The crowd moved towards the horses, but to Dominic’s surprise, Charlotte did not move with them. She raised an eyebrow at him expectantly.
“I assume you were thinking the same thing I was?” Charlotte nodded towards the throng of people and the startling horses.
“That we would be swifter to saddle our own mounts than fight the crowd?” Dominic asked.
“Exactly.” Charlotte made her way towards the stables, and Dominic followed her, gesturing towards one of the nearby stable boys.
“Tell me, which of these have the most steady temperament?” Dominic asked.
“That mare and that gelding. More reliable horses you will not find, sir.” The boy doffed his cap and bowed. “I would say they would suit you both well.”
“Excellent. Would you help the lady prepare her horse?” Dominic gestured to Charlotte, who was already busying herself with preparations.Those damn lady’s saddles can be rather cumbersome.
“Of course, Your Grace.” The boy scampered after Charlotte and began helping her.
Dominic grabbed what he would need, made his way to the black gelding the boy had indicated, and began saddling him, murmuring to him while he did so. He heard voices behind him and guessed that several of the guests had had similar ideas to him.
How many of them will know how to saddle their own horse? At least not without a groom’s aid.Dominic smiled in satisfaction. He had made sure to learn how to do such a things, after all, one never knew when such skills would come in handy.
He led his horse into the yard and was accosted by Cecily, who was in tears.
“Cousin! What on Earth is the matter?” he asked.
“It is nothing, I am just being silly.” Cecily sniffled. “I am just so sick of losing these events.”
“But you know how to saddle a horse. You have been riding since we were children.”
“It hardly matters if there is no tack left.” Cecily gestured to the tack room. “Apparently there were only two lady’s saddles, and both have been taken.”
The sound of soft hoofbeats behind him caused Dominic to turn around, and he saw Charlotte walking towards them, a curious expression on her face.
“What has happened?” Charlotte asked.
“It seems there were only a limited amount of lady’s saddles, and Cecily is without one.” Dominic glanced towards his grandmother, who was eyeing them, and a sneaking suspicion formed in his mind.
“Well, why not take my steed?” Charlotte placed the reins of her horse in Cecily’s hand and took a step back.
“And what will you do?” Cecily frowned.
“She will ride with me, of course,” Dominic replied. “It is no great distance.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened momentarily in surprise, but to Dominic’s relief, she hid her feelings well. She beamed at Cecily and said, “It will give Dominic and me a chance to be close to one another.”
Cecily grinned at them. “Well, then I gladly accept your gracious offer. Though do not be surprised if your kindness is your undoing in the end!”
“You sound like Lady Andrea,” Charlotte laughed.
“No doubt she is already at the next obstacle.”
“Probably. But I am sure we shall have plenty of time to catch up.”
“Not if you all stand their chattering like old fishermen’s wives!” the Dowager Duchess called to them.
Dominic laughed and mounted his horse then reached down a hand towards Charlotte. For a moment, she looked hesitant.
“I do not bite, I promise.” He grinned.
She rolled her eyes at him. “I was simply wondering what the best approach to this would be.”
