by Jane Charles
Tabitha blew out a sigh. She was so tired of being treated as a child. “Until tomorrow, Lord Straffan?”
“Tomorrow.” He nodded.
As Danby insisted that Straffan get her back on a horse, at least Tabitha knew that she’d be seeing him often, and out of sight of her mother. And, just maybe, he might kiss her again.
What the blazes had come over him? Andrew asked himself that same question several times the evening before and again after he woke the next morning. He had no business kissing Lady Tabitha, and he was certain Danby would be quite displeased if he ever learned. Hopefully, Lady Tabitha told no one, as Andrew would be quite embarrassed to be asked to leave the castle before Christmas. Not to mention that Danby might withdraw his offer to sell the Irish estate.
He must remain a gentleman and at a distance, and for God’s sake, he would not kiss Lady Tabitha again, no matter how delightful it had been to do so last night.
Andrew nearly groaned. It wasn’t something as mild as delightful. No, her kiss had been passionate, heated and shot through his body and directly to his nether regions. It took nearly an hour for his loins to cool after she’d departed.
“Good morning, Lord Straffan,” Lady Tabitha greeted him cheerily as he entered the stables.
They’d not set an agreed upon time, though he wasn’t surprised to find her here just as the sun was rising.
“Good morning, Lady Tabitha. Did you sleep well?”
An impish smile pulled at her lips. “Well enough, I suppose.”
He’d slept little, but had the same dreams and thoughts kept her awake as they had him?
It wasn’t a question to be voiced as Andrew was not here to court Lady Tabitha.
“I thought we might ride today.” He cleared his throat because the image that came to mind did not include horses.
Blast! He must remember that Lady Tabitha was the duke’s great-niece and His Grace viewed Andrew as nothing more than a riding instructor, despite his Irish title.
“I’m not ready,” she blurted out, her green eyes growing panicked as she glanced to the stables. “Certainly riding can wait. I only just walked Solomon yesterday.”
“I don’t mean alone, but with me.” He turned to Kemp who was waiting nearby. “Please have Epona saddled.”
Having Lady Tabitha before him on a horse was not wise, and would lead to all manner of desires and eventual discomfort. However, it was the quickest way to finally push her to ride alone. The sooner he was done with this business, the quicker Andrew could obtain possession of the property and be on his way because the longer he remained at Danby Castle, the more danger Andrew was in of losing his heart.
Lady Tabitha worried the corner of her bottom lip and glanced aback at the stables. “I still think it would be best if I simply walked Solomon today.”
“You did that yesterday,” Andrew reminded her.
“Yes, but it is a big step from walking a horse to riding one.”
Andrew grinned. “Not if I give ye a leg up.”
“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” If her lovely lips hadn’t tilted up at the last moment, Andrew would have feared she was vexed with him.
“Do ye trust me?” he asked stepping closer to her.
Lady Tabitha looked up at him. “I hardly know you.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
She studied him, a slight frown between her delicate eyebrows.
Andrew took her hand. “I swear on all that I hold dear, that I will not let anythin’ happen to ye. ’Tis my word I give.”
Her smile softened as her face relaxed. “I do trust you, Lord Straffan.”
It was all he could do not to kiss her again. Last night had been a mistake and he was lucky they’d not been caught. To do so here, in the dawn of the early morning with not only Kemp around, but nearly a half-dozen stable hands as well, they’d certainly be seen.
To think Andrew had once believed that he was immune to females, or at least his heart was resistant while his body enjoyed every delectable feminine inch of his former lovers. Yet, this miss warmed the very spot in his chest that had done little except beat since birth. It now swelled and desired more than a simple tossing up of skirts, but a life of love and leisure with the lady of his soul.
Andrew blinked and shook the thoughts from his mind.
There most definitely was magic surrounding Danby Castle because that could be the only explanation for his unexpected musings. He’d be reciting bad poetry if he wasn’t away from this place soon.
Lady Tabitha glanced at Kemp and the two stable hands as they lead Epona forward. “Is she so dangerous that you need help until you’re on her?”
“No.” Andrew chuckled. “They are for ye. I was afraid ye’d be too afraid to get on Epona with only one holdin’ the reins.”
Kemp stopped beside them.
“One stable hand on each side to give ye security,” Andrew explained.
Lady Tabitha stared up at the horse. “Is there one that might be a bit shorter that we could try first?”
Andrew let his head fall back as he laughed. “I’ll not be caught dead on a donkey, and neither shall ye.”
“There are shorter horses than yours.”
He nodded. “Aye, but Epona is mine and I know her character well. There isn’t a safer horse in the stables.”
Kemp cleared this throat.
“There may be, but I prefer that Lady Tabitha’s first ride be on my horse.”
“I am not dressed properly,” she argued.
“Yer skirts are long enough and ye will not be riding astride,” Andrew informed her.
Lady Tabitha blew out a sigh. “Your saddle is not fashioned for a lady to ride side-saddle.”
“It will do fine for now,” Andrew assured her. “Lads, come in close.” One took a place at each side of Epona, who stood as still as a statue.
“Are ye ready?”
“No,” Lady Tabitha squeaked out even as his hands grasped her waist and lifted her up and onto the horse. Andrew knew that if he waited for her to actually respond, she’d put this moment off for as long as possible.
