Did Pavel regret that he was unable to join in? After her tales of her days in the saddle, she flushed as she imagined what Pavel must think now. Did he suppose she had exaggerated? Or perhaps out right lied?
"I am sorry I am keeping you from your friends." Karin risked a glance in his direction.
"Do not worry so. I can think of no where I’d rather be." His words were warm and his eyes set upon hers.
Whiskey shifted and she jerked her attention back to the mare.
"Are you well, my lady?" Pavel drew his steed closer to hers.
Karin cut her eyes toward him.
His features betrayed his concerned.
"Yes." She forced a smile onto her face. "I am well. I assure you I am quite comfortable upon horseback, albeit I would rather not be side-saddled." The warmth of her face deepened.
Nor could she help but notice the smile which spread across his face. She was relieved that he chose to see the humor. There were not many women of her station who would openly admit a desire to ride like a man. But, having watched women fight their attire at such an awkward riding position, and having done so herself, left little doubt that she could tolerate such impediments so often.
His gaze caught hers and she found appreciation there. Perhaps it was something he could like about her—that honesty. For she knew no other way to be. Her thoughts were broken as she realized he spoke.
"...think may be something is amiss."
"Pardon?" Her face flushed anew.
“Do you think there may be something amiss?”
"The horse or perhaps the saddle," she said after some moments. "I do think something is out of place."
He turned his horse to the right, entreating Karin to follow. "There is a stream not far. We can water the horses and check your saddle there."
Pulling off the path, they maneuvered the horses through the trees and closer to the stream. What would they find? Would there be an answer to all of this? Or would it prove to be all in her mind?
Once the horses were drinking, Pavel dismounted and came to assist her. Reaching up, he held her waist as she steadied herself with hands on his shoulders. He hoisted her down without much effort, but his hands lingered. As they stood, faces a breath apart, he did not pull away. Nor did she want him to. Drawing her closer, he captured her lips.
Pavel’s kiss was every bit as wonderful as Karin remembered. Her hands slid the length of his arms and rested on his shoulders. It was too much. His hand moved up to angle her chin, allowing him to deepen the kiss.
They remained locked in each other's embrace for a time that could not be measured and was but fleeting in her mind. Karin dropped her head to his shoulder. He pressed another kiss to her forehead. Was he as lost as she? For she could hardly see straight when he was near.
If only we could stay like this forever. She dared not whisper these words aloud. Whatever this was with Pavel, it was too new for her to speak such things. And, while the actions he took toward a lady implied much, she was not willing to risk anything by breathing her hopes of the future.
When Pavel pulled back, Karin sensed his hesitancy. Was he so reluctant to end this moment?
"I will check your saddle." His words were breathed. After stepping away from her, he walked around the horse, pulling on various straps. "Karin, who saddled your mare?"
"One of the stable hands."
Pavel was now on the other side of the horse, hunched and looking at something not visible to her.
Karin stepped behind the horse, careful to keep a hand on the horse's body lest Whiskey become spooked and kick out.
"What is amiss?" Karin asked as she came around.
"These straps are loose." He pulled at the strap which held the saddle to the horse. "This saddle would have slid to the side had you pushed the horse faster. You would have been thrown."
Serious blue eyes met Karin's.
Pavel stood. "I am surprised that even at a trot you managed to keep the saddle upright. No wonder you had such difficulty."
Karin's eyes were wide. "Pavel, I checked the saddle before I mounted. Those straps were secure."
"Then how could this have happened?" He tightened the straps, focusing on securing them.
"I do not know. There were others who came to check my saddle."
"Who?" He stepped toward her, his work completed.
"Another stable hand, Luc, Stepan. Everyone was only trying to help."
"Someone was not." His eyes were serious.
Karin didn't want to guess which of the three might be responsible for this.
"We should head back." Pavel moved toward the stream.
"No." Karin reached out and laid on his shoulder.
He halted, turning back toward her.
She took a deep breath. "I am having such a pleasant afternoon, and I so rarely get out of the chateau. You have remedied the problem. Perhaps can we continue with our plans."
Pavel's eyes rested on her. Was he weighing his decision? After some moments, he nodded. "All right, we'll continue to the rendezvous.”
She smiled.
His eyes darkened again. Was he so concerned after her? “But stay close."
Nodding, she clasped her hands together at hip level.
Pavel helped her mount, checking her saddle once again. After a couple of pulls and tugs, he seemed satisfied she was as sound as she could be. He mounted his steed, and they were off.
Now, with Karin able to move faster, they arrived at the rendezvous point in a matter of minutes.
The chosen meeting place was the same spot the men would converge to while hunting if they should be split up. A small clearing among the trees, it was raised on a higher plain. The trees around the clearing had thinned. Anyone close could be spotted from some distance away. It was not an ideal position to hunt from, but it made a perfect meeting location.
As Karin and Pavel neared, she saw the others. How long had they been there? Their horses appeared antsy.
Zdenek spotted them first. "Where have you been?"
Karin opened her mouth, ready to tell them all that had been discovered of her saddle, but Pavel interjected.
"We stopped to water the horses."
She glanced at Pavel. Would he say nothing further?
