Page 97 of Taming Ivy
Despite Sebastian's assurances on the matter, Ivy knew the woman despised her. How unpleasant it would be to reside in the same house. Clashes were inevitable. No matter how disagreeable Rachel might be toward her new niece-in-law, it was unlikely Sebastian would banish his aunt from her own home. Ivy sighed. At least for half the year it was possible to live at Beaumont. And Lady Garrett despised the country, so she would not accompany them. It was a small pleasure to look forward to.
Gabriel scowled. "Ahh. Here comes that devil of horse now.”
A young groom led the horses up and Raven, typically quite standoffish, pushed past the mare to lean heavily against Ivy. Resting his head against her chest, the stallion heaved a great sigh, cocked his rear hind hoof and promptly dozed off.
"Devil horse? I don’t believe it. He’s a lamb.” Ivy rubbed the space between Raven's perfectly formed ears. “See?”
"Yes, Gabriel, see?" Sebastian repeated with a grin. "Perhaps the countess might lend you a bit of her perfume. It seems to have a strange effect on horses, turning them into quite docile creatures.”
"Indeed.” Ivy caught her husband’s eye and the current passing between them was so charged even the sleepy groom blinked. "All manner of beasts appear to be affected.”
Gabriel laughed aloud, slapping Sebastian on the back. "Obviously, a private matter better left unspoken.”
Unable to think of anything witty to add to the conversation, Ivy took Spring’s reins from the confused groom. "I wish you a safe journey, Gabriel. We shall miss your morning visits-” she ignored Sebastian's snort of disbelief. "-and look forward to seeing you again in London.”
Annie had packed a picnic lunch for them in a small duffle, and while Samuel tied it to the back of Raven’s saddle, Sebastian pulled Gabriel aside to exchange a few private words. When Ivy entered the stable courtyard, he followed her, motioning for his man to follow.
"See to it in all haste. Before we arrive,” Sebastian said to Gabriel. He shooed the groom away from the mounting block, holding Spring by the bit until Ivy was settled upon the mare’s back.
"I shall attend to it immediately.” Gabriel nodded. “Don’t worry. Matters will go as planned.”
The earl threw a leg over Raven, pulling the edgy stallion under control. His laugh was sharp. "I’ve no doubt they will. Until London, then.”
With a wave of farewell, Sebastian and Ivy nudged their mounts down the gravel lane, past the east pastures where the other horses would be turned out from their stalls. They rode in companionable silence, enjoying the sweetness of the air as the morning sun burned the dew off the grass. A light breeze tickled the napes of their necks and the horses pranced in high spirits.
"You were angry just now.” Ivy was the first to break the silence.
Sebastian glanced up in surprise. "I've yet to say anything, although I was about to launch into a scintillating description of where we shall ride first.”
She tilted her head as he maneuvered up alongside her mare. "I’m referring to your rather cryptic exchange with Gabriel.”
For a split second, his face altered into a mask of hard, secretive lines before smoothing into a pleasant expression. "Only a business matter.” His hand waved dismissively. “Gabriel has it under control.”
Ivy almost pressed the issue but the day was too beautiful and their remaining time at Beaumont too short to mar with unpleasantness. Gabriel’s need to travel to London with such haste and her husband’s secretive, distracted manner were obviously related. Although she was nearly dying of curiosity, she said, "I know that is not the truth, but I’ve something to ask of you, if I may.”
"You know I will do anything for you,” Sebastian replied slowly. "What is your request?"
Gathering up the mare’s reins, Ivy gave him an impish grin. "Race me to that elm at the top of the hill?"
Before he fully comprehended the challenge, her long-legged mare took off like a cannon shot.
Raven bolted sideways; had he not been so attuned with the stallion, Sebastian might have been unseated. He could not contain his laughter as Ivy cantered away. Even riding sidesaddle, she possessed an excellent seat, her hands skilled in directing the responsive mare. After giving her a ten-second advantage, he nudged Raven into a hard gallop. The stallion snorted in frustration, the bit in his teeth as he tried to pull ahead but Sebastian kept the reins short, and for the length of the open field, the two horses raced side by side.
Ivy bent over Spring’s neck, her fingers meshing in the silky black mane as the mare surged to a faster pace. Glancing back, she saw Raven tossing his head. Clearly, his master controlled his stride.
"Let him go!" She did not want the advantage although the chivalry was very sweet.
"It's hardly fair to do so,” Sebastian edged Raven even further off the lead.
"There's a kiss for you, if should you win!” Ivy’s wide smile was full of promises.
Sebastian evaluated the distance remaining on the field, then with a jaunty salute and an apologetic grin, he loosened Raven’s reins. The dark grey stallion flamed past like a comet.
Her mare squealed in dismay while Ivy whooped with the abandon of a wild Indian in her delight. The stallion was incredible to watch, his powerful beauty a staggering counterpoint to an amazing speed. While Spring was certainly fast, she was no match to the stronger, muscled physique of the other horse. Raven quickly left them far behind, his long legs sweeping across the late spring grass.
When Ivy finally arrived beneath the canopy of the elm, Raven danced with excitement, sides barely heaving, tossing his head as if greatly amused by the outcome of the contest.
"Oh, if a horse could gloat, I believe Raven is doing so now!" Ivy exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with the exhilaration. Her stylish little hat having been knocked askew, she reached up to secure the pins in her hair.
