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But she dared not say anything. Her heart was beating wildly, her skin tingling at the memory of his touch which she desperately craved to feel again.

“It was a long day,” he observed, pulling away. “You need your rest. And we have all the time in the world.” He paused, relishing the look of surprise on her face. “Goodnight, Penelope.”

She managed to muster a goodnight of her own before she quickly closed the door to her chamber, leaning against it, as if she might open it again herself and shout after him to come back and take her as she hoped he would. But he was obviously teasing her, tormenting her, wanting her to go back on the promise she had given to herself and the condition she had set of a year without an heir which also meant a year without sharing a bed. Hadn’t he said that before the month was out, she would be asking for it herself?

Her cheeks flushed at the memory. Yes, he did indeed say that. The month was not out yet. She would show him that she had better control of her own emotions than he did.

With those thoughts, she called for Charlotte to come and help her disrobe. She was unusually quiet which didn’t escape her loyal lady’s maid’s notice.

“Oh, I’m just tired, that’s all,” Penelope assured her, faking a yawn as she spoke.

“It would seem that His Grace’s surprises were both lovely and exhausting?” Charlotte teased.

“Yes, sort of.” Penelope couldn’t help but chuckle, wondering what other surprises her husband had planned for her.

Strangely enough, she was excited at the thought.

CHAPTER23

Three more days had passed, and each of them brought a new surprise for Penelope whether it was a first edition of a rare book or a horseback ride through the countryside to his favorite spot.

“Race you!” he heard Penelope shout, right after she flew by him on her horse.

“I thought you said you didn’t know how to ride!” he shouted after her, spurring the horse onward, but he doubted he would catch up to her.

“I lied!” she turned around to tell him, then she flew once again like an arrow, straight ahead, her luscious curls floating in the wind after her.

He focused on her in the distance, but at the same time, he paid attention to the morning sun as it bathed the landscape in a soft, golden light. Dew glistened on the grass, casting a shimmering veil over the rolling hills and verdant meadows. The countryside seemed to awaken around them, with birdsong filling the air and the scent of wildflowers mingling with the fresh morning breeze.

“Slow down!” he shouted after her. “You don’t know where we’re going!”

She turned around only to laugh, her laughter mingling with the sound of hooves as they raced along an invisible trail. The cool morning air rushed past them, invigorating their spirits and filling their lungs with the exhilarating scent of freedom. He could see the untamed energy within Penelope as she leaned forward in her saddle, the thrill of the race coursing through her veins.

He couldn’t help but laugh himself, his own horse endeavoring to keep pace with hers as they continued their race. He admired the graceful curve of her form as she rode, her hair catching the morning light and glinting like spun gold.

“Turn left there!” he shouted in hopes that she would hear him and reach a nearby brook. A moment later, she did exactly as he told her. “You should see a brook there!”

“I see it!” she shouted back, her horse thundering across the open fields with a burst of speed that left James trailing in her wake.

She reached the brook shortly, and she dismounted from her horse. He joined her soon after, doing the same. She had that victorious gleam in her eyes.

“I won,” she said with a gleeful smirk.

“Yes, you did,” he noted with a smile. “Not fair and square, but you still won.”

“How was it not fair and square?” she asked, chuckling.

“Because you lied,” he pointed out.

“How does that change the outcome?” she inquired with a playful tone of voice.

“You started the race when I wasn’t ready,” he said with a pout.

“Oh,” she laughed cheerfully. “Well, all right. We could have a rematch on the way back.”

“Maybe,” he considered, pretending to be offended. “Why didn’t you tell me you were so good?”

She shrugged. “I guess it was because I wasn’t supposed to do it. I only rode my father’s horse when everyone was away from the house, and I knew they wouldn’t be returning soon.”