"And," Pavel's tone lightened, "the lady likes to stop and smell the flowers."
Karin shrugged, smiling.
"Even so, our horses are quite ready to stretch their legs," Radek said as his horse stirred.
"Do you think you can avoid the daisies for a while, my lady?" Stepan said, a broad smile across his face.
"I shall do my best, my lord." She shifted, preparing to maneuver Whiskey into a faster pace.
The horse responded immediately, moving onto her hind legs.
Karin kept a tight grip on the reins lest she be bucked off.
"Whoa, Whiskey," she soothed.
It was no use. The horse had been disturbed. Whiskey became more agitated, moving this way and that, as if wanting to fell Karin.
She held on still. The manner of injuries sustained by people thrown from horses were well known. Then, without warning, Whiskey took off into a full gallop.
Karin cried out, grasping the reins and pulling back as hard as she could. While she was not an inexperienced horsewoman, she would not have considered herself proficient either. Controlling a spooked horse was not among her skills. And, try as she might, she could not contain the horse. Cursing her sidesaddle situation, she held tight to the reins, certain she would have greater control if seated astride.
In the midst of her terror, hands grasped for the reins. Who? Stepan. The fastest of the young men, he would be the one to rescue her. Try as he might, he could not reach them and Karin could not release her own grip.
Stepan's horse moved impossibly closer to Whiskey. His body nearing hers. An arm wrapped around Karin's waist.
"Jump toward me!" Stepan yelled in her ear.
She shook her head. Surely she could not.
; What would he do? Continue with his plan and trust that she would do as he commanded?,
"One ... two ... three!"
Karin leapt toward him as he pulled her body from the spooked horse and onto his steed.
He then slowed his horse, his chest heaving under her ear, his breathing rapid and hard.
She landed haphazardly on the horse, somewhat side-saddled, facing Stepan, clinging to him.
"It is all right. It is over." He soothed, holding her in his firm embrace.
The other young men appeared around them. A chorus of spoken relief sounded amongst the group.
Her eyes sought Pavel, but she was unable to discern his features. There was relief for certain, but something else flashed in his eyes. Was he jealous? Upset that she clung to Stepan? She released her grip and moved to dismount.
"Don’t, my lady.” Radek held out a hand. “Stepan, you must take her back to the chateau."
"Yes," Zdenek agreed. "Don’t let her out of your sight." He maneuvered his horse closer to Stepan's and assisted in shifting Karin to turn and sit more securely in front of Stepan.
"Zdenek and I will search for Whiskey and meet you back at the stables." Radek turned his horse in the direction the crazed horse had run.
It was agreed that this was a sound plan. And so, they parted ways.
* * *
While the riding party was out, Viscount Vlastik Dvorak received a visitor—someone whose presence was not unwelcome but disturbed the staff all the same. Needless to say, though the Viscount dismissed all servants forthwith and had the cabinet doors closed, gossip flew as to the possible reasons for Constable Borivoj's visit.
"Please, do sit," the Viscount said, waving a hand in the direction of several comfortable seats as he took a large chair for himself.
Borivoj chose a chair closer to the Viscount, wanting to engage him at eye level with ease. "I thank you for receiving me, Viscount."
"Of course, Constable, of course. Tell me," he said, picking up a cup of some hot beverage from a tray a servant set nearby before all were banned from the room, "what brings you to this part of Hradec Kralove? Not police business, I hope."
"This is more of a…friendly visit." Borivoj was careful as he chose his words. It would not serve him to alarm the Viscount. He must downplay his investigative intentions as much as possible.
"Good, good," the Viscount’s shoulders relaxed and he leaned back. "That is the manner of visit I prefer to entertain."
"I must confess," Borivoj warned, "My visit is not without its matters of business to attend to."
The Viscount’s brow rose. "I would suspect you to be lying if you did not make such a confession. And I prefer to dispense with those things first. So, let us see to that."
Borivoj had only just lifted his own cup to his lips but nodded and lowered the drink. "Of course.” He squared his shoulders. “I am certain you are aware of the carriage accident on the road between this chateau and Hradec Kralove.”
The Viscount studied Borivoj, but remained silent.
“I understand two of your guests were involved."
"Dreadful business.” The Viscount leaned forward, brows furrowed. “I am relieved you are investigating the matter.”
Borivoj watched the Viscount. Allowing silence to fall between them. Would the Viscount speak again? Give away information he should not?
After some moments, the Viscount interlocked his fingers. “I fear I was remiss in reporting the incident. We were astonished, you understand, and seeing to the recovery of our guests."
"Of course," Borivoj measured his words. He did not dare move lest he give away anything of his thoughts. This was the time to study the Viscount. And the man began to shift in his seat. Was he becoming uncomfortable?
Borivoj wished he had his ledger to make real-time notes. But that would push their meeting beyond the realm of a "friendly visit" and raise the Viscount's defenses for certain.
The stillness between them became awkward. Would the Viscount become so uneasy he would declare an end to their conversation? Perhaps it was best if Borivoj kept him talking. Maybe even dole out some information and guage his reaction.
