Nine Steps to Sara

by Olsen, Lisa

  “That’s not in the cards,” Sara shook her head. “Maybe we might pick up a vacation house at some point, but I can’t see justifying the expense if we’re going to be spending most of our time here.”

  “I don’t see why you have to stick around; the money’s yours, right? They can’t make you live here.”

  “They can if it’s in the terms of the inheritance.”

  “I bet you can break that though with a good lawyer.”

  Sara frowned over that, even though they were alone, it didn’t seem like a good thing to be talking about in the house. What was it the crazy old guy at the curio shop had said? Something about how it wasn’t safe to talk without being overheard, even when you think you’re all alone? “Hey, we like it here,” Sara pointed out. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, we’ve got more than enough room, but if you’re getting homesick…”

  “You’re not getting homesick, are you, Mom?” Jack asked, catching the tail end of the conversation as he entered the room.

  “Nope, we’re set to stay, like we talked about,” she soothed before he got himself worked up over it. “Did you sleep good last night?”

  “Yeah,” he replied, loading up his plate with bacon and a single piece of toast.

  “One scoop of eggs with that,” Sara called out. At least it was better than pop tarts… A quick trip through the morning checklist and she was satisfied that living in the lap of luxury hadn’t spoiled Jack too badly yet.

  “You can at least get a posh place in London though, right?” Joanie asked, not willing to let the subject drop yet, and Sara started to lose her patience with it.

  “Maybe,” she answered vaguely. That made more sense than a house in Beverly Hills. “We’ll have to see how it goes. I’m more interested in talking about what we’re going to do today. Any ideas, Jack?” she changed the subject.

  “I’m still working on my books and then I want to start on the library. What’s draughts?” he asked out of the blue, but both women shrugged.

  “No idea. Come on, squirt, you can do that any old time. How about you suggest a shopping trip to London to your mom?” Joanie winked, but Jack looked less than interested.

  “Oh no, you can’t go to London today,” Will interrupted, strolling in to filch a piece of bacon from one of the silver chafing dishes.

  “Why not?” Joanie asked, her eyes taking on a predatory gleam as they watched him lean casually against the sideboard.

  “Because the car needs a bit of work done before it takes on a trip like that. Why, exhausted all the commercial possibilities our village has to offer already, have you?” he smirked.

  “Yeah, in about a half an hour,” Joanie snorted.

  “That’s okay, Will, I wasn’t planning on going to London today anyway,” Sara spoke up. Somehow she didn’t think Mrs. Poole would approve of him strolling in to steal a bit of bacon in his jeans and t-shirt (which was a slate gray and made his eyes look like a stormy sea), but she didn’t want him to leave either. “Is that what you’re working on today? Car repairs? Or does someone else do that, seeing as how you’re not the chauffeur?” she smiled.

  “No, I’ll be the one doing it, right enough,” he grinned back. “But today I thought I’d take you on a tour of the estate. Tell me, Sara, do you fancy a bit of a jaunt through the countryside with me?”

  Sara found herself smiling back like a loon, before she realized both Jack and Joanie were watching the exchange with avid interest. “I um, I thought you had to work on the car today?”

  “Shut up, Sara. If the man wants to take us on a tour, let him do it,” Joanie’s grin stretched from ear to ear and Sara couldn’t help but frown. Somehow she’d thought the invitation hadn’t been extended to everyone present.

  “Yes, by all means, we’ll all go together,” Will’s smile remained fixed, but there was no mistaking the look he gave her; the invitation was meant for her alone.

  A rush of anticipation went through her at the thought of spending the afternoon with Will, even with an audience. It had been a long time since a handsome man looked at her like that. “How are we going to take a tour if the car is down for repairs?”

  “Ever been on horseback?” a single brow was raised and Sara blinked in surprise.

  “It’s been years, but yes, I’ve ridden a horse before. Do we have horses?” If there were stables on the property, Sara was unaware of it; not that she’d had much chance to check it out yet.

  “Donated for the day with pleasure by a neighboring farm with the hopes that you might take a liking to one of them and choose it for your very own,” Will replied glibly.

