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“Astride for me, of course, side for you, I’m afraid. But my mother found it comfortable because she didn’t have to worry about controlling the horse. My father took care of that.”
“Do you think it’s appropriate for us to ride that way? Given the…circumstances?”
“What circumstances would those be? We’re chaperoned. There’s no harm.”
“It’s already clear that Lord Evan thinks you’re courting me, Daniel.”
“It is, is it?” He smiled at her. She was so adorable when she was pretending to care what others thought. He knew the truth.
“Well, of course it is.”
“Is he courting your sister?”
“Of course not. This is just a simple friendly outing. She would have told me if he… He probably hasn’t spoken to our father…”
Daniel lifted the large leather saddle. “What is the difference between what they’re doing this afternoon and what we’re doing?”
“Well, they’re riding separate horses.”
“Because Rose loves to ride. You may certainly ride your own horse, Lily, but you seem uncomfortable with the idea.”
“I’m not uncomfortable exactly. It’s just that I don’t really want to ride astride with others. I’ve always done it alone, and my dress will ride up my legs, and—”
“In that case, maybe you should have your own horse. I wouldn’t mind looking at your legs all afternoon.”
“Daniel…”
“Come now, this isn’t the decision of the century. I love to ride, and I want to share it with you. It seems the easiest way for me to do that is for you to ride Midnight with me.”
“All right, if you think it’s suitable.”
“I think it’s perfectly fine. And I’ll get the added pleasure of being close to you.” He stole a quick kiss. “I’ve missed you.”
“You just saw me this morning.”
“I know.” He kissed her once more. “You wait here for Xavier and Rose. They’ll be coming around from the guest stables. I’ll saddle Midnight.”
* * *
Lily settled against Daniel’s chest as Midnight trotted away from the stables. Rose and Evan rode side by side, behind them. Daniel held the reins with one hand, keeping his other arm around Lily’s waist. Snuggling back against him felt warm and wonderful. He was right. She was much more comfortable this way. So comfortable, in fact, that she wanted to lean against Daniel’s hard muscled chest forever. God help her.
“We’re coming up to a jump, Lily,” he said into her neck. “Should I warn your sister?”
“Goodness, no. She can jump in her sleep. Watch her. You’ll be amazed.”
Midnight took the two foot jump with ease and Lily was hardly jarred. Daniel turned to the side to watch Rose, and then Evan, handle the jump expertly.
“You are certainly graceful on horseback, my lady,” Daniel said to Rose.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I suppose it’s my compensation for not being blessed with Lily’s artistic talent.”
“Don’t listen to her,” Lily said. “She may not be able to draw a straight line, but she plays the pianoforte like an angel. Music is just another type of art, Rose. I myself never had the patience for it.”
“I would love to hear you play sometime,” Evan said.
“I’ve been playing in the main parlor most mornings. I’d like to ask Her Grace if I could play the grand in the conservatory. It’s magnificent.”
“Play it anytime you wish,” Daniel said. “In fact, why don’t you play for the three of us sometime?”
