The grooms were waiting to take their horses. Lavina drew “Rufus” to a standstill.
When she would have slipped down from the saddle the Marquis was beside her and lifted her to the ground.
Because she was so light he seemed to hold her a little longer than was necessary before he put her down.
She was very conscious of his nearness and of his strength.
She was also aware of the strange feeling in her heart which she had felt before.
“I do not have to tell you how well you ride,” the Marquis said.
As he spoke he still had his hands on her waist.
She felt it was difficult to move away from him.
Her eyes dropped before his and there was a flush on her cheeks as she replied,
“Thank – you.”
Then because she felt shy she hurried into the house and up the stairs to change.
When she rea
