Rollo was feeling very anxious now and cursed himself for giving in to her. He had not expected the horse to tolerate the attention and saddle thus far, and so called for the lad to remain where he was.
“I will assist you to mount,” he called to Diana. At least this way he would be on hand to catch her if she fell or to steady the horse should it decide to bolt.
Diana, thinking only that the earl was being gentlemanly and not doubting her own equestrian ability, gave him a smile in response and lifted one dainty foot in readiness. As she settled in the saddle she felt the horse fretting beneath her and leaned forward to pat his neck. This calmed him, but sensing his unease at an unfamiliar saddle and rider, she did not attempt to make him walk. She gave a reassuring smile to Rollo, who continued to hover alongside her. She thought this may be making Demon more nervous.
“If you want to mount Periklis and go on ahead, I will just stay awhile with Demon in the yard before moving on. I think he and I need to get to know each other a little better.”
Reluctantly Rollo moved away. She did seem to have the horse under control. Not by a fist of iron, but by gentle reassurance and a firm hand. He mounted Periklis and walked him slowly to the edge of the yard, then turned to wait for Diana.
She did not rush Demon. When she felt he had settled, she gently nudged his flank to encourage him to walk. He tossed his head at this, and Diana laughed. “Watch your manners,” she told him as she took a firmer grip on the reins to let him know she would not stand any nonsense. Demon at this point must have decided that Diana was someone to trust because he walked toward Periklis as requested. Diana smiled as the beautiful animal responded to her prompts and smiled at Rollo, too, who watched them, his schooled features showing none of the concern for her safety that he was feeling.
“Are you ready to go?” the earl asked. “I can show you around some of the estate before we need to head back inside for lunch.”
“I would love that,” replied Diana. “Can we take it slowly at first? Demon and I need to get to know each other a little better.”
“Excellent idea,” Rollo responded, still unsure as to how he had allowed this situation to happen. He would have to keep a close eye on her, because he did not trust Demon.
After staying at walking pace for about ten minutes, Diana turned to Rollo and asked if she could try a trot. At his nod she urged Demon on, and as he responded so well, she progressed to a canter, then a gallop. Rollo, following, could not fail to admire the way she rode. Her hair flowing down her back was, from a distance, such a perfect match to the colour of the horse that at times it was difficult to see where the lady stopped and the horse began. She took his breath away. He mentally shook off these fanciful thoughts as he drew alongside her when she returned Demon to a walk.
“I am impressed,” he told her. “You handle Demon well. He likes you, but are you sure you want to ride him on the picnic tomorrow?”
Diana was in no doubt. “Oh, I would very much like to ride him tomorrow. He has been a perfect gentleman today and I think he would be most upset if I did not choose him to take me to the picnic.”
“Very well,” said Rollo, vowing that he would not let her out of his sight while ever she was atop that horse.
Chapter 6
The morning sun was already warm as the stable hands walked the horses into the yard for mounting. Diana saw that Demon was being held at some distance from the others and went over to speak to the lad holding him.
“Just keep him here until the others have set off, then you can help me to mount him. I will quickly catch up with the group once he has settled,” she instructed, aware that all the activity was making the horse nervous. She stood by and reassured the animal as she watched the others leave.
Rollo made sure all the ladies were safely mounted before turning to look for Diana. Seeing her standing apart from the others, he wondered if she was having second thoughts about riding Demon. He hoped so. He strolled over to her side.
“Would you prefer to ride Misty this morning?” he offered. “Demon is looking quite skittish.”
“Certainly not,” replied Diana, affronted by this suggestion. “He is just a bit nervous because of all the people and other horses, so please go ahead. I will follow at a safe distance until he settles.”
There was not a chance on earth that Rollo would let any lady, let alone Miss Wells, to whom he felt a certain responsibility, ride unaccompanied away from the main party. “I will ride with you. Periklis will not be disturbed by Demon’s high spirits, and I will keep enough distance between us so as not to spook him.”
