Of Dukes and Deceptions by Wendy Soliman Page B

he was willing to wager she knew nothing whatsoever about human procreation. And it was high time that situation was rectified.
    “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I ought to put Fabian back in his stall before my uncle realises I’ve been riding him. He doesn’t approve, you see.”
    “Why ever not? It’s apparent you have complete command of the horse.”
    “Thank you but my uncle doesn’t share that view. He fears for my safety and I wouldn’t add to his concerns by openly defying his instructions.”
    “Which is why you are reduced to riding in secret before anyone is abroad.”
    “Quite so, and, er…”
    “I certainly won’t mention that I’ve seen you, Miss Woodley.”
    “Thank you.” She inclined her head. “I’m indebted to you.”
    Indeed you are. “Not at all.”
    “My uncle thinks I should trot sedately about the estate, using a sidesaddle, if you please. And take a groom with me for safety’s sake.” Her derisive expression made it clear precisely what she thought of that suggestion. “But it won’t serve. Fabian must be exercised properly or he becomes irascible, and he doesn’t care to have anyone but me on his back.”
    The thought of Alicia astride his own body sprang to Nick’s mind. He really would have to find a way to spend time alone with her later in the day and move their relationship forward. It was fast becoming a matter of extreme urgency from his perspective.
    Gibson was clearly having trouble keeping his glee in check at the way Alicia was treating him so dismissively. Nick would never hear the end of it if he failed to win her favours. But that was unthinkable. He was the Duke of Dorchester and he always got what he wanted. And what he wanted right now was this disrespectful female, compliant and biddable, sprawled beneath him and completely at his mercy.
    “It will be a relief not to have to act in subterfuge when I remove to the village.”
    The sound of Alicia’s voice brought Nick’s attention back to her. “To the village, Miss Woodley?”
    “Yes. When I gain possession of the inheritance left to me by my mother, I plan to move to a small cottage. Fabian and Matilda will come with me, of course. They’re such good friends and wouldn’t take kindly to being parted. They look rather incongruous together, I suppose, but if I don’t care about that, why should it concern anyone else?”
    Nick smothered a smile at her fiercely defensive attitude toward such unlikely equine companions. “Why indeed?”
    “I couldn’t bear to leave either of them behind, you see, even though my uncle has kindly given leave for them both to remain here. I have two paddocks attached to the cottage I plan to take. They’ll just have to be good enough for you, eh, Fabian, even though the accommodation is far less luxurious than here.” The horse whickered and nudged his head against Alicia’s shoulder. Nick glowered at the animal, jealous of his close proximity to the women he was now more determined than ever to possess. “You see, he understands what’s required of him perfectly. He’s very intelligent.”
    “So it would appear.” Nick regarded her face, still slightly flushed from her exertions. She was clearly anxious to be rid of him but he had no desire to curtail their conversation and sought to learn more of her future plans. “Does your uncle wish you to leave Ravenswing Manor?”
    “Oh, no, he’s most anxious for me to stay. But this is his home now and I’d only be in the way.”
    They’d reached the stallions’ barn and Will materialised to lead Fabian in. Nick would have liked to follow him and catch a glimpse of Shalimar but Alicia turned in the opposite direction. Good manners dictated that he turn also and escort her back to the house.
    “Thank you, Will. Have Matilda harnessed to the gig in half an hour, if you please. I shall go to the school as soon as I’ve attended to my patients.”
    “Very good, miss.”
    Nick fell into step beside Alicia. Gibson