Leveling his gaze on the Viscount, Borivoj pressed on. "I discovered that one of the wheels, perhaps more, was damaged with a blade."
"Someone tampered with the carriage? You mean to say this was no accident?"
"That is how it appears, my lord."
The Viscount’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. Was he truly so surprised?
"But who would do such a thing?"
"I do not know, but I intend to find out." Borivoj met the Viscount's eyes. "With your permission, I would like to perform a search of the chateau to seek out any inconsistencies here..."
"The chateau? You think it possible one of my guests... ?” The Viscount’s mouth clamped shut, then opened and it seemed from the movement of his lips that he attempted to find words, but failed.
At last, he rose. “No.” He turned, giving Borivoj his back. “It's not possible.” Spinning toward the constable again, his eyes flashed. “It must be someone in the village. That is where the carriage was just before the accident...incident."
Borivoj remained silent as the Viscount moved to the window, gazing out across the grounds. Was he so resistant to the possibility of placing suspicion on one of his guests?
When he faced the constable again, his features were set. "You must start in the village. None of my guests are capable of such a thing.”
Borivoj drew in a breath. What could he say to reason with the Viscount? The man couldn’t think he knew his guests so well. But as Borivoj opened his mouth, the Viscount continued.
“After you have performed a thorough investigation in the village, perhaps we can talk more. Until then, I cannot open any of my guests to your suspicions."
Just as Borivoj feared. But what could he do? A hacked wheel did not give him cause to search the chateau, the people under the protection of the royal family. The Viscount was right—the tampering had happened while the carriage was in the village. And that was where the investigation had cause to go.
Still, Borivoj couldn’t shake the feeling that the deed was linked to the chateau—eight incidences and six bodies were not the stuff of coincidences.
But none of this mattered.
His hands were tied.
* * *
Stepan dismounted and raised his arms to Karin. She allowed him to assist her to the ground as she scanned the area. After entering the stables, Pavel and Luc had disappeared. The only other soul present was the stable hand preparing to take Stepan's horse. Now that they were on steady earth, even he vanished.
"Please allow me to see you to your chambers," Stepan said, his voice full of emotion. His eyes glistened as he held her gaze. Was he so concerned?
"I would rather sit for a moment," she said, indicating a nearby bench. Her legs were like porridge beneath her. Would they hold her if she stepped forth?
Stepan reached for her hand. Had he noticed her uneasiness? He slid an arm around her back and led her to sit.
When he rose, he was pulled by Karin’s hold on him. Had she clasped his hand that firmly? Loosening her grip, she offered him a weak smile.
His mouth did not turn in response. It remained drawn, his eyes serious. The muscles in his jaw moved.
“I beg you, my lord. Do not worry yourself so. I am well enough.”
“Still, I insist a doctor is called.”
“Please do not trouble the doctor. I am only shaken.”
Stepan's eyes rested on her face. She must have been a sight—hair unruly from being whipped in the wind, face scratched by small branches while on the out-of-control animal.
His gaze softened. Perhaps he would heed her words.
She let out a breath.
Stepan’s hand rested on her shoulder, the gentle touch seemed as something beyond their companionable friendship. "You will be tended by a doctor. You suffered quite a fright."
&n
bsp; Peering into his eyes, she sought answers. Was there more behind his gesture? If so, what? As for the doctor, she could do nothing but accept. This was from the son of her host, the man who had just saved her life. So, she nodded.
"Shall we continue into…” Stepan raised an arm toward the chateau.
“I would be most grateful for a moment of rest.”
His brows came together. “Will you be all right until I return?"
"Yes.” She kept her voice even, calmer than she felt. Did he not think she could manage to sit in the stables without creating mischief?
He turned and, with some hesitation, headed for the house.
Karin sat just as Stepan left her. She stretched her limbs and closed her eyes. As she prayed, she found a peace, a balance that restored her calm. When she opened her eyes, the stables were still empty and silent.
Where had Pavel gone? Back to the chateau? Was he not concerned about her? Was he angry? Should she go after him? Or let him come for her?
As the minutes passed, she found that she could no longer remain as she was. Perhaps it was best she return to the chateau. But could she trust her legs? Standing, she tested her weight on her more strengthened muscles. All seemed well. A step forward, hand outstretched toward a nearby post, her balance did not waver.
With the use of her legs returned, she should find Stepan and plead that the doctor not be brought. She moved toward the far side of the stables.
Hands grabbed her and pulled her into a stall. Her back was pushed against the rough wood of the wall. She opened her mouth to scream but her vision was filled with Pavel's bright blue eyes.
He pulled her into a tight embrace. An arm wrapped around her shoulders, his hand stroking the back of her head. The other arm held her to him. His face was in her hair, her shoulder. For several moments, he just held her.
When he spoke, it was as soft as a breath. "I was so afraid. Everything….it all could have been over in an instant…if anything happened to you."
His words warmed her from the inside, like slipping into a warm bath. She soaked in his presence, his arms, his touch, his words. "It’s all right. I am well."
He held her for several moments more before pressing a kiss to her hair, then to the side of her face, then briefly to her lips, pulling back far enough to look into her eyes.
The Lady Bornekova Page 13
