Masquerade Secrets by Janelle Daniels

and let him win. Oh no, she would make him work for the win and know that she wasn’t about to give up just because of his station. She would challenge him.
    Nearing the tree at the bottom of the second hill, her sweet horse gave all that she had. In the end it wasn’t enough, but it didn’t matter that she hadn’t won. When the duke gave a hearty laugh, one that was full-hearted and carefree, she felt as if she had.
    Jumping off of his horse, he reached out to her to help her dismount. “I think that was the most fun I’ve had in some time. Thank you.” He was only slightly out of breath from the race.
    “It was my pleasure.” An answering smile curved her lips. “I had hoped to win, of course, but I can’t be disappointed with how much my horse gave.”
    “No, indeed. I was quite surprised myself at how fast she ran. Not to mention your underhanded tactics in the take off.” His hands remained on around her waist a tad longer than was necessary, but she didn’t mind. In all honesty, she wished they had remained there longer. “In fact, I am quite scandalized.”
    A laugh escaped her lips. “I’m afraid had you known me a bit better, my lord, you would not be quite as surprised.”
    “Truly?”
    She nodded with a smile. “I enjoy competition and take every opportunity to have the upper hand if possible.”
    His brow rose as he looked at her appraisingly.
    “Unfortunately, I am telling the truth,” she laughed, correctly reading his thoughts. “You may ask my sister, for she has had the brunt of my cunning at times.”
    Laughing, he shook his head slightly. “I believe I might have to test this claim, perhaps later with a game of cards.”
    She sighed dramatically. “Well, I tried to warn you, Your Grace. If I should win at cards, I will remind you that you were warned in advance.”
    Another laugh escaped him. “Do you mind if we walk a bit? After that race I believe they deserve a rest.” He gestured to the horses.
    “Not at all. I think my legs might enjoy the exercise as well. I haven’t ridden like that in some time. At least not since we’ve been in town.”
    “Hyde Park doesn’t allow such racing,” he agreed.
    “Certainly not. If we had raced like that, I don’t doubt that we would have killed someone.”
    He took hold of his horse’s bridle and walked beside her. “We could have killed someone here. The competition was that fierce.”
    She couldn’t help but laugh. “And it will be just as fierce if we ever race again. I warn you, Your Grace, I shall always try to win, no matter how much your horse might outclass mine.” She thought for a moment. “Perhaps I shall race a stallion next time.”
    He stopped and looked at her in astonishment before chuckling. “For a moment I thought you were serious.”
    “I was.” She laughed as he sputtered. Taking pity on his obvious distressed she soothed, “While I might enjoy the challenge, I rather enjoy my neck the way it is. I don’t think I will be riding a stallion any time in the future.”
    “And I am grateful to hear it.”
    She laughed again, reaching up to give her horse’s neck a brisk rub.
    “Why have we never done this before?”
    His question completely caught her off guard. Turning to look at him, she saw him watching her. “What do you mean?”
    “Well, we have known each other for such a long time. I feel as if I should know you better.” He hesitated for a moment. “You’re much more than I realized.”
    She laughed humorlessly.
    He reached out to touch her arm, stopping her from walking any further. “Forgive me. That came out wrong.”
    She shook her head. “No. I understand. You courted my friend for so long, and I’ve stayed on the edges of the ballroom. Not many men have taken the time to get to know me.” She wasn’t bitter about it; it was just a fact.
    “Our mistakes.”
    The look he gave her was full of sincerity and she wanted to melt.
    “Well, I appreciate that, Your Grace.” She gave him a