The next day, Hartley delayedgetting dressed as long as he dared. He didn’t want to meet Lady Harriet today, but he was powerless to control his desire for her. While he wanted to be with her beyond anything he’d ever wanted before, how could he expose her to his beastly self, especially since he never knew when he’d suffer another attack? He’d never been violent during an attack, but what if he lashed out and she was on the other end of his fury? How could he live with himself if he hurt her in any way? He pushed the covers back and jumped out of bed.
“Seaford!”
His valet stuck his head out of the dressing room. “Do you require something, my lord?”
“Yes. I’m riding out this morning.”
“Very good, sir. I’ll get your clothes ready.”
Jon washed and shaved while Seaford laid out tan breeches, a white linen shirt, and his hunter-green jacket. He knew he should wear a waistcoat and cravat, but that would signal to the young lady that he’d taken the time to dress like a proper gentleman before meeting her. The last thing he wanted was for her to think she had any influence over his life.
Because she most assuredly did not.
“Would you like your coffee and toast now?” Seaford asked after helping Jon with his boots.
Could his valet see how anxious he was? He didn’t want him to know that despite all his reservations, he was looking forward to seeing Lady Harriet today.
“Yes. I’ll take it in my study.” He couldn’t stop warring with himself. No, he didn’t want to see her. Yes, he did want to see her. He knew which side would win as he left his bedchamber and went to his study.
Seaford was back in no time with his coffee and toast. “Anything else, my lord?”
“No.”
Jon wanted to take his time eating and enjoying his coffee, but he was too restless. He had to see her. After a couple of bites of toast and a few sips of coffee, he bolted out of the house and quickly made his way to the stables.
The groom was just finishing checking the saddle straps on Zeus. “He’s all set for you, my lord.”
Jon merely grunted before mounting his stallion. He raced out of the stable yard as if a band of demons pursued him, but his only demons were his own conflicted mind and how the war had changed his perspective on the world. So many things seemed frivolous and silly to him now. When you’ve faced down the enemy with a sword aimed at your heart, you know what’s important. Society had no idea how ridiculous their rules and traditions were. None of them really mattered in the grand scheme of things.
He raced across the field. Had he waited too long? Even though he shouldn’t wish it, would Lady Harriet be there waiting for him?
Come on, Zeus! We cannot be late. I must see her today.
As he approached the property line, he puffed out a breath, relieved to see the young lady there atop her mare. When she noticed him, she waved. Against his better judgment, he waved back. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if he enjoyed her company for a little while. It wasn’t like he was proposing to her or anything. He was merely enjoying a ride with her.
Yes, that’s all I’m doing. A quick ride together, and I’m done. I won’t seek her company again.
“Lord Hartley, I wasn’t sure you’d come today,” she said.
He bowed his head. “My apologies for being late.” It was the first time in a long time that he’d apologized for anything. He’d been so bitterly stuck in his ways for years that he’d forgotten about the simple joys in life—like when someone was happy to see him. It was a new feeling, and he rather liked it, although he’d never admit it to anyone.
“Will you ride with me?” Harriet asked. “There’s a lovely stream not too far from here where we can water the horses.”
“Lead the way, my lady.”
However, before they could turn their horses toward the stream, her mare came too close to Zeus’s flank, and the stallion lunged at her with his teeth bared. Spooked, the mare took off, galloping across the field with Harriet clinging to the reins, trying to bring the horse under control.
Jon got his stallion back under control and raced after the out-of-control horse. The mare was racing toward the woods, and Harriet was struggling to remain in the saddle. He had to reach her before a tree branch unseated her and she was thrown from the horse. His heart was pounding as Zeus ate up the distance.
Come on, boy. Run like you’ve never run before.
When he was finally beside the frightened mare, he reached out, grabbed Harriet around the waist, and hauled her onto his lap.
“You’re safe now. I’ve got you,” he said, holding her tight against him.
Harriet looked at him with wild eyes. “I couldn’t get her under control,” she cried. “She was too frightened.”
Zeus finally slowed to a walk, and Jon ran his hands down her back, arms, and legs. “You’re safe now; I’ve got you. Are you hurt?”
