When Tabitha had stepped inside the stables yesterday, she never dreamed she’d be on a horse today. In fact, if someone had warned her how quickly it would happen, she’d have run back to the castle and hid in her chamber.
“Shall we trot?”
It didn’t matter how she answered because Lord Straffan was going to do what he wished, and in anticipation, she tensed.
“Relax,” he whispered in her ear, then signaled Epona to increase her speed.
Tabitha blew out a breath.
“This isn’t so bad, is it?”
Not with Straffan behind her and his warm breath against her cheek. It was all she could do not to melt into him.
“Tell me about yer family, Lady Tabitha.”
She frowned. “Why?”
“Or tell me anythin’.”
Tabitha couldn’t concentrate on what he was asking or even how she should answer while sitting on this beast. “I don’t understand.”
“Ye’re too focused on the horse, where it’s going and ye’re still clutching the reins a bit tight. I need ye to relax, and the only way ye can do that is if yer thinkin’ about somethin’ else.”
Is that what she was doing?
They were high off the ground and the horse, even though it held two riders, was strong. If Epona wished to bolt, would Straffan really be able to control her? What if they were both injured? Worse, what if he was injured because he was trying to help Tabitha? It was bad enough what had happened to Guinevere, and Tabitha wasn’t certain she could carry the guilt of Lord Straffan being injured as well.
“What are ye thinkin’?”
“What?”
“Ye’ve stiffened back up, just like when I first put ye on Epona. I’m beginnin’ ta think ye don’t trust me.”
“It’s not that. Not at all,” she argued.
“Then what is it?”
“Epona, is strong, fast…”
“Aye, now I am insulted. Ye don’t think I can manage the horse I’ve raised from a foal?”
Insulted? Oh, dear! That wasn’t her intention at all. “I’m sorry, I meant no disrespect, and it’s just…”
He chuckled, his mouth still near her ear.
Blast, he was teasing her again. “Are you always in a good humor, Lord Straffan?”
“Aye. Are ye not? Usually, that is, as I realize this isn’t what ye’d consider a merry adventure.”
Tabitha had to think for a moment. “I suppose…”
“Ye don’t sound certain.”
In truth, her usual humor was neither good nor bad. In fact, her life was rather dull.
How disconcerting!
“Lady Tabitha?”
She used to be happy and even laughed often, when had that changed?
In an instant, she straightened. True and deep enjoyment in life all but disappeared when Tabitha vowed never to venture into the stables again.
“Yer life can’t be so dreary, can it?” Lord Straffan asked with concern.
“The marriage of my brother to Mary last year. The birth of their son a fortnight ago was very happy indeed.”
“Congratulations.”
“The marriages of my other brothers, Nathaniel and Samuel, earlier this spring were joyous occasions, even though Samuel married at Gretna.”
“Ye are speaking of others, not of yerself,” Straffan pointed out.
“I suppose, I’m happiest when my family is happy.”
“What makes ye happy when they are not around?”
Tabitha really had to think about the last time she had real enjoyment, just for herself, other than Lord Straffan’s arrival at the castle.
A smile pulled at her lips. “I’m happiest when I’m allowed, or in some cases, must take freedom for myself.” Unfortunately the only time she was free was when she went sneaking about. “Such as my early morning walks in Hyde Park while Mother still slept.”
“Was it the walk ye enjoyed or who you might encounter?” The question was said quietly and close to her ear, causing heat to spread through her body.
Why the blazes had he asked Lady Tabitha that question? Of course Andrew wanted to know if she’d gone to the park in hopes of seeing him, but having met her mother, he was certain that she did so to get away from that harridan more than anything else.
Lady Tabitha straightened even further, her spine stiff and chin in the air. “I shan’t answer, as a lady must keep her secrets.”
Andrew peeked at her face, noting the impish smile and mischief in her green eyes. If only Danby had planned for there to be more between him and Lady Tabitha, then this Christmas could have turned out to be the merriest he’d ever enjoyed.
At least Lady Tabitha had finally relaxed and barely held the reins and leaned back as if she was comfortable being on a horse again. However, there was more to accomplish, and he glanced around to make certain they were no longer in view of the castle, shifted the reins to his right hand then snaked his left arm about her waist and set Epona to a cantor.
Lady Tabitha stiffened. “Why didn’t you warn me or at least ask?”
“I already knew yer answer,” he laughed.
“You presume to know me so well?” she huffed even as the tension slipped away once more.
“Only when it comes to ye and horses, Lady Tabitha. I would presume nothin’ else.” Andrew didn’t know her nearly as well as he’d like and never would.
“Should I assume you will next let her run?”
Lady Tabitha’s voice wavered as if she was afraid. As much as he’d like to give Epona the lead, there were two reason he would not. “Nay. There is fresh snow on the ground, and I do not know what is beneath it. I would not have her injured.”
Lady Tabitha blew out a sigh.
“And ye aren’t ready.”
“Thank you.”
Andrew turned Epona back toward the direction they’d come and let her slow. As much as he’d like to keep Lady Tabitha out here with him, it was impossible. Kemp knew when they’d left so they mustn’t tarry or Danby would demand to know what took so long. If His Grace had any idea of the thoughts that plagued Andrew’s mind, no doubt he’d be asked to leave. He was an Irish lord at an English duke’s castle and must remember his place if he wanted to win in the end. Unfortunately, Lady Tabitha was not part of the negotiations.