  “That was nice of them, was that your idea or theirs?”

  “Just doing my part to stimulate the local economy, my Lady.” Will’s tone grew more formal, as did his stance as Katie came in to add more hot water to the tea pots. “What about you, Jack. Have you ever been on a horse before?”

  The little boy barely looked up from his plate. “No, I have other things to do today anyway, you go ahead.”

  He was afraid of horses; Sara could see it plain as the nose on his face. “We could take a long walk instead if you want to come along,” she offered, but Jack shook his head.

  “No, you should go and have fun, Mom,” he looked up, eyes thoughtful behind wire rimmed glasses. “I can take a walk with you guys some other day.”

  “If you change your mind, I’ve an idea that we might have just the horse for you,” Will winked.

  “That’s okay. I think I’m allergic.”

  “Fair enough,” Will chuckled softly. “Besides, you should be resting up well for the fair tomorrow anyway.”

  “What fair?” That caught Jack’s interest.

  “Oh, didn’t I say? The town’s so overwhelmed with joy at the return of the heir to Darling Park, they decided to hold a fair in your honor.”

  “In my honor?” Jack squeaked. If Will had told him aliens had landed in the front driveway Sara didn’t think he could be more amazed.

  “That’s the long and short of it. So, if you’ve a mind to practice your skill at tossing rings or throwing arrows, I think tomorrow should be a fair bit of fun,” he grinned. “You’ll all come, won’t you?” his eyes swung to catch Sara’s gaze again.

  “Can we go, Mom?”

  “Of course,” Sara smiled, wondering how much of the fair was Will’s doing and how much was driven by the town’s regard. “We can’t deprive them of their guest of honor, now can we?”

  “I think it’s a fabulous idea,” Joanie piped up, tired of being left out of the conversation. “The fair, the ride through the countryside, sign me up,” she smiled, eyes on Will.

  “Alright then, I’ll go make the arrangements. Be ready to leave in say… an hour?”

  “That sounds fine,” Sara nodded. “Maybe I’ll get Mrs. Poole to pack us a snack too.”

  “Grand. I’ll see you then.” Sneaking a last piece of bacon, Will gave a playful half bow and left.

  “I’m gonna go see if I can find some toys in the playroom to help me practice for the fair,” Jack swiped at his mouth with his napkin, already half out of his chair.

  “Okay, have fun. Maybe someone could even scare up a few balloons and darts?” Sara gave Katie a hopeful look and the maid gave her a puzzled look.

  “I don’t know about that, but there’s a horseshoe pit out back by the stables, you could practice there,” Katie offered helpfully. “There’s bound to be a horseshoe booth at the fair.”

  “Can I, Mom?”

  “Yes, but only if Katie comes with you. Remember the grounds haven’t been cleaned up yet, it could be dangerous to go wandering around on your own.”

  “I’ll see to him, my Lady,” Katie promised, trailing after Jack, who had already made a break for the stairs.

  “So, a country ride with Will,” Joanie leaned back in her seat, feet propped up on the chair next to her once they were alone. “You’ve never been on a horse in your life.”

  “I
have so,” Sara frowned, pouring herself another cup of tea; it was starting to grow on her. “It’s just been a while. I don’t remember you knowing how to ride either.”

  “I’m not gonna let a little thing like ignorance come between me and the chance to get to know the guy a little better.”

  “Since when are you interested in drivers?” What Sara really meant was since when was she interested in Will, but she stopped short of actually coming out and saying it, more than a little aware that she had no right to say who Joanie went after.

  “You know what they say about drivers, they know what to do with their hands,” Joanie smirked. “Besides, if you’re not gonna take him, why let him go to waste?”

  Sara opened her mouth to reply that she’d never said she wasn’t interested but snapped it shut again without saying anything. She wasn’t in a position to start something serious, no matter how cute his smile was, not yet. That didn’t mean she wanted to watch Joanie chew Will up and spit him out either. Then again, Will hadn’t seemed at all impressed by Joanie’s attitude on their trip into town… suddenly Sara didn’t feel so threatened by her coming along after all.

