Eleanor And The Duke (Berkshire Brides Book 1) by Margo Maguire Page A

or social standing.”
    “Well said,” he remarked quietly. “A man’s honor is really all he has.”
    Eleanor did not know what to make of his words. Was he saying he regretted being dishonest with her?
    “One would think so,” she said.
    Lucy jumped into the conversation before it could take an unwieldy turn. “Mama will want you to join us for supper after the Reading Stakes,” she said. “It will be just the family, much like today, so you will feel comfortable and your aunt will not object.”
    Eleanor shot her a puzzled look. “Doesn’t your mother have a much larger house party every year after the race?”
    “Not this year,” Lucy said, and Eleanor guessed the modest celebration had been altered for her benefit. Her throat squeezed tightly, and she fought the sudden burn of tears.
    “That is too kind of her, Lucy.”
    “You know how Mother is.”
    “I do.”
    “And don’t think it’s all for you,” Lucy said. “Mother had some sort of spring illness . . . She has only just recovered and Father does not want her overtaxing herself.”
    “Is that why everyone has come home?”
    “Yes, all but Samuel and Calvin,” Lucy replied. “But they are both en route. They will be home soon.”
    Eleanor remembered wishing she could be part of such a large and loving family, though the Stillwaters had always made her feel like one of them.
    Beckworth addressed Lucy. “Will your family attend the races, Miss Stillwater?”
    “I believe nearly everyone plans to go,” Lucy said.
    “But . . . you will stay back?”
    “With Mama, yes.” Lucy wrinkled her nose. “I do not care much for horseracing.”
    “But you do, Miss Easton, as I recall,” he said. “And riding.”
    Eleanor nodded. She’d always loved to ride, but hadn’t had the opportunity to do so while she lived with the Misses Randall. Shutting out Beckworth, she turned to Lucy. “I have hopes that your father will help me find and purchase a good riding horse. Do you think he would mind—?”
    “Of course not. The only possible complication is that my aunt Arden and her husband are due to arrive—”
    “I’ll help you,” Beckworth said.
    Eleanor turned to him. “By the time I’m ready to make my purchase, you will be back in London, Your Grace.”
    “That is doubtful.”
    “Oh? I see no reason for you to remain in Berkshire after you give me the funds I requested.”
    “You’ll need someone to escort you to Hermon’s Horse Farm,” he said. “And advise you—”
    “I am sure Lord Stillwater or Mr. Parris will assist me when the time comes.”
    His features darkened nearly imperceptibly. “Additional monies will be necessary to buy a decent riding horse.”
    “No doubt you can account for the increase when you release my quarterly stipend.”
    “We can come to an agreement when you choose your horse.”
    “But as I said, you will be gone by then . . .” Eleanor abruptly stopped walking when she realized Lucy had left them. While Eleanor had focused her attention – and her most argumentative behavior – on Beckworth, Lucy had returned to the picnic site.
    “John Hermon is a very good, reputable horse breeder south of Whitley,” he said, taking her arm and moving forward once again. “You and I will visit his farm on the morrow and find you a decent hack.”
    “We will not, Your Grace.”

 
    CHAPTER NINE

    Andrew fell silent for a moment. “Have you ever bought a horse, Ellie?”
    “Do not call me that,” she said sharply, starting back toward the others. Her color rose and all Andrew could think of was that kiss they’d shared the night before. And the others that would soon follow. “And no. I have not.”
    “Then please, do me the honor of allowing me to assist you.” She looked away and he could not help but notice the graceful line of her neck. He remembered every inch of her body and every sweet sigh and sound she’d made while in his bed. Her subtle scent was just the same. Intoxicating.
    Eleanor