Abandon by Jerusha Moors Page A

put thoughts of him away years ago. She would plod on her horse next to Harriet no matter what anyone said.
    Lucy could still feel the burn of Aubrey’s hand on her waist and the heat of his body as he held her close when dancing the night before. She still breathed in his scent around her, the bergamot and faint male sweat that signified only Aubrey. Damn the man, why couldn’t he leave her alone? True, she had started this by impulsively slapping him on the street, but they must have appeased the gossips in the Ton by now. He had danced with her twice last night and then had led her into supper. He had been marked with his attentions and Harriet had heard ridiculous rumors of a lover’s quarrel that had been smoothed over. So the gossips must have moved on to someone new by now.
    Although when Lucy had suggested this, Harriet had actually tut-tutted her. “No, no,” she had been emphatic. Lucy must continue to suffer Aubrey’s attentions until the wedding had taken place. Clearly, Lucy thought, even Aubrey would not wish to waste his time with her for another few weeks.
    It would be better if Carlisle had returned, but he was still delayed on his estate business. He would distract her from Lovell until she could return home, if the duke ever returned to London.
    “Ah, here they are,” Harriet exclaimed and Lucy looked up to see George and Aubrey approaching on horseback. A groom led two riding horse behind them. One horse was exactly as Lucy had expected, steady and broad, a sedate companion for Harriet. But the other was a lovely mare that brought back memories of Ophelia, dark with white stockings, frisking her tail as she pulled at the leading rein.
    The men dismounted to help the women onto their mounts. “Good morning, ladies.” George was all good bonhomie this morning. “I trust that you slept well,” he addressed Harriet as she beamed a big smile at him and nodded.
    Meanwhile Aubrey approached Lucy and took her hand, a twinkle in his green eyes as he noted her resistance. “A good morning to you, Lady Lucilla. You look lovely as always.” He gave her hand a subtle squeeze while studying her face. In fact, Lucy looked tired and pale, dark circles under her eyes. She did not smile at his overture nor reply, her eyes darting to the mare as she tugged her fingers away from him. His smile faded and his lips tightened, but he gave no other sign that her indifference affected him.
    “Let me help you up onto your mount, my lady.” Lucy looked up then, startled, and turned to look for a mounting block or step that she could use instead. Aubrey put his hands on her waist and lifted her as her head snapped back around, her eyes wide and her mouth round in surprise as her rump landed on the saddle. Aubrey ignored her, instead putting her boot into the stirrup and pulling the hem of her red habit down over it. Lucy fussed with the reins, trying to ignore the hot imprint of his hands on her waist.
    Aubrey turned to remount his own stallion, a feisty chestnut named Seraph, a grin on his face and his mood restored. He had noted Lucy’s discomfort at his touch which meant that his closeness affected her and that was all in his favor. Meanwhile George had helped Lady Harriet onto her horse and they were ready to set out. Lucy immediately maneuvered to ride next to Harriet, leaving the two gentlemen to ride together. Aubrey casually moved Seraph in front of her, blocking her until George was next to Harriet. Lucy slanted her eyes and shot him a quick look, but followed Aubrey as they rode to the park. She looked all around her, refusing to acknowledge Aubrey on the horse next to her.
    “It’s a beautiful day for a ride.” Aubrey decided to draw her attention. Lucy continued to ignore him, studiously examining the front door of the town house they were passing. “Do you not agree that it is a lovely day, Lady Lucilla?”
    She turned her face towards him, eyes narrowed and lips pursed. “I suppose it is,” she said