All color drained from her face as she grabbed the front of the saddle.
Andrew put his left foot in the stirrup then swung himself up so that he sat behind her. The saddle wasn’t made to hold two people, but he’d make do. As he settled behind her, her bottom fit snug between his thighs Andrew nearly groaned. This ride might be more uncomfortable than he’d originally believed.
“Here are your reins, Lord Straffan.”
He took them from Kemp, then placed them in Lady Tabitha’s hands.
“You don’t expect me to take control, do you?”
The terror in her voice was enough to make Andrew almost reconsider this entire venture. “No, I will control the horse, but ye need to hold the reins with me so you can remember what it feels like to guide a horse and get used to the motion again.”
She gave a stiff nod and drew in a deep breath as if she were about to set forth on a dangerous journey.
“Ye’ll be safe. I promise ye,” he whispered in her ear and then flicked the reins. However, her hold was so tight that Epona seemed confused and not certain what to do. “Loosen a bit, lass.”
Her stiff, white-knuckled grip grew a bit lax, handing over control to Andrew.
“Are ye ready?”
“No.”
“Good, I knew ye’d be.” With that he flicked the reins again and the horse started forward.
Lady Tabitha let out a yelp as if Epona had taken off on a run when she simply walked. Perhaps this would take longer than he realized.
Chapter 12
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.
Chapter 13
As the stable came into view, tears sprang to Tabitha’s eyes. Whether it was from overcoming her fear, the exhilaration of riding, the simple fact that she survived, or Lord Straffan’s presence, Tabitha would never know. The only one certainty was that she’d accomplished something she never thought possible. She’d ridden a horse again.
Two stable boys and Kemp came out as they came to a halt in the stable yard. It was then she noted Peter standing at the entrance, his arms crossed over his chest, watching her approach. When their eyes met, he nodded his approval.
Kemp took the reins and Lord Straffan shifted as he dismounted.
Tabitha glanced down as Straffan held up his hands to lift her from the horse. Except she didn’t lean forward to get off the beast but simply stared down at his handsome face and into his blue eyes. “Thank you.”
His smile softened. “You are very welcome, Lady Tabitha.”
Their eyes held for a moment more before she placed her hands on his shoulders so he could lift her to the ground. For a moment, she was unsteady and stumbled, laughing. “Goodness. I’d forgotten that sometimes your legs need a moment to adjust.”
Lord Straffan chuckled as he steadied Tabitha with a hand at her waist. “In no time, you will be able to dismount without wobbly legs.”
His words sank in along with what she’d just accomplished. She had ridden a horse and would do so again. And soon, very soon, she’d do so on her own. “Yes! Yes, I will,” Tabitha returned with a confidence she hadn’t felt in such a long time. “Will we ride again this afternoon?”
“No,” he answered gently. “You should rest. We will go out again tomorrow morning.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to beg him, but Tabitha didn’t wish to take up any more of his time than necessary. She was certain Lord Straffan had better things to do than instruct her in riding all day. However, she wished one of those activities included kissing her, but he’d not even attempted to brush his lips against her cheek when they were all alone.
“Shall we go into breakfast?” Peter asked.
“Yes, I suppose.” Tabitha linked her arm with her brother’s as they started back to the castle, then Peter turned and lifted an eyebrow at Straffan. “Are you going to join us?”
Straffan looked to Tabitha, a bit of sadness in his blue eyes. “I’ll be in shortly. I’d like to get Epona settled.”
Peter just nodded and drew Tabitha away.
The happiness she’d felt after dismounting dimmed. First, the disappointment that he hadn’t tried to kiss her again, and then with concern over the shift in Straffan’s mood. Had she said or done something wrong?
Andrew had miscalculated. Given Lady Tabitha’s fear, he’d never anticipated that she’d relax enough to cantor. At this pace, she might very well be over her fear before the week was out and then his work would be done.
That was what Andrew wanted of course. He’d come here to negotiate an estate, not court a lady. Except, he was no longer in any hurry to be parted from Lady Tabitha. Once he left, Andrew wouldn’t see her again until the spring. That was, if she walked in Hyde Park in the mornings again.
He shook the thought away. It was best if he took his leave at the earliest possible moment to save himself heartbreak and grief; but regardless of whether it was tomorrow or next week, he’d suffer just the same.
Andrew pushed his fingers through his hair. When the hell did he start falling in love with Lady Tabitha? Had it been last spring when she was a nameless beauty walking in the park, or since he’d arrived when she came to trust him?
Somewhere in the middle?
If he were honest, even after the Season had ended, he’d often found himself thinking of her, wondering who she was and when he might encounter the lovely miss again. From the moment he’d first spied her, Andrew had been intrigued and struck by her beauty.
No good would come from loving Tabitha Storm. She was the great-niece of the Duke of Danby, intended for an English nobleman—not an Irish one. Andrew knew better than to want someone above his reach.
It would be best to avoid Lady Tabitha completely, save when he was helping her ride, and perhaps he might just be able to ride away from Danby Castle with a small piece of his heart still his own. At least, those were his intentions and why he retired to his chamber to read for the day. But the laughter of several people from below caused Andrew to set his book aside, not that he’d been able to concentrate on even a single page, and wander to the window to look out. A group of guests where walking toward a pond in the distance.
