Harriet felt her affection for her friends wash over her, filling her chest with warmth even as it sent a pang of pain through her.When will I see you all again?“I promise, I will write as often as I can. Though I suspect I will have rather a lot to do.”
Catherine gave Harriet a solemn look. “It will take you some time to find your feet, but I am sure you will manage it.”
“I wish I shared your confidence.” Harriet swallowed as she took in Catherine’s thoughtful expression. “I feel rather out of my depth.”
“Phoebe saw something in you, Hettie. Just as the rest of us do.” Catherine pulled her into a hug and whispered. “You have so much to offer them both, trust your heart. It will all work out.”
“But what if I am no good at any of this?” Harriet whispered back, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at her. “What if this is all a terrible mistake?”
“If I have learned anything from my experience with Alaric, it is that none of us really knows what we are doing. The best we can hope for is to do our best and learn from our mistakes.” Catherine squeezed her tightly and then released her. “And you will have me to lean on. I know a thing or two about being a duchess, and raising children who are not my blood.”
But I am not you.Harriet nodded, and something of her thoughts must have shown on her face for Catherine added. “It is a big responsibility, but your shoulders are strong enough to bear it. You are clever and kind.”
Harriet swallowed and turned, and found herself staring up at Theodore. His blue eyes blazed in the morning light, and in his efforts with the horses, his hair had been mussed. She realizedshe had been reaching towards a stray lock on his forehead and hastily moved her hand to her own neck instead.
“I wanted to make sure you were all right.” Theodore’s tone made it clear he was addressing everyone, but he did not take his eyes from Harriet.
“Yes,” Harriet replied.
“Good.” Theodore adjusted the lapels of his jacket and gestured to the carriage behind them. “Then we shall take our leave of you, Duchess, Lady Fiona, Lady Louisa.”
“Good travels, Your Grace.” Catherine and Harriet’s other friends curtseyed.
Harriet glanced at them once more, wanting to hold the image of them in their finest, eyes brimming with happy tears and smiles on their faces. Then she fell into step beside Theodore as they made their way towards the carriage.
“I have spoken to the driver and made my displeasure clear. The horses should not have been left unattended, even for a moment,” Theodore said as they walked, his eyes narrowing as he looked at waiting carriage. “Thankfully, I always arrange two drivers, lest something happen to the first. Though it will mean stopping earlier than I had planned.”
“At least no one was hurt.” Harriet saw the tension in Theodore’s jaw, his anger palpable – she remembered the way he had strodetowards the horses and the fear she had felt. “For a moment… I … It is good that you are as strong as you look.”
The corner of Theodore’s lip twitched and he glanced at her, one eyebrow slightly raised. “You were concerned for me?”
“I would be worried about anyone in that situation. I have seen stablehands badly hurt trying to calm a spooked horse.” Harriet caught sight of an expression she could not quite name on Theodore’s face.Disappointment?But that made no sense.
“It was a risk, but better I suffer a minor injury than anyone else come to serious harm.” Theodore shrugged.
“I had not expected you to be so good with horses.” The image of Theodore gently stroking the creatures was so at odds with the cool, practical man standing in front of her, and yet she could not keep it from her mind.Which one is the real man?“I mean, I know men of your station are often skilled riders, but that does not necessarily mean they know how to calm their mounts.”
“Some men see their horses as little more than a clockwork engine, they do not see them as living creatures. They do not respect them, only use them.” She saw his jaw tense and then relax just for a moment. “Short sighted and foolish. The best riders are the ones who understand their horses. You are far less likely to be thrown if you can calm your horse, and you can only do such a thing if you take the time to learn about them. If you see them as worthy.”
Harriet felt something stir deep inside of her as she watched Theodore’s face. It slipped for a second, disdain clear as day, but a moment later, it was gone. She tilted her head, as he massaged his jaw, a softness in the motion that reminded her of grass rustling in an autumn breeze.
He continued. “Besides, I have always found horses rather more straightforward than people. Once you understand them, they are easy enough to read.”
“I feel much the same. There is something rather soothing about them.” Harriet fingered the necklace around her neck absently. “Though, I try my best to be respectful of them as well.”
“A sensible approach.” Theodore flicked his fingers towards the groom who rushed to open the carriage door.
Harriet could not help but glance back at her friends who began to wave encouragingly at her. Her shoulders eased, even as her stomach burbled a warning grumble.
“You will miss them.” Theodore had clearly been watching her.
“I will.” Harriet turned back to face him. “They are more like sisters to me.”
He was watching her with that same look that made her feel as though she was a book he was idly thumbing through. She managed to meet his gaze without backing away. “Thank you.”
Theodore arched an eyebrow, his lips thinning ever so slightly and Harriet added, “I know you were eager to begin our journey, it means a lot that you did not rush me or hurry me.”
Theodore’s lip twitched, but Harriet did not know what it meant. She saw his fingers slip from the horse beside them, his blue eyes unfocused and distant as though he were looking at something Harriet could not see. “Goodbyes are important.”
