Page 10 of The Gentlewoman Companion

She laughed again. “I am intact. No need to quiddle.”

“I’m not, but I should be, whatever…whatever ‘quiddling’ is. That was the most reckless—You are a beginner!”

Flushed and grinning, she said, “I almost can’t believe I did that, but the idea would not loosen its grip.”

“I can hardly believe you will walk away alive!” He breathed heavily, words failing to articulate his fury. Did she not understand he was accountable for her safety?

“You made it sound so difficult, but the trick is balance and absorbing the jump. It was the perfect adventure for today.”

Not a bit of regret traced her face. Impertinent. She was as disrespectful as the toothless woman begging for tuppence.

“Miss Thorpe, promise me you will never do something so rash again,” he said. “If you are determined to repeat that, it will not be on one of my horses. I could never forgive myself if I had to return to my mother and explain how I’d failed in my responsibility to look after your well-being.” He stared at her until she blinked and looked at her hands.

“You are right, coss.”

He blew out a sigh. “Thank you. Frankly, I have never been so frightened in all my life.” His heart still thudded her death march.

“That was the point.” She looked into his face, blue eyes piercing his. “To be a little frightened. To feel a little thrill. To feel alive. But without yer superb direction, I am sure it would have ended in disaster.”

He stared at her for a moment, dumbfounded. Miss Thorpe was not what he had expected. He eventually came to himself, dismounted, and extended his hand to help her from Daisy.

“I am truly sorry I frightened you. Don’t be angry.” Her gaze remained fixed on him, hopeful.

If she was waiting for him to accept her apology, she would be disappointed. “See that you don’t do it again.”

She nodded, turned her back to him, and walked toward the house. When almost out of sight, she began skipping and threw both arms in the air. With his terror subsiding, a small smile tugged his lips. Perhaps he did feel a little more alive after all.