“I’m not used to being in situations where I’m frightened,” she explained. “I am used to a safe, structured world that I do not deviate from.”
Had I pushed her too hard? Glancing around, I realized that I had basically trapped her in a small space with an animal she was afraid of, and a man who should not enjoy her throwing her arms around as much I did. I was a cad. “Forgive me. We can return inside if you are at all uncomfortable.”
“No, I want to be here. I like a challenge.”
Champion behaved for her until she finished his other side. I did not insist on a full grooming because I wanted to try something else.
“How do you feel about greeting a second horse? A mare that you could work up to riding?”
She smiled, and the sight left me a little breathless. What was coming over me?
“Unless Augusta wants to ride with me, I don’t think it would be appropriate.”
“Augusta rides often, but her newly found attention to her studies have kept her busy. I would not be surprised if she asks you to ride with her soon.”
“In that case, which horse do you suggest?”
“One a little less spirited than Champion,” I said, leading her from the stall. I latched Champion’s door and pointed to a tame mare. “This is Duchess.”
“What about this horse?” Miss Lewis passed Duchess and stood in front of a second shorter mare. “She looks lovely. What is her name?”
“Ah, you found Nana.” I stepped up beside her and rubbed her pale, creamy nose. “Interesting choice. You have claimed the oldest, fattest, and ugliest horse we own.”
“I have?”
“She’s called Nana because she is the grandmother of the stables.”
“Nana . . .” She cleared her throat. “I am exceptionally good at picking the perfect names. I did not think it would extend to horses.”
I could only guess at what she meant. “She’s a Welsh cob. I assume you prefer her shorter height.”
Miss Lewis lifted her hand to greet Nana. “I suppose I could try Duchess, if you think she is a better choice.”
I motioned Miss Lewis over to a stall. “You can be the judge.”
Miss Lewis greeted Duchess this time. I leaned back and let her take her time deciding. Nothing on my agenda seemed as important to me right now as helping Miss Lewis select her horse. She did not need me to rescue her now, or even persist at staying by her side, but there was nowhere else I wanted to be. Even though I had no business spending time with her, I wanted to help her find her safe world again—one that did not include smothering high walls but room to breathe and try new things. I had had the smallest glimpse into her past, and I had invested myself in her cause without asking. How could I turn away from those beautiful brown eyes and her innocent, charming smiles?
Or perhaps she was the one aiding me. I felt more content beside her than I had for as long as I could remember.
Chapter 21
Estelle
Nora yanked the brush through my hair and I yelped. “Nora! Are you trying to make me bald?”
“Sorry, miss.” I saw her grimace through my mirror. “I’m all in a dither over this dinner party ‘o yers. Ye were supposed to be a governess and not be seen by Society. Now look at ye. Yer all fancied up and bound ta be recognized.”
I tilted my head enough to see the door, assuring myself it was shut tight, even though I knew it was. Certain conversations could not be overheard. “You worry too much,” I told her. “Who would recognize me in this small country town? We are hundreds of miles from Northamptonshire. Besides, my own neighbors rarely ever saw me back home.” I was never like Augusta, wandering around outside on my own. Though, being around her and her brother had made me want to be more that way.
Nora huffed. “That’s beside the point. Ye promised me that ye’d be careful!”
“I did and I assure you, I will be on my guard.”
Neither of us wanted to cut short our time at Rosemont. I could tell that Nora was happy here. She’d told me how kind the other staff were to her, and I had caught her humming a time or two. She had not hummed in years.
As for me, Rosemont was beginning to feel like a second home. Here, I was needed and useful, and I daresay, appreciated. Even Lord Camden had gone to great lengths to befriend me in past days. He had accompanied Augusta and me on several walks and stayed late in the drawing room in the evening to play games or visit with us.
I did not dare admit to Nora how giddy I was for the night’s plans. I hadn’t attended many dinner parties, and they had all been uncomfortable and overly serious settings. With Augusta’s company, the night was sure to be exciting. And the atmosphere of Lady Timbrell’s home promised a night of entertainment. I didn’t want to think about whether it was wise for me to go. As imperfect as my situation was, the parts of my life that were missing before seemed to be piecing themselves together again.
