Lord Love a Duke by Renee Reynolds Page B

point. I should think you would like to
turn the prank around and claim the name proudly in defiance of
your brothers, but it would be hard to refer constantly to ones
horse with the name of a much-maligned fish. Why not simply change
her name again? It can be done, then you need not be ashamed but
speak with pride of your mare's title. Let us make this your joke.
She is a fiery, spirited beast. She could well hold her own against
a four-legged Zeus. Should you still like the name Hera?”

    Juliet blinked several times as she
considered his words. A slow smile began to form before she
laughed, a full and happy sound that complemented the excitement
now brightening her face. "Is it possible? I thought her past the
age of naming. I had given in and called her Herring as noiselessly
as possible for five years now.” She looked over her mount and
dragged her fingers through her horse's silky mane. Her horse
responded by dropping her head and looking back at her mistress
with what could only be described as a loving expression. “Think
you I should change her name?”

    “I think you should do whatever gives you
the greatest pleasure. Revert to Hera and claim the name that
brings men to their knees. Hera was also strong and determined, and
while her husband strayed he always returned. She was fiercely
loyal to those whom she loved and was loved by in return. Forget
the hold the joke had on you and your mare and do what you
wish.”

    “I would that her name be Hera. She did,
after all, command no small amount of attention, be it good or ill.
My mare, while beautiful, has been known to frighten some gentlemen
with her temperament and energy.”

    “Henceforth she shall remain Hera, with all
the accompanying fear, terror, awe, and respect that name
justifies.”

    Juliet was ecstatic and grasped the Duke's
hands in appreciation. “Thank you for this. I am inclined to teach
my brothers a lesson by doing something truly wicked with her mane,
to live up to her namesake. Mayhap this autumn, when the family
returns to Somerset, I will introduce my mare with a
re-christening. Silly as it seems, you will have my undying
gratitude if this works.” She suddenly became aware of her clasp of
his hands and released him, stepping back slightly. She steered the
conversation back to the subject at hand. “And although it pains me
to say this, I shall now be forced to repay your good deed with
defeat. I apologize in advance, but confess I am looking forward to
our race tomorrow." She turned and hurried into the house, running
up the stairs to her room, removing her bonnet and gloves as she
ascended.

    He was struck with the sudden image of her
removing more and more as she would have to exchange her day gown
for riding habit and he swallowed. What on earth was coming over
him? he wondered. Lady Juliet had always been his sister's
friend, one he rarely noticed, or even bothered to notice. He sent
Hera to the stables with the groom, with instructions to have both
their mounts saddled and ready to ride in the morning. He then
retraced his steps into the house and returned to the ledgers in
his study, still pondering just how much he was looking forward to
their outing. It made him a little nervous to realize he was
anticipating the company more than the race.

Chapter Twelve
Love sought is good, but giv'n unsought is
better.

William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act 3,
Scene 1

    Juliet descended the stairs the following
morning in an emerald green riding habit of linen with gold
ornamentation down the front and similar embroidery at the cuffs in
the au militaire style. Her perfectly
fitted jacket showed her figure well. Her small beaver hat, dyed to
match her habit, was wrapped with one braid of gold cording
with dangling tassel, and sat at a jaunty angle on her head. Jonas
was again struck by her arresting beauty, from the gold and auburn
highlights of her dark hair, the silver mercury of her eyes, and
the deep pink of her full lips. He