by Fiona Miers
Kitty shrugged. “May I ask a question, Your Grace?” she queried.
“Of course.”
“Would you perhaps take me there? To your stable. It would mean the world to me to visit your horses.”
James nodded. “Of course, my lady. This way, I will lead you.”
A genuine smile formed on Kitty’s face for the first time since her arrival at Woodlock Manor, and for a moment she may have seen a smile on the duke’s face as well.
4
When James told Lady Kitty she was not what he had imagined, he had meant every word. The manner in which Lord Dunne had described his daughter was somewhat deceiving, and he had failed to mention her love for horses.
It was rather curious behaviour for a young woman. Most of the ladies of the ton he’d met had enjoyed only indoor activities and would never be seen in the company of what they perceived as filthy animals. Those women would much rather have tea in the parlour and speak of their dreams of becoming a wife to a nobleman and a mother to his heirs. They wore exquisite gowns and spoke only when spoken to.
Not this young woman.
Her beauty was undeniable—her Kitty-black hair and her bright blue eyes were utterly spectacular. She also had a dimple in her right cheek when she smiled, which made happiness curl inside his chest.
But Kitty was unlike anyone he had ever met. He’d expected a proper young woman who would be forced to listen to his every word, whether she wished to or not.
But instead, he met Kitty, who enthralled him.
If only she weren’t so beautiful. He did not wish to complicate this arrangement by falling in love, but the unfamiliar feelings inside him bubbling to the surface every time Kitty glanced in his direction told him he was in trouble.
Especially since she had smiled so genuinely when he told her he would escort her to the stable.
Ever since his father’s sudden death, James had learned, or rather had been forced to suppress his feelings, as it was expected of him to be the stoic and responsible son who would step up and fill his father’s shoes. A rather intimidating position to fill, but James had no other choice. Nevertheless, finding a wife had not been high on his list of priorities.
Kitty’s blue eyes sparkled happily as the stable came into view, and her excitement was rather contagious.
“My father did not metion you had a stable,” Kitty pointed out. “But knowing my mother, she most certainly was the one who convinced him not to. Mother believes young women should not be on horses, or in stables. It is not fitting of a young lady who is of marriageable age.”
“Lady Dunne is right, to some extent. Most women would not be seen anywhere near such a place. However, it does not make you less refined in my opinion.”
“It pleases me to hear you say this, Your Grace,” Kitty said. “I would not wish to give you more reason to disapprove of me.”
James glanced at her and his brow furrowed. “What on earth makes you say such a thing, my lady?”
“Pardon my candour, Your Grace, but I am not oblivious to the situation we both find ourselves in. This is merely an arrangement and nothing more. Perhaps you can attempt to control your facial expressions to hide the apparent disgust and disapproval you have while gazing upon me,” Kitty responded.
“My sincerest apologies, my lady.”
James glanced at Kitty—the beautiful and utterly frank young woman who walked beside him—and lowered his gaze. She did not understand why his visage carried a look of disapproval, but the sight of her had not disappointed him at all.
It was the innocence and abundance of life that danced in her bright blue eyes that disheartened him. It was highly likely the young beauty had dreams of falling in love and being loved in return, which he knew he would not be able to reciprocate. Of course, James could not reveal this to Kitty without seeming weak and vulnerable, and the Seymour men were neither of those traits. For now, if Kitty was under the impression he disapproved of her, then so be it. It was all he could offer at this moment.
The pair reached the stable without exchanging any more words but as James pushed open the large wooden door of the stable, Kitty’s jaw dropped and her eyes sparkled even brighter than before.
The barn housed at least fifteen magnificent horses. Their coats shined with vitality, and their muscles were well developed. It was obvious they were well fed, groomed regularly and exercised daily. The stalls were filled with clean, fluffy straw that had its own unique aroma, which meant they were mucked more than once a day. The cobblestone floor was swept clean, and in the corner, James noticed the two grooms standing idly by.
The soft sounds of the horses were heard around them as James followed Kitty down the aisleway, a small smile forming on his lips as he watched her with the animals.
She slowly approached each one, stroking its muzzle lovingly and whispering softly, her words inaudible to James. It did not, however, matter what she spoke, as he was fully aware her words were gentle and kind, filled with affection and endearments.
As James stood silently watching her, a beam of sunlight shined through the wooden panels above them, brilliantly highlighting her face and hair.
James’s chest tightened and his breath was stolen from his throat, not only by her beauty, but in the gentle—almost maternal—manner in which she spoke to a bay gelding. She gracefully moved to the next stall, doing the same to the palomino stallion. Her gaze moved downward, and she turned to James with a furrowed brow.
“Your Grace,” Kitty said.
James’s brow raised lightly and as she glanced expectantly at him, he approached her. “Yes, my lady?”
“This stallion is ill.”
“I beg your pardon, my lady?” James inquired.
“Look,” Kitty said and pointed to the horse’s coat. “His coat is dull and so are his eyes. He has not eaten any of his hay, and he seems rather lethargic.”
James narrowed his gaze, taking in everything she had said. “You is very perceptive, my lady.”
