Page 21 of Enslaved to the Seduction of a Lady
Chapter Nine
Alison awoke the following morning, elated at how well the party had gone. Not only had she enjoyed herself, but it seemed everyone else did, too. Teresa’s return had been well-celebrated, and already Alison looked forward to the next anniversary.
Nonsense, Alison. There will be plenty of soirees in between.
As soon as she woke up, she knew she wanted to go for a ride that day. A ride, and hopefully see Luke as well. She wanted to tell him all about the party; she wanted to hear all about his, and she dreamed of the day the party they attended would be the same one.
She breakfasted quickly, paying little attention to the post-party chatter of her parents. Teresa and David were there, too, and baby Benjamin rested quietly in the corner. She ate quickly, then stood up and made her excuses to leave.
“Going so soon?” Teresa asked. “I was hoping we might talk about last night, and—”
“Perhaps later,” Alison said, smiling softly. “I have a headache and wish to take some air.”
“All right,” Teresa said. “But come straight back if the pain in your head gets any worse.”
“I will,” Alison said. She made her way over to the stables, headache free and wanting only to see Luke.
“Good morning,” she called, her voice full of cheer and happiness.
“Good morning, Lady Alison,” Luke said, but he barely glanced at her and his tone was formal.
Lady Alison?
He carried on brushing the horse he was dealing with and paid her little heed. She tried again, her brow creased in concern.
“How was last night?” she asked.
“Acceptable,” he said, still not looking at her, still with a stiffness to his interaction.
She felt a sudden panic that she had somehow offended him.
That I attended the party, perhaps?
She stepped up to him, an arm out as though to embrace him, but she didn’t dare touch him, not with so many people around.
“Luke, I—”
“Bess is ready to ride, if you wish to take her, My Lady,” he said, not even turning to face her.
“I… all right,” she said, swallowing back her emotions. He was so cold, so formal, and she wanted more than anything to ask what was wrong.
But the stables thronged with servants, and she knew she couldn’t. Although everyone knew of their unconventional friendship, it was quite another thing to flaunt it in public.
She picked up Bess’ reins and led her from the stables. Once outside, she stroked the mare’s neck and whispered in her ear.
“It is only because there are other people there, isn’t it, Bess?” she said. “You would tell me otherwise, if I was wrong, wouldn’t you?”
As if in answer, the mare turned her head and released a stream of hot breath from her nose onto Alison’s neck. Alison giggled, cuddling into the horse.
“I know you would, Bess. You’re a good girl.”
More often than not, Luke was there to help her up on the horse, but that day he seemed too preoccupied and so, she launched herself up onto Bess’ back, unladylike. She laughed at her own foolishness—she could have always gotten the step—but once she had shuffled into a comfortable position, she picked up the reins and they began to trot.
“Good girl, Bess,” Alison whispered, wanting to say the words in order to silence the chatter in her mind.
The effect was only temporary, however, and soon enough her thoughts began to do battle within her once more.
How can I reconcile my life with my love?
