Tabitha clenched and unclenched her fists as she made her way to the stables for the hunt. As much as she wished to thumb her nose at Danby and Andrew, on reflection, she realized that she not only needed to prove something to them, but to herself as well. There was a comfort in knowing that Andrew would remain at her side, but that didn’t mean she was any less angry with him. He’d kept a secret that involved her and for that he’d need to explain himself. Tabitha also knew that once she rode in the hunt, there would be nothing to keep her from riding whenever she wished, alone or with others. No longer would she be crippled with fear.
Few had arrived at the stables and Tabitha had intentionally come out here early to calm her nerves. However, she hadn’t expected to come upon Andrew leading Epona into the stable yard.
Their eyes met and he came toward her.
Tabitha drew in a breath and lifted her chin.
“How are you faring this morning?” His tone was more of caution than a polite greeting.
“That would depend on to what you refer.” Her tone was clipped and cold so that Andrew could not misinterpret any response as friendly.
Oh, why did a gentleman who kissed so divinely need to be devious as well.
“The hunt,” Andrew confirmed.
“So, it isn’t the secrets or possible betrayal that concerns you?”
His sigh was heavy as he pushed his fingers through his hair. At least Andrew was aware that he’d wronged her. “I had no intention of betraying you.”
“Keeping me in the dark as to my great-uncle’s plans is certainly a betrayal,” Tabitha argued.
“I did not see it in the same manner,” he defended calmly.
“Keeping a secret that involves me is most certainly a betrayal.” Warming to her anger, Tabitha took a step forward. “You asked me to trust you and all the while you were preparing me for this without even a hint of warning. That, Viscount Straffan, is betrayal.”
For a moment all he did was stare at her and Tabitha wasn’t certain if it was regret, pain or maybe understanding in his light blue eyes.
“What would have been yer reaction had ye known, Tabitha?” His tone, calm and warm, irritated her to no end. Why wasn’t he arguing with her or at least raising his voice to match hers?
“That depends. When could you have told me? How long have you known?”
Again, he blew out a sigh. “The day of the snowball fight. That is when Danby informed me.”
Her mouth popped open. “That was three days ago and you couldn’t find a way to work it into the conversation…perhaps when we were skating, or at the ball, when we walked outside and you decided to ask if I believed in ghosts?”
He winced. “Danby ordered me not to say a word.”
“Ordered?” How dare her great-uncle order anyone to keep a secret?
“Aye, and with further consideration, I decided it was best that ye didn’t know.”
How dare he? “You decided? That was my decision. Not yours and not Danby’s.”
“Very well, had I told ye when I learned, what would ye have done?”
Tabitha blinked at him. What would she have done?
“Ye would have talked yerself out of it.” Andrew answered for her.
At that, Tabitha glared him. She hated that he was right. Had she been given any warning, she would have hidden away in her room and waited for everyone to be gone before she got on a horse again.
“I shouldn’t have kept the secret, but in this case, I also believe I was right to do so.”
Oh, she wanted to remain angry at Andrew, but he did know her, at least her response to all things equestrian.
“Please, forgive me.” Andrew reached out and took both of her hands.
Tabitha stared up into his blue eyes and her anger began to ease. Danby had ordered him, and most people did not disobey His Grace, especially if they were not a relation.
After a moment, Tabitha blew out a sigh. “I’m still quite vexed with you.”
“I will make it up to you. Somehow. Just say the word.”
Tabitha tilted her head and studied him. “How do you propose to get back in my good graces?” Oh, she loved to have the upper hand.
He narrowed his eyes. “Ye have the same look as yer sister did the other day.”
“And it cost me three months of pin money,” Tabitha pointed out. “That was to buy Deborah’s silence.”
“My transgression is far worse,” he admitted with a drop of his chin. “I can’t begin to make a suggestion as yer the one who has been wronged. I am but your servant.”
