Page 43 of The Rules of Courtship
After Ruth had ascertained the corridor was empty last night, Oliver slipped out and made it safely back to his chamber unseen, but the interlude had left a mark on him. Lady Helena liked Mr. Bailey. She had invited Ruth to consider bringing the man home with them to further their acquaintance. It proved Lady Helena was serious about helping Ruth find a husband, which left a sour taste in Oliver’s mouth.
He made it to the stables the following morning bright and early, the crisp air permeating his coat and chilling his skin. When he rounded the corner, he came to an abrupt stop at finding Mr. Bailey and Mr. Edmonds speaking to Ruth in the center of the cobbled stable floor.
When she noticed Oliver, her face brightened. “Good morning, Mr. Rose.”
He dipped his head in a greeting to Ruth and each of the men.
“Care to see a demonstration?” Bailey asked. “Rocklin will meet us here after he eats breakfast. He wants to show Lightning this morning and asked me to warm the horse up.”
“Have you not been riding her all week?” Oliver asked. He had seen the powerful horse. It was a beauty, of course, but the childish bit inside Oliver did not want to watch Mr. Bailey look like the better rider of the men. He wanted that distinction, because he knew how much Ruth admired both horses and decent riders.
“This demonstration will show her speed,” Bailey said.
“I am interested in that,” Edmonds said. “Is she difficult to manage?”
“A little, but it’s nothing I cannot handle.”
Ruth beamed. “It seems we are in for a treat.” She looked small in the voluminous skirt of her violet riding habit. Her jaunty hat, set high on her head, made her cheekbones look defined. She was beautiful, her eyes sparkling, her smile vibrant. How was every man not clamoring at her feet? Samuel had made a cake out of himself for the last few years, yes, but he had been the only one Oliver knew of. It was confusing.
They each selected horses, waited for them to be saddled, and took them out. The sun was already rising, the blue sky fading into gray clouds. It appeared they were in for a storm shortly.
“We haven’t much time,” Oliver said to Ruth, bringing his horse alongside hers. “The rain will be here soon.”
“Hopefully, we have time enough. I would love to see that horse soar.”
Thehorse, he noticed. Not the man.
They followed the path toward the creek, skirting massive oak trees and passing the water to reach the wide, open field.
“Shall we race?” Bailey called. “I imagine he has warmed up enough.”
“You will win every time,” Edmonds said, shooting a knowing look at Ruth. “Not much fun in that.”
When had Ruth’s and Edmonds’ horses drawn so near one another? Had she set her sights on him, since she believed his sister to be in love with Bailey? Oliver took a deep breath. He was losing his mind.
Ruth said something to Edmonds that made him laugh, sending a flash of jealousy through Oliver’s gut.
“I will race you, Edmonds,” Oliver said before he could properly think it through. “Neither of us are riding Rocklin’s prize horse, so we are far more evenly matched.”
Edmonds grinned. “What will the winner receive? No forfeits this time.”
Oliver looked at Ruth before pinning his attention on Edmonds again. “The pleasure of Miss Wycliffe’s first dance tonight, if she will permit it.”
Edmonds laughed, looking at her. “Please agree, Miss Wycliffe. I am certain this gentleman will lead me to victory.” He patted the neck of his horse, who flicked his head as if in disagreement.
She gave a laugh. “Very well, though it is not an exciting prize.”
“We shall be the judges of that,” Edmonds said.
“I will ride to the other end and watch the finish line,” Bailey said. “Shall we make it that tree just there?”
Oliver looked to where he had gestured and agreed. It was far enough from the fence line to be a safe stopping point.
The men lined up their horses and shook hands across the expanse between them.
“Are you ready?” Ruth asked.
Neither man spoke, but they each nodded.
