Natalie cast a meaningful glance at Hadrian. “Something tells me you’re reliving your own childhood through Leo.”

He gave her a slightly sheepish look. “He deserves to be happy after losing his parents.”

“Where did you find such a fine, well-behaved pony?”

“Tattersall’s—it’s a horse auctioneer not far from here, at Hyde Park Corner.” He watched her with a hint of wariness. “You don’t mind, then?”

She shook her head. “I don’t want Leo to be pampered, but riding is an important skill for a boy to learn. And he’s certainly old enough to begin.”

Hadrian’s expression eased, his gaze becoming warm and penetrating. “I recall you mentioning that you like to ride, too. Why don’t you join me here in the park one morning? I’ve the perfect spirited mare for you in the stable, and I’m sure Lizzy has a habit you can borrow.”

Yearning flooded Natalie with the wish to gallop down Rotten Row, to feel the wind on her face and the power of a fine mount beneath her. As a girl, she’d even occasionally ridden bareback on her father’s farm, but of course that would be far too hoydenish behavior here. Nevertheless, it seemed like forever since she’d ridden purely for pleasure. Forever since she’d done so with a handsome gentleman who made her heart race.

But it would be a mistake to encourage Hadrian. He must have a reason for flirting with her. Since it couldn’t possibly be marriage, that left only seduction. The very thought made her feel altogether too breathless.

She glanced at Leo, who had distributed all the bread crumbs and was now collecting stones along the bank and putting them into the empty sack. “I’m afraid that’s impossible. I mustn’t neglect Leo’s studies. He’s already had far too much disruption in his life.”

“So you’ll continue to hide in the nursery, hm?”

The rough vibration of humor in the duke’s voice brought her head whipping back toward him. “I’m not hiding.” Seeing the corner of his mouth curl in a knowing smile, she murmured, “All right, then, I am trying to keep my distance. I have no interest in engaging in a … a sordid affair.”

“Nor have I.” He stepped closer, his eyes caressing her face. “I can’t imagine anything between us ever being sordid.”

Nor could she. His seduction would be conducted with gentlemanly finesse, with passionate kisses and tempting touches. Heavens, it was herself she didn’t trust. Even now, she longed to feel his lips on hers, his hands on her body.

She glanced out over the lake for a moment, trying to draw calm from the serene blue water, before returning her resolute gaze to him. “You’re perfectly aware that I’ve a weakness for you, Hadrian. However, I also know that noblemen regard seducing women as a game.”

He reached for her gloved hand and raised it to his lips. “This is no game, Natalie, I promise you that. My intentions toward you are honorable.”

Oh, those eyes. The sunlight picked out flecks of blue in the deep, gray depths. When he looked at her like that she was ready to believe every word he uttered even though it had to be nonsense. She felt the pulse of that ever-present bond between them, eroding her willpower and inviting her to forget all the reasons why he was so dangerous to her. The firm clasp of his fingers radiated a persuasive appeal. She could almost taste his kiss, feel the rasp of his cheek against hers, relish the stroke of his fingers between her legs …