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Several of them.
One enormous ginger creature occupied a low stone wall with the regal indifference of a monarch surveying his kingdom. Two others lay curled together beneath a flowering shrub, while a sleek black cat stalked through the grass with such deliberate purpose that Cordelia wondered what it hunted.
She could scarcely contain her delight when she spied a few badgers foraging among the ferns, their black-and-white faces bent to the earth as they snuffled through the undergrowth. One of the smaller creatures paused to scratch behind its ear before scampering after the others, and the sight brought a delighted smile to her lips. “Oh, Katherine, look!”
“I am looking,” her sister replied, though there was a note of astonishment and pleasure in her voice that Cordelia had not heard in some time.
The carriage slowed before a broad gravel forecourt, and a footman hurried forward to open the door. Cordelia accepted his assistance and stepped down, pausing as she took in the full splendor of the estate. A soft breeze stirred the ribbons of her bonnet and carried with it the scents of freshly cut grass, flowers, and the faint, clean fragrance of the lake. Somewhere in the distance, birds sang from the trees, and a dog barked with great enthusiasm before being answered by several others.
She turned slowly, taking it all in.
Katherine descended behind her and stood for a moment in uncharacteristic silence. “It is beyond beautiful,” her sister said at last, sounding genuinely awed.
Cordelia glanced at her, pleased to see the expression of wonder upon her face. Katherine had agreed to accompany her as a chaperone only after considerable persuasion, and even then, she had made it abundantly clear that she considered the entire expedition an exercise in questionable judgment.
Their mother, on the other hand, had been delighted. Indeed, upon learning that Lord Templeton had invited Cordelia to spend a couple of days at one of his estates in Kent, she had practically ordered Katherine to serve as chaperone, declaring that a gentleman who wished to introduce a lady to his country property was surely demonstrating intentions of the most encouraging sort.
Cordelia had not shared her mother’s confidence. She had, however, been unable to resist the invitation. And now, standing amid such extraordinary beauty, she was very glad she had accepted.
“Do you suppose all those animals belong to the viscount?” she asked, scarcely able to tear her gaze away from a pair of dogs racing across the lawn.
“I cannot imagine why else they should be permitted to wander about in such numbers,” Katherine replied. “Though I confess I have never seen anything quite like it.”
“Neither have I.”
The sound of approaching hooves drew Cordelia’s attention.
Her heart gave a sudden, thoroughly inconvenient leap.
George. He came riding toward them upon the magnificent black stallion that had carried him throughout their journey from London. Horse and rider presented such a striking picture that Cordelia momentarily forgot the sensible composure she had promised herself she would maintain.
The stallion was extraordinary, powerful and sleek, with a glossy coat that shone almost blue in the sunlight. Its mane stirred in the breeze as it approached, and every movement spoke of strength and restless energy. Yet George controlled the spirited creature with an ease that made their partnership seem almost effortless.
He wore a dark riding coat that fit his broad shoulders perfectly, buff breeches, and polished boots. His hair was slightly disordered by the wind, and there was something so wonderfully natural about him astride that magnificent horse. He looked entirely at home here, as though the open countryside, the vast lawns, and the freedom of riding beneath an endless sky belonged to him in a way that London never quite could.
As he cantered closer, their gazes collided. A smile curved his mouth, and Cordelia felt the full, devastating effect of it. Her heartbeat quickened, warmth rose into her cheeks, and her skin seemed to grow strangely sensitive beneath the soft fabric of her gown.
Oh, this was dreadful.
She had spent the entire journey reminding herself that she was here to discover something more of George’s character, not to become a helpless ninny ensnared by his handsomeness.
Yet one smile from him had nearly undone all her good intentions.
The stallion slowed to a graceful halt a few feet away.
“Miss Maubry. Lady Katherine,” George greeted them, his silver-gray eyes bright with amusement. “I trust the journey was comfortable?”
“Exceedingly,” Katherine answered before Cordelia could summon a reply. “Your carriage is remarkably well appointed, my lord.”
“I am pleased to hear it.”
His gaze returned to Cordelia.
“And you, Cori? Have you survived the journey without too much discomfort?”
She lifted her chin, determined not to appear quite so affected by his presence. “I have survived very well, thank you. Is this your home away from London?”
“One of them. I named this estate Seaview Manor. I spend a great deal of time here.”
