Page 38 of The Trouble With Her Duke
“I hope you don’t mind me joining you. The children haven’t had the ponies overly long, and it’s nice to see them riding.”
“Not at all. Mandy is not a fan of the sidesaddle but has liked the option you offered her.” He also wanted to see if I could handle his children.
He nodded. “I told her once she became proficient at the sidesaddle, she could ride astride. I’m curious. Have there been any frogs?”
Lydia laughed. “No, Your Grace. However, I would have sworn they were doing something this morning. So far, nothing.”
He laughed heartily. “They’re accomplished mischief-makers.” He pointed to the ring, “Maybe you are making them rethink their attitude toward governesses.”
“Well, I don’t think change happens that quickly. This is the first day and we have lessons to get through.”
“That’s a good way to look at it. Mind if I tag along?”
“Not at all,” Lydia said, though her stomach did a small somersault. Never had she had so much trouble looking away from something she wanted. Not only was he beyond her reach—but marriage would mean the end of her independence. She focused, instead, on the dog and the children. She was here to teach his children. But blast it all! His nearness was making it difficult.
Lydia withdrew her timepiece from her pocket and checked the time, to the amusement of the duke. She noticed him smiling but tried to remain focused on the children. Clapping her hands, she gained their attention. “It’s time to go inside. But we will return to the ponies another day soon.”
Michael trotted over to the fence. “Hello, Father.”
“Son,” the duke said, smiling. “You and your sister look good out there. Uncle Carlton will be pleased to get a report of your progress.”
“Are we ready for a trail ride?” Michael asked.
“Almost. We need a few more lessons,” his father agreed.
“Miss Hammond wants to see Rosie’s tricks,” Mandy said, joining them at the fence.
“Children put the ponies up. And don’t forget to brush them after you help take their saddles off,” the duke said. “Part of learning to ride is learning to care for the animal, as well.”
Lydia was impressed. The children nodded and made quick work of the maintenance. Soon they were back in front with their puppy next to them.
“How old is Rosie?” Lydia asked, curious. The dog seemed so well-disciplined for a puppy.
“Six months. However, I think Mother and my cousins had her for at least a month.”
“That could explain it,” Lydia said. “What tricks does she do?” she asked Michael when he and his sister joined them.
“She can fetch, and she can find.” He straightened his back. “We are working with her.”
“Let’s see her fetch,” the duke suggested. He dug into his pocket and withdrew a small ball. Looking at Lydia, he said, “I might have heard the dog was going to show off.”
Lydia laughed. “Well, let’s watch.”
Michael and Mandy took turns throwing the ball and retrieving it from Rosie. Each time, the little dog would dutifully return the ball and lay it at their feet.
“What else does she do?” Lydia asked.
“She finds things,” Mandy said, feeling first in her pocket, then looking at her brother.
“Do you need something to show her?” Lydia asked. She fished in her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. “Try this.”
“Thank you, Miss Hammond,” Michael said, sniffing the handkerchief. “It smells pretty.”
Lydia laughed. “I think the dog is supposed to smell it.”
Grinning, Michael held the handkerchief to Rosie’s nose and said gentle things in her ear.
“My brother’s teaching her to smell the handkerchief. The next step is important. We distract her and hide the handkerchief,” Mandy explained. “We saw them doing this with Father’s hunting dogs.”
