The walk and descriptions continued for about half an hour. Cecily genuinely felt as though she was on top of the world. What she was feeling then was everything she had hoped to feel when she married.Please,she prayed silently to the heavens.Can this moment never end?
But a few moments later, she felt Val bring Sunshine to a halt. There was a moment of silent stillness before she felt them move again. It took her a minute to realize that her husband was turning the horse around, back toward the stables.
“Are we going back?” she asked, unable to hide the disappointment that she felt.
She could not see Val, but she felt him shift, and she guessed he had turned slightly to face her.
“I am afraid so, Cecily,” he said, sounding as dejected as she felt. “The sun vanished only a moment ago. The sky is fast darkening, which tells me that there is a storm moving in rather quickly. The clouds are thick and varying shades of dark grey and black. It looks like it will get quite nasty, and I would hate for us to be caught in the middle of it.”
Cecily nodded in understanding. She did not want Val or the animal to be caught out in a sudden downpour. She gave him an understanding smile as she stroked the mare’s mane once more.
“That’s fine,” she said. “This was such a delight. I cannot tell you how much this has meant to me. I can always do it again some other day.”
She heard Val sniff, and once more, she imagined him smiling. Now that she knew what color his eyes were, she envisioned them sparkling with light when he smiled. It made her heart skip a beat, which helped replace the sadness she felt that her first ride in so many years was coming to an end.
“We can do this again whenever you wish, Cecily,” he said. “You need only ask.”
Cecily blushed. She knew that her husband meant what he said, and she was thrilled beyond words. She could hardly believe the day she had had with her husband, and she couldn’t wait to write back to Agnes. What she had feared would be a vague, strained return letter would now be filled with the wonderful time she had shared with Val that day.
As the Duke led her and Sunshine into the stables, she heard the low rumble of thunder. She cupped the mare’s face in her hands and kissed her once last time.
“I am so glad to have met you, Sunshine,” she said. “I cannot wait to come and see you again.”
The horse stomped her hoof and nuzzled Cecily once more. Then, she stepped back as though she understood that her master and mistress needed to leave. Cecily then allowed Val to quickly lead her from the stables to the manor. She couldn’t help giggling as they rushed back up to the mansion.
“What is it?” Val asked, bemused despite his urgency.
“It is silly,” she said, blushing as she spoke.
Val patted her back gently.
“Doesn’t matter,” he said softly. “You can tell me.”
Cecily laughed again.
“This just reminds me of two children who are scurrying to try to not be caught doing something naughty,” she said.
Val laughed, and she shivered with pleasure.
“Can I venture to guess that you and Lady Agnes did something very similar as girls?” he asked.
Cecily laughed loudly.
“Perhaps, we did,” she said, winking at her husband. “And then again, perhaps, I have no idea what you mean.”
The two of them laughed. Cecily realized that was the best moment they had shared all day. Suddenly, she found herself wishing he would kiss her. But then, they reached the back door of the manor. They had just slipped inside when she heard the sky release the torrent of rain it had been withholding.
“Not a moment too soon,” both she and Val said in unison. They both began to laugh as he escorted her back down the hallways. He walked with her back to the parlor. Greta was not still there, but Cecily knew she would not be too far away.
Cecily turned to face her husband, putting a gentle hand on his arm. She had to resist a strong urge to kiss him. Every moment that day had been beautiful and special. But even if they were building a bond, she knew it needed to be at a slow and steady pace. She would not do anything to jeopardize the small bit of trust and friendship they were just starting to form.
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon, Val,” she said warmly. That was, of course, an understatement. It had been the best day of her life since going blind. But she did not want to overwhelm Val by saying so. She wanted them both to remember that day with nothing but fondness.
“It was my pleasure, my lady,” he said with the utmost sincerity. “Truly.”
Cecily blushed. She could feel Val watching her intently and her heart began to race. Would he kiss her, after all?
“Good afternoon, Duke and Duchess Archington,” Greta’s voice suddenly came from the doorway.
