A laugh escaped Edwina’s lips at their banter, and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth.
Pushing back his chair, her uncle declared, “I think it is about time for a glass of port. Gentlemen, would you care to join me?”
As her cousin and Lord Hilgrove followed suit, her aunt caught Edwina’s gaze and inquired, “Did you plan to read this evening?”
“I did,” Edwina replied. “Is that all right?”
Her aunt’s expression softened. “You don’t need my permission. You are welcome to read anytime you wish.”
“Thank you,” Edwina expressed as she pushed back her chair. “Goodnight, Aunt Catherine.”
“Goodnight, my dear,” her aunt responded.
While Edwina departed from the dining room, she found herself eager for her nightly routine. There was a particular joy in changing into something more comfortable and indulging in her favorite pastime- reading. These quiet times reminded her of how she used to spend time with her father.
The sun had just peeked over the horizon as Miles sat atop his horse on a hill that overlooked Brockhall Manor. He had always enjoyed waking up early, giving him the opportunity to take time for himself without all the distractions. Although, as of late, his thoughts stewed in his mind, making it rather unbearable to find solace even in the quiet dawn.
He shouldn’t be here, he thought. He should be back at his estate, working on his accounts and ensuring his tenants werebeing taken care of. Why was he wasting his time here? Bennett was trying to help him, but he was past hope. Broken. No one could help him overcome what he had been through.
A sudden movement in the distance diverted his troubled thoughts. He watched as Lady Edwina raced across the fields with poise, despite her breakneck speed. She didn’t slow her horse as she veered towards the woodlands.
Miles gripped the reins tighter in his hands, concerned for her safety. The woodlands were treacherous, even with a marked trail, and such reckless speed could lead to injury. At least, that was his experience of the woodlands on his lands.
But it was none of his business. How Edwina rode her horse shouldn’t matter to him so why did his eyes remain on the path that she had taken?
Botheration.
He should return his horse to the stables and leave well enough alone. However, he was unable to do so. He felt compelled to ensure that Edwina was well. An unforeseen desire to protect her seemed to cloud his judgment, leaving him with one option.
Miles kicked his horse into a run and headed towards the woodlands. Once he arrived at the trail where Edwina had disappeared, he eased his horse into a slower pace entering the woods. The trees formed a natural canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows that heightened the contrast between light and darkness in the early morning.
Moving along the path, Miles couldn’t help but be entranced by the serene beauty that unfolded around him. Sunlight filtered through the foliage, creating a mesmerizing dance of shadows on the forest floor.
Up ahead, he saw Edwina’s horse before he saw her. She was sitting on a large rock, her gaze fixed on a gently meandering stream. She remained unaware of his presence, lost in contemplation with her back turned towards him.
Now that he confirmed that Edwina was safe, the sensiblechoice would be to leave and allow her the tranquility of the moment.
But something stopped him, and it was that something that caused him to dismount his horse.
Keeping a firm hold on the reins in his hand, he walked towards Edwina, a keen awareness of the potential consequences if anyone discovered them alone in the woodlands.
Edwina didn’t seem to notice his presence as he approached. He didn’t want to scare the poor girl, so he said in a soft voice, “Lady Edwina.”
She gasped as she quickly moved off the rock, creating more distance between them. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.
“I saw you entering the woodlands and I wanted to ensure you were all right,” Miles said, knowing how absurd he sounded at the moment. Why had he thought this was a good idea?
“As you can see, I am well,” Edwina stated. “You may go.”
Miles nodded. “I would be remiss if I did not tell you that you ride your horse far too recklessly and I would encourage you to use some restraint, especially when entering the woodlands.”
She offered him a shy smile. “You wouldn’t be the first person to tell me so, but I do thank you for your concern.”
“How did you learn to ride like that?” Miles asked.
“My father said I was in the saddle before I could walk,” Edwina shared. “I have always had a fascination with horses.”
Miles studied Edwina for a moment. She seemed much more forthright than usual, as if the woodlands gave her strength.
