There, you see,Lavinia thought.I can be as cool and composed as I please. You taught me that, at least.
“Well, I suppose so,” Lady Brennon said at last. “That is a fair point. Youmight secure his feelingsstill, you know. If you were to apply yourself. Mightn’t you, Lavinia?”
Lavinia smiled faintly, glancing out of the window. The white streets of Bath zipped past, one after the other.
“Yes,” she said, guardedly. “I might.”
It was easy enough to evade Lady Brennon once they returned home. The house was chaos, with everybody trying to get up to their bedchambers to change, some wanting refreshments, some wanting to sit down, everybody wantingsomething. The long-suffering servants darted here and there, trying to take care of everyone. The Dowager Duchess glided amongst it all, the very image of a gracious host. Lavinia could not see the duke, and she was glad of that.
Once she returned to her bedchamber, Lavinia changed into a plain gown and sturdy boots. She took the back stairs – shocking, yes, but she was lucky enough not to encounter any disapproving servants and slipped out into the courtyard without incident.
I should have brought a maid,Lavinia thought wryly, and struck out towards the stables at once.
Naturally, the stables had been off-limits to her since they had arrived. Lady Brennon had been very clear on that. Ladies might ride, occasionally, with gentlemen, but they didnotfrequent stables. Stables were dirty, smelly, crowded, and the province of men.
And since this entire excursion was for Gillian’s benefit, and Gillian would not be benefited by being seen with a sister stinking of horse and covered in straw, Lavinia obeyed.
Today was the last straw, however.
Lavinia stuck her head into the stables, intending to make her way down the rows of stalls and inspecting the horses inside. She’d seen some of the horses the other guests had brought, and theyweremarvellous creatures. A hunting party had been planned for later in the week, and that would take up just about every horse in the stables. Lavinia was looking forward for the opportunity to ride. And if she chose to take a little practice run earlier, well, what of it? Her father had agreed on bringing Stepper along and so she thought that her favourite horse could do with the exercise, and so could she.
She was about to enter the stables when something caught her eye outside.
Frowning, Lavinia rounded the building, squinting at a paddock set alongside.
The paddock was empty, with the exception of one horse. Immediately, she remembered the fabulous stallion she’d seen on the way here, with the glossy black mane and the beautifully arched neck.
Sorry, Stepper,she thought with a wry smile.I’ll come back to see you soon, I promise.
Leaving the stables behind, Lavinia moved towards the paddock. She stepped up onto the lowest slat of the fence, which allowed her to rest her arms on the top of the fence, and just watched.
The creature was running round and round in circles, tossing its head. Its mane was sleek and glossy, rippling out behind it. In places, its black coat appeared almost blue, glistening and shimmering. She imagined that somebody had brushed the horse’s coat till it gleamed.
The horse paused in its galloping, tossing its head towards her. Large, dark eyes lingered on her, gleaming with intelligence. The horse was watching her, she realized.
After a moment, the horse began to troop towards her, head bobbing, eyes cautious.
Thankfully, Lavinia had planned to bring treats for the horses, and her pockets were full of sliced carrots. She withdrew one piece, holding it out carefully.
The horse paused just out of arm’s reach, watching her guardedly. Up close, he was even larger than she had thought. She could get up on Stepper’s back without a mounting block, if necessary, but not up onto this horse. He washuge.
She kept her hand steady, waiting. Horses could be skittish things, for all their size, and this particular one seemed more skittish than most.
Lavinia held her breath. After what seemed like an eternity, the horse leaned forward a few more inches, and gently picked up the piece of carrot from her palm, soft mouth lipping at her skin.
He crunched his treat, eyeing her thoughtfully. Lavinia allowed herself a small smile of triumph. She reached out to touch the horse’s nose, but he flicked his head back, ears pressing against his head, and she took the hint. Instead, she reached into her pocket for more carrots.
The horse crunched happily, coming a few steps closer. The next time that Lavinia reached out to touch his soft nose, his ears only flickered a little. He allowed it, and her heart leapt.
“Aren’t you beautiful?” she murmured.
The horse whinnied gently.
And then a man’s voice, frantic with fear, cut through the silence. The stallion’s ears flattened against his head again.
“What on earth are you doing, you foolish girl? Whatever you do, don’t touch that horse!Don’t touch that horse!”
Chapter Fifteen
