Page 36 of The Lady Who Said No to the Duke
The speed should have been exhilarating and enjoyable, but after a moment Thea realised that it was bringing back memories that she could have well done without.Riding stirrup to stirrup with Hal, laughing as they galloped, free as birds, across the countryside, enjoying matching horse against horse.Simply being that uncomplicated thing, two people who liked each other learning how to become friends.
She reined back, bringing Lara down to a slow canter, then a trot, the joy of the ride draining out of her.This was foolish.One man had proved a disappointment, but she should not allow that to dominate her life.
It is not as though I am in love with him,despite Godmama’s best efforts, she thought.Now, that really would be something to be sad about.I am simply feeling low in spirits because of the thought of another Season and this time having to think seriously about finding a husband.
Because what was the alternative?To set up her own household at her age would be a scandal and besides, Papa would never allow her the money to do it.Remain unmarried but living with her parents?Thea gave a decisive shake of her head.She had seen too many unmarried daughters dwindling into their mother’s shadows.They were a disappointment, but a useful one when an elderly aunt needed a companion, or a sister-in-law wanted help with a brood of unruly children.
Of course, there were always Good Works.Thea lips twitched at her own mental capital letters.She felt no attraction to supporting missionary societies, and she suspected that fallen women would laugh in her face if she attempted to redeem them.Then there were great causes that she suspected a young single woman with no control of her fortune could contribute little to—the abolition of slavery, the extension of the suffrage—sprang to mind.
But there were also others where she felt she might do some good—education for girls, the encouragementof money-making opportunities for women, for example.Someone had opened a bazaar in Soho, renting out stalls at affordable prices to widows and women in reduced circumstances so they could sell their needlework, crafts and baked goods.Perhaps more of those would be helpful.
Thea was deep in contemplation of a career in charitable endeavours when she saw the grey horse.The large grey horse that was cantering along one of the rides that would converge with hers.Juno.
She reined Lara down to a walk and almost turned her to ride back the way she had come.
But why should I?I have a perfect right to be riding in the park and I am quite capable of exchanging a civil greeting with a passing rider.
Like most accidents it happened in a split second.A wooden hoop bowled out from behind a small clump of low bushes, just where the two rides intersected, and a small boy ran after it.
The hoop was right in front of the grey mare and, at speed, she had no chance of missing it.Forelegs entangled, she went down.
Thea urged Lara forward as Hal somehow got out of the saddle and half jumped, half tumbled towards the child, catching him and rolling him clear of half a ton of horse and four thrashing iron-shod hooves.
Thea slid from the saddle, conscious of Hopkins behind her.Juno flailed to get her legs under her, then scrambled to her feet.
‘My lady, you stay clear,’ Hopkins called as she slid from the saddle and started forwards.
There was a great deal of screaming happening.Thea left her groom to look after the horses and discovered anursemaid having a fit of hysterics over Hal, who was still sitting on the ground holding a wailing small boy.
Nobody, by some miracle, appeared to be bleeding, and all the limbs she could see looked straight.
Thea marched up to the young woman, took her by the shoulders and gave her a brisk shake.‘Stop it!You are frightening the child.He is quite unharmed.’
After a moment, the shrieks dissolved into tears, then hiccups.
‘What is his name?’Thea asked, more gently.
‘Master Anthony, ma’am.I’m sorry, ma’am, but I thought—’
‘I’m sure you did.Now, you go and sit on that tree stump over there and calm yourself.I will look after Master Anthony.’
And make certain Hal is as undamaged as he seems.
She walked back and crouched down.Hal, hatless and with a bruise already darkening over his right eye, looked up at her.
‘He is not hurt, just frightened,’ he said.
Thea nodded.‘Anthony,’ she said firmly.‘What is all this fuss about?’
The child lifted his face from Hal’s shoulder and stared at her, indignation at her lack of sympathy written large on his tear-blubbered face.‘Big horse fell on me!’
‘No, it did not.You tripped it up by accident with your hoop and this gentleman fell on you to keep you safe.Now, does anything hurt?Think carefully.’
The no-nonsense tone was having an effect.The boy obviously made a mental review of his body inside and out and managed a smile.‘I’m all right,’ he announced, sounding surprised.
‘In that case, you must go and comfort your nursemaid,because you gave her a very big shock and upset her.’Thea took hold of the boy, stood him on his feet and pointed him in the direction of the maid.
‘You were very good with him,’ Hal remarked absently, getting to his feet.His attention was all on his horse.
