She had decided to make a regular habit of riding before breakfast, for she could tell that even in the few weeks she'd been living in London, her physical condition had deteriorated. In spite of her soreness yesterday, she had more of the energy she had always taken for granted back in Virginia. She would not admit to herself that the hope of seeing Lord Glaedon played any part in this virtuous resolution. Still, she could not suppress the feeling that had buoyed her since yesterday morning. Surely he had shown something beyond simple courtesy towards her. What that was exactly, she didn't quite dare to speculate —not yet. Her sore backside distracted her for most of the brief ride to the park, but as she neared the entrance, she finally allowed herself to consciously wonder whether Lord Glaedon would be there. Before she could summon the willpower to banish the fearful, hopeful, question, it was answered. He was waiting just outside the gates. If she had any doubts about whether he was expecting her, they were erased at once by his cheerful wave, along with his greeting.
