his borrowed hat low on his head, squared his horse to the fence, and sailed him over the barrier too. Thor’s hooves landed as Lady Vivian and her steed crested the small hill, scattering the sheep, and then disappeared down the other side.
When he reached the top, she and her horse were headed toward a fat ribbon of water twisting through the pasture. It appeared she planned to allow her horse a drink after his impressive performance, but Luke wouldn’t put it past her to pick up speed and barrel through the water to race up the next hill.
He refused to abandon the chase until Lady Vivian stopped and dismounted. She led her horse to the water’s edge, then released him. The bay walked into the spring, immersing his front hooves, while she wandered along the bank. She bent to pick up stones and flung them along the surface of the water.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five skips.
He drew Thor to a halt a few feet away. “Noteworthy performance, my lady.” In truth, she impressed the hell out of him. “Who taught you to ride in that manner?”
She picked up another flat stone and whipped it across the water’s surface. “My brother.”
“And skipping stones? Did he teach you this as well?”
Looking into the distance, she nodded. “I feel it is only fair to inform you he taught me to shoot and fence too.”
Luke chuckled as he dismounted and joined her at the water’s edge. “Do you mean to run me through with a sword or put a ball in my chest?”
She spun around, her mouth opened in horror. “Oh no, I didn’t mean to imply—”
“Foil or saber?”
Her expression softened, her lips curving up into a half smile. “Foil. Ash thought it unwise to teach me anything beyond the basics, and only when my sister-in-law remained behind at Ashden Manor.”
“Your brother never mentioned any of your more interesting accomplishments when we spoke.”
She dropped the stone she held and walked toward a willow tree resting along the bank. Its canopy of branches draped over the spring, trailing into the water. “I had intended to give up these pursuits when I married. I don’t suppose it matters now.”
She sat on a patch of grass and leaned back against the tree trunk. He secured Thor then assumed the place next to her, drawn to her like a hummingbird to a flower.
“I owe you an apology, Your Grace.”
“Indeed?” For which transgression?
She picked up a stick and scribbled in the dirt. “I understand your reason for wanting to dishonor our marriage settlement, and I will accept the consequences of my actions. But if any part of you is considering granting me another chance, I promise to abandon my undesirable habits. No more swimming, or riding astride, or shooting.”
“And fencing? Will you surrender this endeavor as well?”
She leaned toward him, her expression earnest. “I will devote myself entirely to ladylike occupations, so as not to embarrass you. I give my word.”
All the lightness she had awakened in him yesterday dimmed. If their circumstances were different and he could marry her, he would never ask for the concessions she was offering. She shouldn’t be forced into giving up who she was to become any man’s wife.
Your title would protect her. He scowled at the voice whispering inside his head.
“Lady Vivian, you mustn’t think you are responsible for my request to dissolve our betrothal. I possess many faults that render me a poor candidate for a husband.”
She drew back, her eyes seeming to double in size. “You do not intend to marry anyone then?”
He shrugged. His future would be determined by whether he returned safely from the voyage.
“But you are a duke. You will have need of an heir, which means you will require a wife at some point.”
“That is the current thought among our equals.”
“Then reconsider marrying me. I will provide you with an heir.”
Luke grinned, enchanted by the thought of her in his bed, but he couldn’t be foolish and allow desire to make choices on his behalf. He couldn’t guarantee she would even be with child before he left England.
She drew her knees to her chest and hugged them against her body as if retreating from a battle. “You seem amused by my suggestion.”
“Not at all.”
She studied him a long time and nibbled her lip. He knew the instant she decided to press forward. Her eyes assumed a zealous gleam. “Once I have given you a son, you need never see me again.”
“I don’t think—”
“I could live