Page 65 of A Torn Allegiance
At last, when he finally stood in front of the Shelby town house, stablehands and horses behind him, he could relax, and he prepared to enjoy himself. He looked forward to discussing some of what troubled him, perhaps, but more than anything, he needed some time to think and speak of anything in the world besides the heavy issues that tightened the knots inside him.
Lady Elsie stood beside Timson when he answered Hayes’s knock. Her riding habit was a lovely dark green. It outlined her face and brought a soft color to her cheeks. “Shall we?” she said as she stepped down and took his outstretched hand.
“I’ve very much been looking forward to this.” He led her to one of two stallions. “Which one do you want to ride?”
“These are from Duncan’s stables?” She stepped closer to the horses and rested her hand on the nose of the first stallion. “Yes, I recognize Cinnamon. And Lavender.”
Hayes laughed. “You named a stallion Lavender?”
“I most certainly did, and if you’re lucky, you will get to ride him. He’s the fastest.”
Hayes nodded. “So might I help you up on Cinnamon?”
“I would appreciate that, yes.” She turned to face him in front of the glorious brown-black stallion, his coat shining in the sun. She placed her hands on Hayes’s shoulders and looked up into his eyes. “Thank you. For going riding.”
“You are quite welcome.” His hands rested on her hips. The air filled with the scent of lemons. And he smiled. “Are you ready?”
“I’m ready.”
He gave her a short squeeze and then lifted her onto Cinnamon.
She adjusted herself and then nodded at him. The sun created a halo around her face, and for a second, he could almost see his mother’s crown on her head. He paused to take it in. A great peace and an urgency filled him all at once. If he knew she was someone he wanted in his life, he needed to get moving on things, especially if he’d have to return home soon to rally the southern landholders and take care of the tenants. He reached out and patted her horse. “You look good up there, Lady Elsie.”
The connection between them felt almost like a real, tangible thing he could touch. He would not believe it any more real if he saw it. And he knew he would not be able to return to Oldenburg without her. His country deserved her, and he needed her. Besides, a woman who looked that stunning on a horse would be branded in his mind forever. He winked at her, bringing a lovely pink to her cheeks, and then moved around to his horse for the afternoon. “Lavender, eh?” He patted the horse’s flank. “My apologies.”
Lady Elsie laughed. “Now, Your Highness, he loves his name. He’s perfectly comfortable showing you just how much.” She clucked her tongue, and Cinnamon started walking.
Hayes swung up onto Lavender and followed Lady Elsie and her mount.
Soon they were walking side by side on the road, which stretched in front of a row of town houses on one side and the great park on the other. “Shall we veer off into the park?” he asked.
“Not just yet.” She gave him a secretive smile, and he wondered what she was about. Then a figure in an upper-story window moved out of sight, but not before he recognized Lady Annabeth. He snorted.
But Lady Elsie held her chin high, and he paused before teasing her about her tactics. Something almost vulnerable surprised him in the way she held herself, and he was filled with a strong desire to protect her. She turned to him, a proud sort of fire in her eyes. “Sometimes I like to show off a little.”
At that, he did laugh, and then they turned into the park. “And riding with me down the street is showing off?” He sat taller and pretended to preen. “I’m flattered.”
“Oh, stop. You are only one of the most sought-after men in London right now, and sometimes I take what moments I can get to be respected by these women.” She cleared her throat and then turned to him. “I’m really not as wily as I sound right now.”
“I would never think of you as anything but up-front and honest.”
She nodded but looked troubled. He found that curious.
As soon as the horses’ hooves touched the green grass of the park, their gait picked up.
“You ready to run, big man?” Lady Elsie patted her horse and then lifted one daring eyebrow in Hayes’s direction.
He didn’t need to be challenged twice. Apparently neither did Lavender. The minute Hayes leaned forward, without even a nudge, Lavender took off, Cinnamon right after him.
The beast’s gait immediately moved to a long canter that felt as smooth as a rolling sea. Hayes reveled in the speed, the freedom, and the beauty of the horse. He felt Lady Elsie at his side, and the two of them raced through the more unpopulated corner of the park, over paths, around bends, through forests, and leaping over hedges. Their horses were in unison, her laughter rang out in the air around them, and they flew.
After a time, they slowed their horses and relaxed into a slow, serene walk while they caught their breath.
“I never know why I become breathless,” Lady Elsie said. “Dear Cinnamon did all the work.”
“You are not alone. Riding a horse does become tiring, even though we have these magnificent animals to thank for the experience.” He sat back. “Tell me, Lady Elsie, about the first time you were on a horse.”
She adjusted her seat and smiled a large and glorious smile, one that invited the sun to light her face, or so it appeared to Hayes. “Duncan learned to ride first.”
