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They arrived at the stable, and a groom brought out Miss Locke’s chestnut gelding. Guy waved the groom away. “Allow me.”
He intertwined his fingers and leaned over. She slipped her boot into his hands, and he effortlessly lifted her up onto her horse.
As she situated herself on the side saddle, her horse whinnied and reared up, and she was upended off the back. She landed on her back with a thud and had the sense to roll to the side to avoid the horse’s powerful hind legs.
The groom rushed out to restrain her gelding as Guy crouched down next to her. “Are you all right, Miss Locke?”
She was taking shallow breaths and looked panicked.
“Just try to relax,” he encouraged, placing his hand on her sleeve. “Your breathing will return to normal in a few moments.”
He could see her visibly relax, and she leaned closer to him. After what felt like hours but was probably only moments, he heard her breathing become steady.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, his eyes roaming over her face.
She gave him a weak smile. “I’m afraid only my pride took a hit.”
He found himself greatly relieved by her admission. “It is good to be knocked down a peg or two every so often,” he said with a teasing smile.
“Cousin!” Phineas shouted as he ran towards Miss Locke. “I saw the whole thing while I was riding my horse.” He dropped down next to her. “Are you hurt?”
She shook her head. “I am not.”
“We should get you inside and call for the doctor,” Phineas said.
“That isn’t necessary,” Miss Locke argued as she sat up. “I only have a few scrapes and bruises.”
Guy removed his hand from her sleeve. “I must agree with your cousin, which is something I never thought I would say. I think it would be best if a doctor examined you.”
Miss Locke met his gaze. “If you think that would be best.”
“I do,” he replied.
As she attempted to rise, she faltered slightly, and Guy didn’t hesitate to scoop her up in his arms. “I think it might be wise if I carry you back to the manor,” he remarked.
Phineas put his arms out. “I should be the one who carries her back to the manor.”
“I have her,” Guy said firmly, having no desire to let Miss Locke go.
A displeased look came to Phineas’ face, but he didn’t argue. “Follow me, then.”
Miss Locke glanced up at Guy. “If you will let me down, I am sure I can walk now.”
“There is no need,” he replied. “It is my privilege to carry you.”
“I feel foolish being carried like this,” she muttered.
“You were just upended from your horse,” he said. “I am sure your grandmother would prefer to err on the side of caution.”
Miss Locke nodded. “I imagine she would.”
Guy tightened his hold on Miss Locke, and he marveled at how perfectly she fit into his arms, as if she had always belonged there.
As Mr. Stewartgently placed her on the settee in the drawing room, Daphne immediately felt the loss of contact. She had enjoyed being in his strong, comforting arms. It felt a little bit like home.
Before she could thank him, her cousin spoke up, directing his comments towards Mr. Stewart. “Thank you for what you did, but it is time for you to go,” he said in a steely tone.
“You don’t have to go just yet,” Daphne rushed out. “Do you?”