When the main group were disappearing into the distance, Diana mounted. She walked Demon slowly out of the yard and he behaved beautifully. She could not see the earl but could hear the hoof beats of his horse not far behind her and felt reassured. When she was confident that Demon was calm, she drew him to a halt and allowed Periklis to catch up.
The smile she bestowed on Rollo as his horse moved alongside hers made him think, not for the first time, that she deserved so much better than the treatment she had received from Cotson. She was a lovely unaffected young woman whose sunny smile and soft brown eyes would warm even the coldest of hearts. Although they would never melt ice, he firmly reminded himself.
Together they trotted their horses forward until they were just behind the main party and began the ascent to the summit of Sparton Top. Once there, everyone dismounted, the ladies assisted by stable lads. Maids and footmen had already laid out cushions and blankets on the grass for seating and were unpacking enormous wicker hampers full of food and drink. A young lad came forward to take their horses.
“Please tether Demon over there,” Diana said, pointing to a tree somewhat apart from where the other horses stood happily munching grass.
“Very wise,” Rollo complimented her. He continued to be impressed by her intuitive knowledge of what was best for her mount.
Diana went to sit next to Caroline, and Rollo, although somewhat reluctant to leave her company, wandered off to make sure all was in order and his guests were comfortable.
“Do you think the Earl of Ice ever enjoys himself?” Caroline whispered to Diana. “He always looks so stern; I find him most unnerving.”
“You are too harsh,” Diana replied quietly. “He has been most thoughtful in recognizing our wish to leave London. I think it was very kind of him to allow my father to move forward his business trip and invite all of us to stay, as well.”
“Yes, but…do you think he is ever happy?” persisted Caroline.
“I am sure he is sometimes happy, but doesn’t choose to show it,” defended Diana. It was too sad to think that this may not be the case. That indeed he was never happy.
The food was plentiful and when everyone had eaten their fill of the pasties, chicken pieces, chunks of fresh bread and tempting little cakes, Diana and Caroline wandered to the edge of the hilltop to admire the view.
Diana’s father was engrossed in conversation, doubtless about horses, with Oliver and Rollo. Her mother and her aunt remained seated, claiming fatigue. As the cousins gazed out at the rolling Hampshire countryside, Diana found her eyes constantly straying to where Rollo’s tall black-clad figure lounged against a tree. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but she could tell that Rollo seemed to be expressing some exciting information, so expressive were his hand gestures. As she returned her gaze to the countryside, she thought about his hands. Even though they were strongly masculine, she’d seen those long artistic fingers with their neatly clipped nails, noticed the little tufts of hair on the backs of his wrists peeping out below the edge of his cuffs. Idly she began to wonder if the hair was also on his chest. She blushed at the thought. What nonsense! What was she thinking?
Looking at the fields with ripening golden corn rippling in the wind, Diana had an overwhelming feeling of homesickness. “I long to return home and put behind me all that happened in London,” she told Caroline.
“Mama was saying we
are to depart for home on Monday and we will be back in Yorkshire before the end of the week,” Caroline informed her.
“I hope you have the right of it,” replied Diana. They had been made most welcome at Brockwood Hall, but she now just wanted to be home.
It was midafternoon before everyone was ready to return to the house. Diana again planned to let the other riders go on ahead before she mounted Demon. He would be full of energy having had a rest and plenty of fresh grass to eat. She wandered over to where the horse was tied up and to her surprise found the Earl of Ice leaning against the tree waiting for her. She smiled, pleased to have his company for the return journey.
“I have let the stable lads go ahead so they can help the others dismount and take care of the horses when they arrive back,” Rollo explained as he cupped his hands together to assist Diana to mount.
Diana swung deftly onto the saddle, unknowingly allowing Rollo a glimpse of her slender ankles. I really shouldn’t be looking at the girl’s legs, thought Rollo, slightly unsettled at the effect the well-shaped ankle had on him.
