alec. It had proven a worthwhile endeavor, as his name had been mentioned often, though frequently in connection with one woman or another. She had gleaned quite a bit of information from her brothers as well, though she had been much more indirect in that regard. She didn’t mind his reputation however, for Bethany had once told her that reformed rakes were rumored to make the best husbands. Standing close enough to inhale the delicious aroma of Alec’s cologne, Scarlett hoped wholeheartedly that it were true.
“Would you like to ride him?”
Turing to face Alec, Scarlett’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Are you serious?” she breathed, truly surprised by the offer.
“Of course.” Scarlett’s blinding smile nearly caused his heart to miss a beat. Though he had surprised even himself at the impetuous offer, for he had never let anyone else ride Brutus before today, her reaction was well worth it.
“Now?” she asked, her upturned face reflecting both her excitement and her sudden impatience.
“Yes, now.” He couldn’t help but chuckle. She looked as if he had just presented her with a priceless diamond necklace. He found her utterly delightful.
Since there was no one else about, he pulled Brutus from his stall and asked Scarlett the whereabouts of her saddle. When she pointed it out, he was momentarily confused, for it wasn’t a sidesaddle as he’d expected. How on earth did she intend to ride astride in that bulky skirt, he wondered?
Noticing Alec’s curious expression, Scarlett gave him a saucy smile as she grasped both sides of the heavy velvet skirt and pulled it apart, revealing the hidden stitching. The skirt was cleverly divided into two sections, just like a pair of pants. Although she had given up her boy’s breeches, she had put her foot down regarding the sidesaddle, much to Georgie’s chagrin. Fortunately, the local seamstress had provided the perfect solution to her dilemma.
Alec quirked an eyebrow and gave Scarlett an appreciative nod. “Clever.” He never would have guessed that it wasn’t a traditional riding habit.
While he was busy getting Brutus saddled, Scarlett went to fetch Alec a mount. She chose Rory’s horse, for he was almost as large as Brutus was, and she knew that her easy-going brother wouldn’t mind Alec riding him.
Once they had gotten both horses saddled, Alec assisted Scarlett up onto Brutus’ back. “Are you sure you’ll be able to handle him?” he asked. She looked so small sitting atop the huge stallion, that he felt a moment’s hesitation. The expression on her face however, was all the answer he needed. She looked as if he had asked her if the sky were yellow, or something equally ridiculous. “Sorry, silly question.”
As they trotted out of the stable, Alec gazed admiringly at Scarlett. She sat the horse as if she had been born in the saddle. He supposed she practically had been, growing up at Grey Oaks. “Where shall we go?” he asked.
Scarlett knew exactly where she wanted to take him. “Do you remember the hot springs; the one I took you to the last time you were here?”
“I do,” he replied. “It was a beautiful spot.”
“It’s even more beautiful in the winter,” Scarlett told him. “Would you like to see?”
“I would be delighted. Lead the way, My Lady.”
With a gentle flick of the reins, Scarlett urged Brutus forward, reveling in her seat atop the powerful stallion. He was truly a magnificent animal and she was thrilled to be riding him at last.
Alec immediately followed, watching in admiration as Scarlett handled Brutus with ease. A few minutes into their ride, they struck up an easy conversation, one that continued until they
reached their destination.
As Scarlett had envisioned, the bubbling pool was clouded in a steamy haze when they arrived, and a few random bits of snow had started to fall, fluttering down through the mist like tiny, shimmering crystals. It was a wonderful place, surrounded by towering pine trees, the setting romantic, almost ethereal.
The spot was just as Alec remembered; only this time the slowly drifting haze and tiny flakes of snow that surrounded them, gave it an almost mystical feel, and in turn gave Scarlett the look of a fairytale princess. Alec could only stare in utter fascination, wondering for a moment, if she was indeed from another world. He had never seen anything like Scarlett McPhearson, and doubted that he ever would again. She was truly an incomparable. Damn, he thought once again, why did her last name have to be McPhearson?