  “Suit yourself, happy hunting then,” Sara shrugged, thinking it might be amusing to watch Will fend off Joanie’s advances. Not as much fun as spending the afternoon with him alone, but probably safer for her good intentions.

  Chapter Seven

  “Are you a country mouse or a city mouse?”

  “Huh?” Sara looked up from tying her shoes to find Will standing over her, bridle in hand.

  “Just trying to work out how hard or easy I should be on you today. I know you’re from Los Angeles, but are you a city girl or a country girl at heart?” he grinned, offering her a hand up.

  “If I say take it easy, do I lose any respect I might have earned so far?” she gave him a sheepish smile. “I’m pretty much a city girl, but I’m a quick study. Still, I’ve never ridden on a saddle like that, so I’m not sure how hard or easy it’s going to be.”

  “Now what kind of man would I be if I based my good opinion of you on whether or not you knew how to ride an English saddle? Just take it slow and start by meeting your mount.” Will drew her closer to the chestnut mare, placing her hand on the soft muzzle.

  “What’s her name?”

  “Rhiannon.”

  “She’s beautiful. Aren’t you, baby? Such a pretty girl,” she crooned to the animal, hand stroking the side of her neck. “I hope I don’t fall off and scare her half to death.”

  “I’d be more worried about you breaking your neck,” Will chuckled, fingers brushing against hers where they met on the horse’s back. “And before you give it a moment’s thought, any loss of good opinion over taking such a spill, I think, would be instantly re-won by spending the morning in your company, my Lady.”

  “It’s Sara,” she turned to find his face very close; close enough to smell the soap on his skin.

  “Forgive me, I hate to give up the one chance I have to call you mine,” his lips quirked into a wistful smile, and Sara’s imagination kicked into overdrive. What would it be like to taste those lips?

  “Are we ready to get this show on the road?” Joanie sang out from the front door, perching a pair of enormous sunglasses on her nose. Sara pulled away from Will guiltily, her jaw dropping as she caught sight of her friend. Dressed in a traditional riding garb down to the boots and red jacket, she looked like she was all set to go fox hunting or something. Joanie struck a pose, riding crop balanced on her shoulder like a parasol. “What do you think?”

  “Where did you get that?”

  “Do you like it?” Joanie made a slow turn, happy to have all eyes on her. “I picked it out in town yesterday while you were inhaling carbs at the bakery. I figured, when in Rome, might as well do the Romans do. It needed a few alterations and when I heard we were going riding today, I had them run it out to the house. It came out nice, didn’t it?”

  She had to admit, Joanie did look well put together, and Sara glanced down at her own schlumpy flannel shirt over faded jeans. A moment ago it seemed practical, but now she felt like a backwoods cousin. “It’s very… sophisticated.” Probably something a Lady should be wearing. “It’s nice.”

  “Good, cause they’re charging it to your account. What do you think, Will?” Joanie practically batted her eyelashes coquettishly and Will’s eyes swept over her, an appreciative smile on his lips.

  “It suits you, I think. The huntress about to stalk her prey,” his head canted to one side as he regarded her. “That riding crop doesn’t come anywhere near the horses though or I’ll have to use it on you.”

  “Promise?” her eyes lit with mischief and Sara started to feel a little like a fifth wheel.

  “Seriously, Joanie,” she added. “No crop or we’re canceling the whole thing.” Joanie might think it was funny, but the horses didn’t deserve to be flogged because she thought it was fashionable.

  “Don’t be so dramatic, I got it for show,” Joanie tossed it aside negligently, sharing a smile with Will. “Which one of these babies is mine?”

  “Ah, this one,” Will drew a black gelding forward. “He’s a bit of spirit, but I think you’ll manage just fine.”

  “Bet on it,” Joanie winked. “Help me up?”

  Sara looked away as Will assisted her into the saddle, determined to get up on Rhiannon’s back without help. “Come on, girl. We can do this together, right?” Leading her to the low stone wall bordering what used to be decorative planting beds, she used the height to get her foot into the stirrup, vaulting easily astride the mare. Once there, she almost lost her balance as the horse shifted its stance, but after a heart-stopping moment, her equilibrium kicked in and she regained her stability. “Good girl,” she patted the horse’s neck fondly, feeling a surge of pride for doing it without landing on her ass in the gravel.