By the time Rollo had mounted Periklis, the rest of the party were a small speck in the distance.
Diana, feeling lighter-hearted than she had for days, threw down a challenge. “What do you say we race to see who can get back to the house first?” She knew that she stood little chance of winning, but felt that Demon would give Periklis a good run for his money.
Rollo was about to refuse, fearing for her safety, but could not resist the sparkle of excitement in her eyes. “Very well,” he said, although he intended to keep Periklis to a very steady pace so Diana would not have to be reckless to keep up with him.
In a trice Diana was flying past him, her long hair flowing out from under her hat. Drat the girl. He had to give Periklis his head in order to make up the ground between them and it was some time before he drew alongside her not far from the stables. She laughed good naturedly as she waved him past acknowledging he had won, and they both slowed to a trot.
“You took your time,” teased Diana. “I wondered if you’d had a fall.”
“And I wondered if you had lost your senses, careering off at such a breakneck speed,” growled Rollo, who, for a brief moment, had been so worried about her safety that his stomach had knotted in fear. He was very impressed with her horsemanship, but was not going to admit it to this little minx. It was a good thing that his guests were to leave soon, because he was in danger of this young lady penetrating his cold facade; she appeared to see right through it. Or at the very least was not in the least dissuaded by it. Nevertheless, she was his guest and he would try to make her last couple of days at Brockwood Hall enjoyable. If he had a sudden pang at the thought of her leaving his home soon, he ruthlessly squashed it.
It was obvious to him that she had very much enjoyed the ride today. She even seemed reluctant for it to end and was slow to dismount when they walked into the stable yard. He had enjoyed her company and impulsively offered, “I ride Periklis most mornings and wondered if tomorrow you would consider joining me to give Demon some exercise. Perhaps we could run a few errands in the village. The other ladies would be welcome to join us, and Parton Village boasts some interesting shops and a small tea room.”
Diana’s heart leapt at the thought. “I would like that very much,” was her swift reply. She was glad to be offered another opportunity to ride Demon, and she also couldn’t deny the feeling of pleasure that shot through her at the thought of spending another day riding with Rollo.
When the proposed outing was discussed with the others over dinner that evening, it seemed that they had already arranged to ride to the Needlepoint Folly with Oliver and Lady Brockwood the next day. Diana was disappointed, for she saw the opportunity to spend more time with Rollo disappearing. She was further disappointed when all agreed that she must select a more biddable mount should she wish to accompany them to the folly.
Diana, however, did not want to be in Oliver’s company, especially without the earl present, all day; it was irrational, perhaps, but he still made her uneasy and anxious even though he had never behaved in any untoward manner toward her. She also did not care to ride out if she couldn’t ride Demon; having to concentrate on handling the spirited horse gave her no time to dwell on her current situation. “I think I will remain at the Hall and continue with the book I am reading. You all please go. I will enjoy a quiet day.”
Rollo was disappointed; he had hoped that Diana, having enjoyed the outing to Spartan Top, may now be more willing to take part in other activities, but she appeared to have withdrawn again.
Fortunately for Diana, her father, who was seldom perceptive in such situations, realized that his daughter was unhappy with the plans for the next day. He therefore offered what he hoped was a solution.
He turned to Rollo. “Brockwood,” he said, “I would not mind a ride out on the stallion Hermes, whom I am contemplating purchasing from you. Perhaps I could accompany you in the morning and by doing so allow Diana to join us and ride Demon, as was your original proposal.” Viscount Westbury was rewarded by a grateful smile from his daughter and a nod from his wife, indicating she approved of his suggestion. It was rare such praise was bestowed on him and he smiled back across the table benevolently.
Rollo thought this a brilliant solution, too, and it would ensure that Diana enjoyed some time outside in the fresh air. He tried to ignore the niggling thought that his pleasure with this plan stemmed from the fact that he would be in Diana’s company. “Excellent plan. I intend to set off immediately after breakfast, as I have to attend a short meeting with the postmaster, so if this suits you both, then I would welcome your company.”
