Page 25 of Dare to Tempt an Earl This Spring (Wedding Fever #1)
The morning of the Royal Ascot
T homas stood beside the open carriage, the polished wood and brass fixtures gleaming in the morning sun. Flowers and bells adorned the carriages from the estate, a sight so splendid it seemed to belong to a fairy tale. The air was filled with the scent of fresh blooms, a sign that it would be a wonderful day.
Sebastian sidled up to him, glancing over the showy carriages. “You look rather chipper this morning. Something special about these races I don’t know about? Something like taking Mrs. White’s advice?”
“Something like that,” Thomas replied, adjusting his top hat. After all, how could he not feel chipper after spending the past two nights in Ashley’s arms?
“Oh?” Sebastian’s eyebrow shot up, a sly grin playing on his lips. “And here I thought you’d spent the night topping over the races.”
“It is a day of tradition,” Thomas deflected, glancing at all the staff standing about. His fingers brushed the brim of his top hat—the same one his grandfather had worn at these races years ago, when he’d courted Thomas’s grandmother. It was more than fabric and formality; it was a reminder of love woven into legacy, family, and honor.
Sebastian snorted. “Ah, I see. Tradition. So that glow on your face is strictly thanks to family pride, not to a certain woman who seems to have stolen your heart.”
“Well, since you’re so keen to probe, why not tell me what a proper romantic should look like, seeing as you’re an expert?”
Sebastian gave an exaggerated shudder. “I’d be of no help at all, as you know.” He looked around, eyeing the approaching staff with an approving nod. “Besides, with everything ready, you’re set to make the grandest entrance the Ascot’s seen.” He nudged Thomas’s arm. “What if it’s the last time the Linsey thoroughbreds make an appearance?”
“Why would that be?”
“You read Paisley’s note, didn’t you? He’s coming with some sort of trump card to ensure he wins the wager.”
And then, as if summoned by his thoughts, Ashley emerged from the castle’s wide doors. Everything else seemed to fade—the carriages, the sounds of gathering servants, even Sebastian’s prattling. His world narrowed to just Ashley, in a sky-blue silk gown that caught the light that seemed to draw the very morning sun to her. Her face, framed by soft golden curls beneath her spring-flower-trimmed hat, was simply radiant. She looked so beautiful that he found himself unable to look away.
She looked absolutely breathtaking.
Sebastian followed his gaze, giving a low nod. “I’d say the day just improved tenfold. Though don’t be a fool and tell her that directly.”
“I don’t have to.” She already knows . Thomas watched her approach, mesmerized. “Today is going to be…well, memorable.”
Ah, yes, today was going to be a great day.
*
Ashley stepped from the castle, her gaze instantly finding Thomas. He looked so handsome in his buff breeches, a crisp white shirt, and a tightly fitting tailcoat, white gloves, and a black top hat. But it was his smile when their gazes locked that truly stole the air from her lungs.
Today was the day—perhaps her last happy one.
She took a steadying breath.
Beside her, Charlene nudged her shoulder. “Oh, you are done for, my friend. You’d better find your footing quickly because he’s already watching you as if you’ve set the sun in the sky.”
“We should have insisted on sleeping with you in your chamber,” Sera chimed in.
“Oh, stop it,” Ashley muttered. They’d been teasing her all morning after they discovered the other half of her bed had been slept in, too.
“Focus,” Ashley said, glancing at her friends. “We have an important mission today.”
“Yes,” Charlene said. “This day will require every bit of poise I possess.”
Ashley straightened, steeling her expression. “Agreed, we are here with a purpose.” She threw her shoulders back. “We must stop Maddie today. Try to look a bit more war-ready, if you can manage.”
“Oh, ‘war-ready’ she says. Why do I get the sense that you’ve just dropped your pistol at the mere sight of your beau.” Sera laughed, winking. “But do not worry, we are here, too.”
Ashley swallowed, nerves fluttering as she met Thomas’s eyes once more.
Yes, today would be memorable to be sure.
Tryingly so.