And why hadn’t his grooms seen the same thing?
“You should have a veterinarian come and attend this horse, Your Grace” Kitty insisted.
“I will have one of the grooms summon him, I promise you that, my lady.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Kitty answered gratefully, slowly stroking its muzzle. “My father taught me everything about horses—when they are happy and thriving, and when they are ill. We have lost a few in my lifetime, each one’s death sadder than the previous. I loved those horses, each and every one of them.”
“I see it in your eyes, my lady,” James said, and Kitty turned to him. “The manner in which you speak to the animals, the manner in which you approach them—you do it so elegantly and full of grace. It is truly admirable.”
Kitty smiled sincerely and nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace. Your words are kind. Kinder than I expected they would be.”
“I believe you may be under a misconception about me,” James said, unable to let her go on believing him cruel and indifferent.
“And what precisely would that be, Your Grace?”
He’d never had to explain his personality nor his manners before and he struggled to think of the correct terms.
He swallowed hard. “My father was a stern man who did not take kindly to those who opposed him, or… did not fit into the parameters he had been taught to believe were right.”
“Your father would not have approved of our betrothal?” Kitty asked.
“That was not what I was insinuating, my lady.”
“Tell me then, Your Grace,” Kitty insisted, her jaw tightening in a determined way.
“For a very long time I agreed with my father, even after his death. There was a proper manner for people to behave, and there was an improper manner.”
James had idolized his father and done everything in his power to uphold the standards that had been set for him.
“Do you still agree with his way of thinking, Your Grace?” Kitty asked and cocked her head.
&nb
sp; “Perhaps not completely, but still to an extent,” James answered. “Shall we return to the terrace? I don’t wish for your mother and father to think I have abducted you.”
Kitty nodded with a perfect smile on her rosy lips. “They would be delighted, in all honesty.”
James chuckled at her amusement as they left the stable and stepped out into the crisp late-morning air. The sky was still blue, contrasted now by puffy white clouds drifting overhead. Kitty’s blue eyes shone even brighter than they had before and James could not tear his gaze from her.
“Is something wrong, Your Grace?” Kitty inquired. “There is quite a peculiar expression on your face.”
“I merely thinking of something.” James shrugged and turned away, hoping his gaze was not as intrusive to Kitty as it felt to him. “This might seem very unorthodox, my lady, but perhaps we could go riding together. The meadow is beautiful this time of year.”
“Do you enjoy riding, Your Grace? I would not like to impose on your indoor activities,” Kitty answered coyly.
A grin formed on James’s lips and he lowered his gaze. “To be entirely truthful, I have not ridden a horse in a long while. After my father passed, there was no time. I was immediately given my father’s title as my inheritance, along with the duties that accompanied it. I was forced to sign documents and attend meetings about subjects of which I knew little. My father had been at my side constantly when he was alive, but he never truly taught me how to function without him. It was rather difficult,” James explained and cleared his throat. “At times it still is.”
Kitty’s gaze dropped, “My condolences for your loss, Your Grace. I cannot begin to fathom what you were going through but I do know that you have more strength than you realize.”
James stared at Kitty, whose eyes lured him in an intimate gaze that he was reluctant to pursue.
“But I would love to go riding in the meadow with you,” Kitty said softly then stepped back and a mischievous smile formed on her lips. “Perhaps I could interest you in a race as well.”
“A race? Do not be ridiculous, my lady,” James scoffed.
“Are you afraid you might lose, Your Grace?” Kitty challenged. “Or are you merely not up for a challenge?”
“Neither,” James scoffed. “I simply do not wish to embarrass you.”
Kitty chuckled sardonically and shook her head. “Your confidence is amusing and enlightening, but I do believe I may win this challenge.”
“We shall certainly see,” James said as he waited for her at the foot of the stairs that led to the terrace. “Tomorrow, at dawn. Meet me by the stable.”
“Wonderful.” Kitty beamed and took his offered hand to ascend the stairs.
“I do hope your parents do not scold you for agreeing to my challenge,” James stated with a cringe as he walked up the stairs himself.
“In all fairness, I was the one who made this ridiculous proposition, Your Grace, and it would not come as a surprise to my family, nor will they think any less of you,” Kitty clarified. “Do not feel one shred of remorse, Your Grace. I am fully capable of handling my mother. You have the race to fret over.”
He smirked at her sly smile and adored the excitement in her eyes.
“Then it is agreed, Your Grace. The stable at dawn.”
“I look forward to it,” James said and placed his hand on his chest.
“As do I,” Kitty nodded with a smile before she turned away and entered through the doors that led to the great hall.
5
Kitty drifted on a cloud as she made her way through the Great Hall and almost didn’t notice her parents at the far end, studying the paintings on the walls.
Kitty had not previously seen the portraits and paintings that hung from the walls and slowly gazed at each as she approached her mother and father. She had not realized the duke had siblings, and their family resemblance was quite remarkable. The duke’s sister was a beautiful young woman whose eyes resembled his.