“Papa, perhaps we can visit the teashop whilst Lord Brockwood attends to his business,” Diana suggested, knowing her father’s weakness for tea and cakes.
“Excellent plan,” said Rollo again, glad that arrangements now appeared to be place. “When we have finished our chores in the village, we can ride up to the folly and join the rest of you at your picnic.”
Viscount Westbury had no desire to picnic, but sensibly refrained from mentioning this. He would extricate himself from that part of the outing tomorrow.
Chapter 7
Fortunately the next morning the sun was shining and the sky was blue and cloudless. Diana and her father, both already dressed in riding attire, were enjoying their breakfast when Lord Brockwood entered the dining room. Viscount Westbury had always been an early riser, and ever since the incident at the Whittington Ball, sleep had not come easily to Diana, so an early start suited them both.
“Good morning,” Rollo greeted, as Diana and her father rose to their feet. “I have instructed the stables to have our mounts ready for us at half past the hour. I hope this is agreeable to you both?”
After nodding agreement all three concentrated on eating their meal and were finished and outside the front of the house just as the grooms were leading the horses from the stable. Diana, seeing that the young lad with Demon was struggling, smiled sympathetically and walked to meet him and relieve him of his burden—only to find Lord Brockwood hovering closely behind her. She took a deep breath and for a moment allowed the scent of soap, leather and some other clean masculine scent she had grown to associate with Rollo wash over her, invading her senses. She briefly closed her eyes while she battled an unexpected and nearly overwhelming urge to turn and bury her face in his broad chest.
“Are you sure you want to ride Demon this morning? Another mount can be made available.” Although Demon was much calmer now that Diana had taken the reins from the groom, Rollo still feared for her safety. He quickly brushed away the thought that the tightness in his stomach was due to any growing attachment to her. After all, as host, it was his duty to protect his guests.
Viscount Westbury was oblivious to the earl’s concern and waited patiently until they returned to where the other horses, Periklis and Hermes, were standing. Rollo assisted Diana to mount, once again finding his eyes lingeri
ng on the shapely ankle exposed, before pulling himself away. Eventually all three were mounted, and letting Diana take the lead until she had Demon settled, they walked the horses down the drive.
“Fine horsewoman, my Diana,” stated Viscount Westbury proudly.
“Indeed,” was all Rollo replied, still on edge at the sight of her on the unpredictable Demon.
The two men followed Diana at a distance until it became obvious that Demon had settled, then Rollo moved Periklis to the front and led the small party of riders across the fields toward Parton Village.
“Hermes is a fine animal,” the viscount said. “I would like to try him out at a gallop. Is that all right with you?”
“Of course. I will be happy to up the pace. Are you with us, Diana?”
“Certainly.” Diana laughed, happy at the prospect of feeling the wind in her face.
The ground was eaten up as they galloped across the fields until, in the distance, the outskirts of the village came into view. Rollo slowed Periklis to a trot, and the others did likewise. Taking into account Demon’s nature, he suggested they tether the horses just outside the village and walk the rest of the way.
The eyes of all the villagers were trained on the Earl of Brockwood and his guests as they walked to the high street, where the few shops in the village were situated. Rollo acknowledged those who doffed their caps to him with a brief nod of his head. Diana linked arms with her father and returned the smiles from the villagers, who seemed very friendly.
Rollo indicated the location of the tea room and went on his way. Diana clapped her hands with delight upon entering the small establishment, which boasted no more than six tables. Each table was covered by brightly coloured linen, which itself was partially covered by a white damask tablecloth. Half of the tables were occupied and the sound of conversation and the clattering and chinking of porcelain teacups made the room welcoming. A rosy-cheeked waitress with a spotless white pinafore and hair tucked neatly under a lace cap took their order.
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