Free The Temptation of Lady Serena by Ella Quinn Page B

hurt.”
    Phoebe brushed a hand against her forehead. “This is so difficult because I care for you both dearly. Still, I must tell you, I do not think you would be wise to allow him to engage your heart until he is sure of his. Though, how you are to do that, I have no idea.”
    Serena felt more vulnerable than she had since she left Vere Castle. If she fell in love with Lord Beaumont, and he didn’t love her as well, she’d be forced to live with the result for the rest of her life. Serena worried her bottom lip. “He’s taking me to a museum this afternoon at two o’clock.”
    “Indeed?” Phoebe said, astonished. “I am quite sure I’ve never heard of Beaumont stepping foot into a museum but, lately, he’s doing many things I never thought he’d do.”
    Hope bloomed in Serena’s heart again. If he was making these changes, surely he must have feelings for her. “Phoebe, I don’t know what to do. It’s all so confusing. I have heard he has great address, yet he always seems a little at a loss in conversation with me. People say he is a rake, yet he has not been at all rakish with me. I do not know what to think, and I’m afraid I will lose my heart.”
    “Considering the moonstruck way he’s behaved lately, I can’t say I am surprised. I’m sorry I cannot advise you more,” Phoebe said uneasily.
    Serena glanced up. “Oh, no, here comes Lord Bromley. Can we hide?”
    Phoebe laughed. “Bromley is quite harmless.”
    “But such a dead bore.” Lord Beaumont’s deep voice came from behind them.
    Serena jumped.
    Phoebe merely said, “Very true. Good morning, Robert. To what do we owe the pleasure?”
    “I have developed a taste for early morning rides.” He breathed deeply. “The air is so fresh.”
    Phoebe seemed to consider him. “Robert, if you can rid us of Lord Bromley, you are welcome to remain, else we must leave.”
    A sparkle entered his eyes. “Nothing easier. Bromley has the worst seat in the country. Come, let’s gallop.”
    They headed in the other direction, quickly outpacing Lord Bromley before he could hail them.
    Robert glanced at Serena. “Show me how fast Shamir is.” With his dare hanging in the air, he took off down the track.
    Unable to refuse the challenge, she dashed after him and soon drew ahead, beating him to the turn.
    When he finally caught up with her, she asked, “Does that answer your question, my lord?”
    She laughed as Shamir pranced around.
    Robert frowned, but his eyes were amused. “Devil a bit. Where did you learn to ride like that?”
    “My brother and I used to race each other.”
    “I didn’t think you’d beat me.”
    Serena assumed a haughty mien. “Then, my lord, you should not have issued the challenge.”
    His eyes warmed again, and he brought his horse closer. “Vixen, next time I’ll know better.”
    Phoebe, who had ridden up behind them, asked, “Serena, would you like to breakfast with us?”
    “Yes, thank you. Will François make the croissants I have heard so much about?”
    “We shall ask him.” She turned to ride home. “You may come along as well, Robert.”
     
    After breakfast, Robert left Dunwood House more confused than ever. He was sure Serena liked him, at least a little, but he couldn’t understand why she threw out no lures to encourage him.
    At two o’clock, he waited in the hall at St. Eth House and glanced up to find Lady Serena gracefully descending the stairs in a light brown walking gown, made high on her neck, worn beneath a spencer in a military style.
    He raised her hand to his lips and lightly kissed it. “You look beautiful.”
    “Thank you, my lord.”
    When he caught her gaze, she smiled, and her face turned a pretty shade of pink. A warm feeling infused him as they continued to stare at each other.
    Ferguson coughed pointedly.
    Serena blinked. “We should go.”
    Robert hadn’t been to the museum since he was a child. Still, he did a credible job of guiding her, and he enjoyed the exhibits almost as