The short while they had spent in the stable had certainly warmed her towards the duke, and she was under the impression he had become more intrigued and accepting of her ways. The manner in which he now glanced at her was different, but the duke still distanced himself from her, for a reason unknown.
It seemed to Kitty that he still thought of their arrangement as purely business. Perhaps leaving emotions out of the deal was the best way for the duke to handle the situation at present, since he had mentioned he was not used to women such as her.
Kitty pursed her lips as a strange feeling crept inside her. What would the duke’s lips taste like? And how would it feel to have his hand caressing her cheek?
Her heart began to pound in her chest and her cheeks heated as she lowered her gaze.
Her father turned towards her. “My dear child.”
Kitty straightened her shoulders, composed herself, and approached her parents. “Mother, Father. I hope you do not mind but the duke and I…” Kitty’s voice trailed as she glanced behind her, but there was no trace of the duke. She had hoped he would accompany her inside but to no avail. Kitty glanced back at her parents, who stood quietly waiting.
“James and I visited his stable. The horses were lovely,” Kitty beamed, but immediately noticed her mother’s disapproving scowl. “His Grace offered to take me riding in the meadow at dawn tomorrow. I am certain you do not have any objection to this, as you wish for the duke and I to become acquainted and more familiar with each other.”
Lord and Lady Dunne glanced at one another, but the countess did not utter a word.
“Father?” Kitty asked.
“Of course, we approve,” he answered, and Kitty raised her brow apprehensively. She was well aware her mother was rather embarrassed at the notion of them taking a ride in the meadow, but at least it pointed to the duke’s interest in her.
“I promise to be on my best behaviour, Mother. After all, the duke would not have offered if he was opposed to spending time together,” Kitty pointed out.
“Indeed, and for that, we are truly blessed and grateful.” Lady Dunne breathed a sigh in apparent relief, but her lips were still tight, indicating her reluctance to fully support the excursion at dawn. “Would you require a chaperone?”
“Perhaps I could have him ask one of the grooms to ride with us? I am well aware of how much Mother dislikes horses, and I would not wish for you to feel abandoned in such a large and spacious estate,” Kitty suggested as she glanced at Lord Dunne.
“That is a splendid idea, my dear,” her mother answered. “Your father can keep me company while you frolic in the wilderness with your betrothed.”
“It is hardly frolicking, Mother. We will simply be riding the horses through the meadow, not the wilderness,” Kitty corrected, but her cheeks heated at the mere thought of her alone with James, where no one could catch sight of them.
A sudden burst of intrigue spiralled inside her and flutters appeared in her stomach. Perhaps she would be able to taste his lips and feel the heat of his body against hers in the meadow as they watched the sunrise set the sky alight in flames of reds and oranges.
Her daydream, however, was rudely and very prematurely interrupted by the realization that they would be accompanied by a groom. Perhaps another occasion would arise when she could realize the fantasy.
“Mother, may I read for a while in my chambers?” Kitty asked, clasping her hands together.
“Certainly, my dear. The duke has not informed us what he has planned for this afternoon, but as soon as he does, I will call upon you to join us. We would not wish you to miss any time with your betrothed.”
“Of course not, Mother,” Kitty answered.
As she turned and made her way to the main staircase, her mind whirled, as she had no intention to read in her chambers. She would find her journal and write of all the feelings that bubbled up inside her. The excitement she felt in anticipation for the race with the duke.
The previous feelings of dread had been filled with ones of hop
e that the duke was not, in fact, the terrible match for her she had initially thought. She ascended the staircase and reached the top, practically skipping to her chamber.
Once inside, she glanced around happily but her smile soon disappeared. The trunk with her books, as well as her journal was not in her bedchamber. It may have been misplaced and taken to her mother and father’s room. She hurried out the door.
Kitty quietly opened the door of the suite directly beside hers and stepped inside.
She was not permitted in her mother's and father’s chambers without their knowledge, as it infringed on their privacy rules at their own home. Much to her delight, she noticed the small chest and retrieved it from the corner.
Perhaps in all the excitement, her mother had forgotten to inform her that it had ended up with them.
As she stepped away and made her way to the door, a letter caught her eye on the bed, half concealed by a lace-covered pillow. It seemed out of place somehow, as if someone had tried their utmost to hide it.
Regardless, the temptation was too great to resist and she reached for it. Much to her shock and disbelief, it was addressed to her, and her father’s estate address was penned below her name. Her heart sank as she opened the letter and read the words that had been hidden from her by her parents.
My dearest Kitty
It has been many years since we have seen one another, and even longer since we spoke. Ten years to be exact, but it truly feels like a lifetime. A lifetime I spent without the sun in my days, and the moon in my nights.
I hope you remember the days we shared at the river where we would go. I still remember your exuberant laugh and the way the sunlight danced in your eyes. I remember the fields of wildflowers and how we ran through them, carefree and filled with happiness.
The way life ought to have been before all the terrible things happened that split us apart.
I spend many nights wondering whether you thought of me or even missed me. It was a very unpleasant time for me—not only did I lose my father, but I also lost the one person who meant the world to me.