  “Well, look at you, well done,” Will beamed up at Sara, checking her feet were seated properly in the stirrups. “You’re better at this then you let on.”

  “We’ll see if you can still say that at the end of the day,” she smiled back, warmed to see him fussing over her horse while Joanie sat uncomfortably in her saddle; the horse slowly edging backwards. Katie came out with a leather satchel and Sara motioned her over. “I had Mrs. Poole pack us a lunch in case we weren’t back in time.”

  “Ah, brilliant,” Will took the satchel and fixed it to the back of his horse. Not to be outdone, Joanie produced a silver flask.

  “I brought a little something too.” Taking a sip, she offered it to Will who accepted a nip, but Sara waved it off. It was a bit early for her. Instead she waited for Will to mount his horse, a big dappled gray.

  “Shall we be off then?” Will asked once he was ready to go. “I’ll start off slowly; we’ll take a nice, leisurely walk down the lane.” The odd procession began, with Will leading the way, Sara behind and Joanie bringing up the rear, having a little difficulty in getting her horse to go before it decided to follow the others of its own volition.

  “What’s your horse’s name?” Sara asked, maneuvering her way up beside Will. Once she got the hang of the rolling gait, it wasn’t too hard to keep her balance at the slow pace he set.

  “Ajax.”

  “Ah, the mighty warrior,” she replied, remembering her mythology and Will’s answering smile told her she’d hit it right.

  “Just so. Though this mighty steed has never seen the battlefield,” he patted the animal’s proud neck.

  “How familiar are you with the property? You seem to know your way around for a guy who doesn’t officially work here.”

  “I grew up here,” he shrugged. “When I was a boy, my father was the head groundskeeper at Darling Park. That meant I spent every waking moment here in the summers, helping out where I could, keeping the gardens.”

  “I didn’t know that,” Sara smiled. Of course she knew precious little about the estate’s past; that was hardly a surprise. “Is your dad retired now?”

/>   “Semi, though not by choice. There isn’t much work for him in these parts, not since the Sir Stephen decided to let the property go to pot,” he looked over the grounds in dismay.

  “It really is a shame,” Sara agreed. “You know I dreamt about the garden last night, only the way it must have looked back in the day, when it was full of life. Was there ever a hedge maze on the property?”

  “Indeed there was,” Will nodded, warming to the subject. “There beyond the formal gardens was a maze that stood twelve feet high, with false turns and little stone benches to rest on along the way, all leading to a gazebo at the heart of it. You could easily see the pattern from the windows of course, but guests often swore the true path was deceptively difficult to find, almost as if the walls had a life of their own.”

  “Really,” Sara could easily imagine it after the dream she’d had; it’d been impossible to find her way, though that was fueled by her own imagination. Looking out over the ruined gardens, she tried to picture it, but the tangle of old brambles and weeds looked like a big mess. “I wonder how hard it would be to fix it all up again? Do you suppose the gazebo’s still in the middle of that?”

  “If it is, it’s undoubtedly in need of desperate repair,” he shrugged. “But if you’re serious, I could make some inquiries for you to that end,” Will offered. “You’ve decided to stay on then? Make Darling Park your home?”

  “I thought everybody knew, we have to stay, it’s part of the terms of the inheritance,” Sara nodded. “But even if it wasn’t I’d want to stay here, it’s really starting to grow on me.” A few quirks aside. “I can’t wait to tackle some of the projects inside.”

  They chatted about her plans to renovate the main rooms, and Sara found Will surprisingly knowledgeable about a number of projects she had in mind; he more than earned the boast of being a Jack of all trades. Gradually the trees grew denser and they had to slow, picking their way through the trees with care.

  Joanie trailed behind, hardly offering a word to the conversation; following with sullen eyes as she pulled at the silver flask. After a while, Sara started to feel like they were excluding her, even though there was plenty of room for them to ride three abreast.