At that Tabitha snorted. She doubted Andrew had ever been anyone’s servant, but she enjoyed that he humbled himself before her. “I’ll need to give it some thought.” She tried to be stern but a smile tugged at her lips and Tabitha gave up fighting it.
“Am I forgiven?”
“After I’ve devised a way for you to make it up to me.” Yes, she had forgiven him but only because Danby had demanded his silence. However, Tabitha also wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip though her fingers, even if his payment was simply more kisses following the hunt.
At her smile, Andrew relaxed. At least Lady Tabitha didn’t hate him, though he wondered what payment she would require. Not that any cost was too high. He’d do just about anything to make her happy and keep her happy.
“Your horse has been saddled, Lady Tabitha.”
The both turned to find Kemp leading out a dark Arabian that he recognized on sight. When had Danby purchased one of his mares? She’d been sold at Tattersalls last spring. A beautiful Arabian with decent speed, but she would never win a race, which was why Andrew had parted with her. She was Epona’s last foal and they recognized each other, if the neighs were any indication.
“What of Solomon?” Lady Tabitha asked almost panicked.
“Solomon is a fine horse for riding, but not suited for the hunt,” Kemp explained.
Andrew watched Lady Tabitha as a bit of color faded from her cheeks as Kemp brought Snowflake closer. “I’m not certain…”
“Ye will be fine,” Andrew assured her. “Why don’t we ride so ye can get used to her before the others arrive.”
“What’s her name?” Lady Tabitha tentatively reached out and patted the mare’s neck.
“Snowflake.” Andrew grinned.
Lady Tabitha frowned. “For a black horse?”
“Ye’ll see once ye are on her.”
Lady Tabitha frowned.
“I’m not tellin’ ye. Ye must find out for yerself.”
This earned him a glower. “Would ye like a leg up?”
“Oh, very well,” Lady Tabitha grumbled.
Instead of cupping his hands as he should, Andrew placed them about her slim waist and lifted.
“Oh,” Lady Tabitha exclaimed in delight as she looked down at the horse. “She has a sprinkling of white spots. How unusual.”
“That was my youngest sister’s opinion,” Andrew said as he mounted Epona. “Rowena said it was as if snowflakes had fallen and not yet melted.”
“Thus the name.” Tabitha laughed and ran her hand along Snowflake’s neck. “She is yours?”
“No. I sold her last spring and somehow she ended up in Danby’s stable.”
“His man of business purchased her specifically,” Kemps aid. “I shouldn’t tell ye this, but His Grace was waiting for one of Epona’s mares to be auctioned.”
All Danby had to do was make an offer. Then again, as he wouldn’t sell the land, it was unlikely Andrew would have sold him a horse regardless of the amount offered.
“Shall we, lass?” Andrew asked after Kemp handed Tabitha the reins.
“She’ll not bolt or rear?”
“Snowflake had an excellent disposition when I parted from her,” Andrew said and then looked at Kemp for clarification because anything could have changed in the months since she’d been under different ownership.
“Sweet tempered, this one is,” he confirmed.
“Then, I suppose we should ride and see how we do.”
At least Tabitha wasn’t balking at the idea, but just in case, Andrew stayed close and kept an eye on her as they headed for the trails.
At first they walked, then trotted, moved to a canter and then finally a full gallop, and the entire time, Tabitha’s smile grew bigger and brighter. And even though his heart swelled with pride that she’d overcome what had been a crippling fear not even a sennight ago, disappointment settled in his gut. She no longer needed him and Danby had gotten his wish, as Tabitha was ready to ride in a hunt. And, even though Andrew knew this wasn’t the reason he’d been invited to the castle, it also meant that he was no longer needed.
They kept the exercise short so as not to tire the horses and as they returned to the stable yard, others were gathered and mounting their steeds. Danby glanced over, noting Tabitha upon Snowflake and seemed to nod in approval.
As they waited for the others, Tabitha turned to Andrew, mischief in her green eyes and an impish smile. “I believe I know how I plan to exact payment from you.”