Scarlett felt Alec’s eyes upon her and looked up. His expression caused her stomach to do one of the crazy little flip-flops it had recently developed whenever she caught him looking at her in that certain way. Here in this secluded spot, alone with Alec, she suddenly wasn’t sure what to do or say. Please kiss me, hardly seemed appropriate. Therefore, she quickly searched her mind for something a bit more suitable. The faint scent of sulfur hung in the air, the smell unmistakable, but not unpleasant. “I’ve heard that the minerals in a hot springs can be beneficial to your health,” she said finally. “Do you think it’s true?”
“I would imagine so, to a certain extent. I’ve been to the mineral spas in Bath many times,” Alec told her. “They are quite revitalizing, but the setting isn’t nearly as lovely.”
“I’ve never been farther than the local village.”
“I’m surprised you have never traveled to London with your brothers.”
She supposed it might seem odd, but she loved Grey Oaks so much that she had never had the slightest desire to leave. Besides, her brothers had always been overly protective of her. She knew that they liked keeping her safe and sound at home. But alas the time had finally come for her to venture out, for she wasn’t a child any longer. “I’ll be going for the beginning of the winter Season.”
“Your first foray into Society. You must be excited.”
“I suppose so,” she replied, with a slight shrug. “To be honest, I’m a bit nervous.” Though she didn’t really give a fig for Society, or her upcoming position within it, the last thing she wanted to do was to disappoint or embarrass Georgie or her brothers, especially considering all of the time she had dedicated to transforming herself into a proper young lady.
Alec noted the uncertainty in her expression and sought to reassure her, surprised that she could have even the slightest doubt about her inevitable success. The members of the ton would be tripping over themselves to garner the affection of someone as extraordinary as Scarlett McPhearson. “You have absolutely nothing to worry about Scarlett. You are going to take London by storm, I guarantee it.” The truth of his words was slightly disheartening. Surprisingly, the thought of Scarlett, caught up in the midst of the ton’s superciliousness was almost painful to imagine, but he didn’t let it show. His expression reflected only total confidence and sincerity, and Scarlett smiled in return. “Just don’t go kicking anyone in the shin and you’ll be fine,” he couldn’t resist teasing.
“I have learned my lesson, I promise,” she assured him, with a gentle laugh.
They spent a few more minutes enjoying the picturesque setting, before Alec suggested they start back.
Scarlett would have preferred to keep him all to herself for a while longer, but she knew that her brothers would be up soon and wondering where they had gotten off too. In addition, her toes were beginning to feel the cold, and surely Alec’s were as well. So with one last appreciative glance at the steam shrouded pools, they turned the horses back toward the direction they’d come. In spite of her cold toes, she chose a different, slightly longer route back to the stables, wanting to savor every last moment alone with Alec.
The more time he spent with her, the more Alec was amazed at how much he truly enjoyed Scarlett’s company. It brought back memories of the last time he’d seen her. She had been just a child of course, but he recalled that he had enjoyed her company even then. The majority of young women he had spent any length of time conversing with, had more often than not turned out to be exceedingly dull and woefully predictable. Scarlett was not only unconventional, but she was witty, entertaining and remarkably bright as well. Although a few women had piqued more than his sexual interest in the past, there weren’t many. Scarlett was a refreshing change of pace.
Unfortunately however, there was one thing about Scarlett that was all too familiar, and that was the way she looked at him. He had been the object of those looks since his youth, and he knew them well. There was no mistaking that Scarlett’s interest in him went beyond friendship, and despite the desire to do just the opposite, he knew better than to encourage her. He was a little surprised at how very disappointing the thought of that was. How ironic he mused, that he could have any woman he wanted, and to be honest he had, but now the one he wanted more than any other he’d had before was hopelessly out of his reach.
When they arrived back at the stable, they encountered an older gentleman with a balding pate and a friendly smile, just exiting the building.
“Good morning, Mr. Dutton,” Scarlett greeted him cheerfully.
“Mornin’ Miss,” he said, returning her pleasant greeting. “I noticed the empty stalls. I should ‘ave known it was you up and about this early in the mornin.”
