Page 54 of How to Capture a Duke

Tristan lowered Alexander and ruffled Catherine’s hair. “You’re right. It wasn’t fair. How about I take all of us to Gunter’s?”

Catherine took his hand. “When?”

“Now. That is if it’s all right with your aunt?”

Both children turned to her, expectant looks on their adorable faces. “Can we?” Catherine asked.

“Say yes, Auntie Olivia!” Alexander urged.

“Say yes,” Tristan added.

Her gaze moved from the children to the approval flashing in the duke’s eyes. Her chest tightened. The heart was tricky and had a mind of its own. If a woman wasn’t careful, it could easily be crushed.

…

“Orange ice is my favorite,” Catherine said.

“Lemon is mine,” Alexander added.

“What do you l…l-ike?” Tristan asked Olivia.

Olivia picked up her spoon and sampled her unusual but savory flavor. “Parmesan.”

Tristan winked. “Good choice. Mine as well.”

They sat in wire-backed chairs in the famous confectioner’s shop and enjoyed their treats. Olivia couldn’t help but stare at her husband. Just like when they had raced their hoops, he was remarkably at ease—charming and likable. She was totally entranced by this compelling side of him. She studied his profile, the lean, chiseled features, the dark hair and sun-bronzed skin, and she felt like a breathless girl of eighteen again.

“Father bought me a pony,” Alexander said.

“Has your Aunt Olivia seen it? From what I recall, she likes fast horses.” Tristan looked at her, and she felt a curious sweeping pull in her stomach.

Everyone was watching her and waiting for her answer. “I have seen him. Alexander named him Henry for one of his friends.”

Tristan nodded. “A fine name for a horse.”

“What did you name your favorite horse?” Alexander asked.

“Atlas,” Olivia answered. “He’s the most beautiful stallion I’ve ever set eyes upon.”

Catherine wrinkled her nose. “I don’t like horses. They frighten me.”

“It depends on the horse. Some are quite friendly and like children. Others, not so much,” Tristan said.

“What about Atlas?” Catherine asked.

“He’s a handful,” Tristan said.

“I bet my Auntie Olivia can ride him,” Alexander boasted.

“I’ll k…k-eep that in mind,” Tristan said.

They finished their ices and pushed back their chairs. Once they were back in the carriage, Tristan surprised them when he announced they would go shopping for Alexander’s train.

Alexander bounced on the carriage bench. “You are the best duke!”

“His name is ‘Your Grace,’” Catherine said. “He told me to call him by his Christian name, but Mama made me swear to address him by his title.”

“If your mama is not here, y…y-ou may call me Tristan.”