Page 24 of The Notorious Lord Sin
Maybe people could change in time, grow and learn.
There was no reason why Dominic could not. But possibly only if he kept away from his meddling mama.
"I do not think the dowager Astoridge would agree with you on your plight, my lord."
"My mama can concern herself with my sisters this Season and not me," he said, his tone harder than she had heard it all morning.
Not wanting to put a damper on their outing by talking of his mother, who loathed her, she rallied and looked ahead. "May I have a go steering the horses? I've never done so before."
"You have not?" he asked, surprise in his voice. "Of course."
Paris did not say a word when he reached behind her and wrapped her in his arms. His hands closed over hers and slipped the reins between her fingers.
"Now, firm but giving hold on the reins. There is no need to be harsh on the horse's mouths," he said.
She nodded, taking the reins, a little thrill of delight running through her at being in control of two large horses. They trotted along the graveled road, and she kept watch for oncoming carriages or twists and turns on their path.
"In time, you could control the horses with merely one hand, a little twist one way, a smidge the other, and they will turn accordingly."
Paris nodded, taking in all that he said. A carriage appeared before them, and he reached about her, guiding her hands but not taking control.
"Ease to one side of the road, now. There is plenty of room for both carriages to pass safely."
Paris did as he said and chuckled when the carriage moved past them, free and safe. "I did it," she gasped, smiling at him.
He smiled back, both of them closer than they ought to be. His arms were still about her, and for a moment, she forgot where they were and what they were doing.
One of the horses snickered, and she jumped, turning back to watch where they headed and thankful that they had not come upon a corner she had not been ready for.
The last thing she wished to do was end up in a ditch on the side of the road. That would never do.
Dominic sat away from her, relaxed on the carriage seat. "You are already proficient, my lady," he said.
She shook her head, enjoying their banter but knowing he was not in earnest. "Why, I thank you for the compliment. I do not think I could do this for long. My arms are already aching."
He chuckled and reached across, taking the reins, which she was more than happy to relinquish. "You will soon get used to the horse's pull with time and more practice. That is why you ought to leave a little room for movement from the animal. If you remember my advice, you will not end up with pulled muscles across your shoulders and neck."
"I shall retain it," she said, holding her hands in her lap, content to enjoy their ride out into the country. "You have not told me of your sisters, who I understand are in town this Season. Are they enjoying the many balls and parties? Have they been to Almacks yet?" she asked him.
He groaned, rolling his eyes. "I'm to take them there on Wednesday evening." He glanced at her. "You would not care to attend also? My mother cannot make it, another event she cannot possibly miss, or so I'm told, and I could use the help. I'm certain they would love to meet you."
Paris hesitated to reply, unsure she wished to return to Almacks, but the desperation on his visage broke through her refusal, and she agreed. "I can help you, my lord. I look forward to meeting them both."
His smile made her heart beat fast. "They are looking forward to meeting you too."
ChapterFourteen
So far, Dominic's plan was working perfectly well. Today would have a pleasant outing, a picnic and good conversation, and nothing more. He would not push Paris to be intimate with him nor insinuate that he wished to strip her of her pretty carriage dress and have his way with her on the grass. Nothing.
The pleasure of her company was all he required, and he hoped that today was the start of a new friendship between them.
A renewed beginning that they deserved.
He caught sight of her glancing up through the trees as they passed beneath them, the dappled light playing across her pretty features. She made his breath catch, and he cursed himself a fool for letting her go.
He could only thank God for small mercy’s that he had not known she married. He could not have stomached such a truth.
But soon, she would be his again. She would see that he adored her and wanted only her and no one else in theton. He just hoped she would not find out how deficient his finances were before she fell at his feet.
