Page 68 of Love, the Duke
CHAPTER20
MAN’S PRACTICAL GUIDE TO APPREHENDING A THIEF
SIR BENTLY ASHTON ULLINGSWICK
Search high and low, near and far.
The skies were gray but not threatening. Ophelia had prepared for her walk in the park with Hurst by donning a lightweight chemise, a long-sleeved white-sprigged walking dress, and a light-brown quilted spencer and matching pelisse. She wore a straw bonnet with a chocolate-colored ribbon tied into a perfect bow under her chin.
Hurst looked dapper dressed in a dark-blue coat and muted-blue waistcoat. The brass handle of a black umbrella was hooked over his wrist and his hat fit perfectly on top of his head. To her, he was the most handsome man in the world.
There were only a few other people on the streets as they walked the short distance before coming upon the entrance to Hyde Park, where there was a flurry of activity. Two other couples and a family with three children walked ahead of them and a bevy of people strolled behind them. The girl and two boys talked and squealed with youthful laughter as the parents quietly conversed with each other, seeming not to notice the youngsters’ rambunctious actions as they skipped, tagged, and shoutedto one another in fun. Ophelia liked the couple’s ease and the children’s abandonment.
The road leading into the park was backed up with traffic as people had stopped their carriages to chat with those leaving or others trying to pass those that had halted their horses. No one seemed to be in a hurry, including Ophelia. She was enjoying the time with her Hurst. Walking had always been one of her favorite pastimes. But at the back of her mind, she also had a need to finish the walk so they could return home. However, the duke was having none of the hurrying whenever she tried to pick up the pace. He insisted they stroll.
Truth to tell, she was honest when she told him finding the sacred church vessel was never far from her mind. Her brother had always been her best friend. She’d never rest easy without finding the chalice so there could never be a hint of scandal attached to his name. In her heart of hearts, she felt the man who took it was in London, and she prayed the Dowager Duchess of Stonerick would indeed somehow help her find the man she’d been looking for.
Distant sounds of lively music could be heard as they neared the area designated for the festival. It was no wonder the park was so full, having a May Day atmosphere and the sky slowly changing from gray to blue.
Some sections were thick with small trees and undergrowth while other areas of the terrain appeared wild and woodsy. The parcels that resembled open grassy lands reminded her of her home for so many years. Aside from the milk, vegetable, and other vendor carts that were pushed through the park every day, many people were milling about and intent on enjoying themselves. Some walking, others on horses or riding in various styles ofcarriages. It looked as if dozens were seated on blankets, enjoying refreshments and conversations.
“I don’t want to lose you as we enter the crowds.” Hurst extended his elbow to her and said, “Hold on to me.”
She looked around. They were not near any crowds, but she didn’t mind slipping her hand through the crook of his arm. It was warm and protective. “I was thinking about you,” she offered as they walked.
“Me?” He gave her a quirky grin. “That gives me cause for concern. What was the reason? Did I do something right or wrong?”
“Neither really. I was thinking about me too.”
Hurst tipped his hat to a couple they passed. The lady smiled at Ophelia, and she returned the silent greeting.
“That means you were thinking about us.”
“All right,” she admitted with a laugh. “Yes. Us. But mostly about you.”
“I like hearing that I am in your thoughts, but am still waiting to hear whether I did something bad or good,” he teased. “With you, I never know.”
“I was remembering last night when we talked about how your childhood and mine were different. You’ve said before our fathers were nothing alike and handled life in their own ways.”
The muscles in Hurst’s arm tightened and he looked away from her. “That’s not something I want to talk about today, Ophelia. The skies are clearing, the air is fresh, and I have you by my side. What more could I want?”
“It is I who wants more. I should know more about you now that I’m your wife. You are an only child, are you not?”
“Yes.”
“Were you lonely at times?” she asked, paying nomind to his remark that he didn’t want to talk about his growing-up years.
“Not that I remember. I lived with various relatives from time to time as I did when I knew your family.” He gave her a smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t see much of you when I was there. You were usually wrapped in blankets and making strange noises.”
Ophelia laughed. “I have never made strange sounds. That was baby talk.”
“Oh, well, no wonder I didn’t know what it was you were saying. I’d never been around a baby and still haven’t.”
“Not to worry. You will learn the language soon enough when we have one.”
He placed his hand lovingly over hers that held on so tightly to the crook of his arm. “I can’t wait.”
“Neither can I,” she answered, and was astounded at how true that really was. She wanted to have Hurst’s baby. Soon. And a boy for him for the title. Maybe three boys. “So back to our discussion of you. Did you go off to school after you left Wickenhamden?”