His wrinkled face and what was left of his snowy white hair, reflected his advanced years, but he was still hale and hearty and one of the hardest workers at Grey Oaks. Scarlett had known him since she was an infant. “Mr. Dutton, this is His Grace, the Duke of Worthe,” she said, gesturing toward Alec. “Mr. Dutton is one of Grey Oaks’ most valued assets,” she told Alec, with utmost sincerity.
Mr. Dutton’s chin rose up just a tad, exhibiting his pride at the compliment. With a slight bow, he addressed Alec. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”
“And you, Mr. Dutton.”
“Shall I take the horses, Miss?”
“You most certainly will not,” Scarlett told him firmly. “His Grace and I are perfectly capable of tending to our own mounts.” Glancing toward Alec, she was pleased to see his nod of agreement. “You go and enjoy the day with your family, and please tell Mrs. Dutton how much I enjoyed the wonderful pumpkin bread she sent over the other day.”
The aged groom obviously knew there was no sense in arguing with her. “Thank you, Miss. I’ll be sure t’pass the message on t’my wife.” With a polite nod, he left Scarlett and Alec to their own devices.
As they dismounted, Alec remarked on her kindness to the older man. Most people of his acquaintance wouldn’t think twice about inconveniencing a servant. Scarlett seemed genuinely surprised however, that he would think she would have done anything else. Once again, he was reminded that she wasn’t just another one of the pampered and spoiled young women he so often encountered. It was a refreshing change, and if possible his admiration of her grew even more.
“Thank you for letting me ride Brutus,” she told him, as she removed her saddle from the huge horse.
“It was my pleasure,” Alec assured her. He watched, somewhat bemused, as she led the stallion into his stall. His high-spirited mount had been as docile as a lamb for Scarlett. Shaking his head, he led Rory’s mount into his stall and began rubbing him down. He could hear Scarlett talking sweetly to Brutus a few stalls down. He envisioned her running her hands along the horse’s smooth coat and couldn’t help wondering what would it be like to feel her hands upon his own skin, and then cursed himself for the traitorous thought. Damn, he needed to be careful he reminded himself, extremely careful where Scarlett McPhearson was concerned.
Once Rory’s horse had been taken care of, Alec walked over to Brutus’ stall. Scarlett stood outside the closed gate, feeding Brutus a handful of oats from her bare hand. She turned a
t his approach.
“I had a wonderful time, Alec.” Scarlett told him, scarcely able to keep the exaltation from her voice. “Can we ride again tomorrow?”
The look of hopeful anticipation on her face was impossible to deny. “If you would like.”
Scarlett beamed.
Would he ever get used to that dazzling smile, he wondered?
Scarlett knew she had only a few more minutes left with Alec before they returned to the awakening household, and she didn’t want it to end. They stood alone in the quiet stable, only a few feet apart, but suddenly it felt like a mile. She wanted to reach out and touch him more than anything in the world. The sudden longing was unfamiliar, but also fierce and undeniable.
Do something, before it’s too late, her inner voice commanded. Her mind raced as a dozen different notions flitted through her thoughts. Suddenly she had an idea, something Bethany had done once before when she’d fancied one of the young stable hands. But did she have the nerve to do it herself? Her pulse quickened and before she could put too much thought into it, she looked past Alec and gave a small shriek. Launching herself at him, she pressed her body fully against his in feigned alarm, her hands tightly gripping the front of his coat.
Instinctively, Alec’s arms went around Scarlett as she hurtled into him. Pulling her close, he turned to see what had frightened her. Scanning the area, he saw nothing untoward and quickly turned back around, looking questioningly upon her upturned face.
“A mouse,” she said, pointing a finger toward a shadowy corner, the folds of his coat still held firmly in her grasp.
Alec looked to where she was pointing. “I don’t see anything.”
Scarlett continued to cling to him, savoring the feel of being held in his arms, despite their heavy winter clothing. “Are you certain?” she asked, trying to appear frightened and apprehensive.
The Hellion and The Heartbreaker Page 6
