Page 58 of One Night with an Earl

“I’m not a lady.” Not anymore.

“You are more of a lady than any of the others in that big manor house.”

…

“Minerva is in love with Aidan, but Benjamin offered her father a cow in exchange for her hand. Her father agreed,” Ana said.

A flash of surprise crossed Oliver’s face. “A cow?”

They were standing alone behind a barn, and the odor from a pig wallowing in mud made her wrinkle her nose. Oliver had joined her here after she’d indicated she wanted a word in private.

“That was my reaction. Can you help her?” Ana asked.

“I spent the past half hour trying to prevent fisticuffs between Benjamin and Aidan. Neither man mentioned a cow.”

“Those two are beyond thinking rationally.”

He looked at her in astonishment. “I don’t know what is more surprising: that I have failed or that you have succeeded splendidly. I’m fortunate you found me this afternoon and even more grateful you accompanied me here. This is more easily remedied than I thought,” Oliver said.

“What will you do?”

A devilish smile curved his lips. “Respect a lady’s heart.”

Chapter Twenty-One

They rode back together. After their afternoon sojourn, there was an easy camaraderie between them. Perhaps it was the lovely blue sky and pleasant weather. Or perhaps it was him. Either way, Ana felt happy.

Suddenly, she had an impish urge to race, like when she was a girl riding over these same fields. She eyed him beneath lowered lashes. “What do you think about a race, my lord?”

He cocked a brow. “A competition?”

“First to make it to the large oak around the bend wins.”

Without waiting for his reply, she accelerated to a gallop, flashing him a challenging smile as she passed. She heard his shout but didn’t look back.

Too soon, with the sleek power of his stallion, he easily passed her. Her mare followed. He was an expert rider, and she enjoyed watching him as much as she enjoyed the thrill of the race.

She hadn’t felt this alive since…since her venture to the Silver Chalice. By the time she slowed, she was panting.

“It wasn’t a fair race with that stallion of yours,” she said.

He chuckled. “Perhaps. But you are an excellent horsewoman. What other secrets are you hiding?”

Too many. Her smile faded a bit. Growing up riding Rosedown’s prized horses was just one part of her past. The secrets that had kept her safe for years sprang to mind. Tell him just enough of the truth, nothing more.

She shrugged. “I grew up near a horse farm.”

His dark eyes watched her. “In Hertfordshire?”

He was prying. “Close by but not near.” It was the vaguest answer she could think of. From the flash in his gaze, she knew he wanted to inquire, but they were near the stables now.

Ana urged her horse down a slope and into the yard. A stableboy ran out to take their mounts. Once more, Oliver helped her dismount, then offered his arm. Ana rested her fingers on his sleeve. Even through her gloves, she could feel the strength and warmth in his forearm.

“Will you tell me how Minerva fares?” she asked.

“I spoke with her father and Benjamin. I offered both men compensation to release Minerva of her betrothal to Benjamin.”

“May I ask what compensation?”