Page 16 of A Duke to Restore her Memory
“If only it could speak,” she said ruefully. “If only it could tell me who I was … and lead me towards my home.”
He sighed heavily. “Yes. But at least we know that the horse does belong to you. You were definitely riding it that day.” He frowned. “You must have dismounted for a short break in your journey … and that is when you fell into the mine shaft.”
She kept murmuring to the horse, nudging her with its nose. She seemed lost in a reverie or a silent communication with the beast and appeared to have forgotten about him entirely.
“I will get the saddle,” he said, smiling slightly.
She jumped slightly. “Oh! Yes, of course.” She took a deep breath. “We must look at the saddle.”
They walked together to the small room where the saddles were kept.
A strong smell of leather hit him in the face when he opened the door. He knew where the saddle the horse had been wearing that day was – the stable master had placed it in the far corner of the room, and it hadn’t been moved at all.
“Here it is,” he said, grabbing the saddle and hauling it out of the room. It was heavy.
He placed it on the ground. They both bent to examine it. It was made of the finest, most expensive leather, embossed with a fine, swirling pattern.
His eyes narrowed as he examined it closely, looking for any mark or insignia – a brand of some kind – which might indicate where this saddle had come from or even who made it. But there was nothing.
His lips thinned as he turned it over, examining its underside. Nothing. His heart plummeted in disappointment, so he could only imagine how she felt. He glanced at her. Tears were swimming in her eyes as she shook her head.
“How disappointing,” she whispered, running a hand through her hair. “I had such high hopes.”
Sebastian shrugged. “I know. But it was worth a try, at least.”
He picked up the saddle, taking it back to the room. When he returned, she had walked over to the horse again, petting it and whispering to it. The horse obviously relished the attention.
“Do you like getting your ear scratched?” she whispered to the beast. “Do you?”
“It is a fine saddle,” said Sebastian with a sigh. “A very expensive saddle …”
She jumped, seemingly startled. “I did not steal it, if that is what you are implying,” she interjected in a defensive voice. “I know you are going to ask me how I know that I did not … but I just do.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I know that I could never do such a thing.”
Sebastian’s heart shifted in his chest. She sounded and looked so vulnerable. She leaned against the horse as if seeking reassurance and comfort. The horse obliged, nickering softly, butting its nose softly against her.
“I was not implying anything of the sort,” he said gently. “It was just a general observation. That is all.”
She slumped, exhaling slowly, turning to look at him.
“I am sorry,” she said, her bottom lip trembling. “I know that I spoke rashly.” She took a long, deep breath. “It is just so terribly frustrating. I had pinned such hopes on the saddle revealing something about me … or where I am from. I did not mean to take my frustration out on you, Your Grace.”
He smiled slowly. “I am not offended, Georgina. You do not need to apologize. I understand how frustrated you must be.” His eyes flickered over her. “Your memory will return, you know. Give it time. Be patient.”
She stifled a sob. “How can I be patient? I am here because of your kindness and generosity …Newquay Hall is a wonderful place, but it is not my home.” She hesitated. “I am your guest, but where do I fit in? I am not a servant, but nor am I an equal to you …no one knows how to treat me, for they cannot pin me in place without knowing my status in the world … I feel as if I am stuck in a netherworld. A strange limbo.”
He gazed at her steadily, noticing that she was gripping the horse’s head so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.
Oddly, the horse didn’t seem to mind. In fact, it was gazing at her, its velvet brown eyes filled with softness. The horse knew her well – the horse loved her. It was as plain as the nose on his face.
The horse is expensive. And it belongs to her. If she had stolen it, it would not be acting this way towards her. And if it loves her, then that tells me that she may indeed have been born a lady … very few people can afford a horse like this.
“I understand your confusion,” he said in a gentle voice. “You do not need to feel as if you are here under sufferance, Georgina. I said that I would look after you until you are well and have fully recovered your memory, and I meant it.”
She gazed at him. “You are so very kind,” she said in a faltering voice. “I am a complete stranger to you. You have no idea who I am, yet you have opened your home to me. I am so grateful.”
A warmth stole over him. Embarrassed, he coughed into his hand, shifting on his feet. There was an awkward silence, and tension filled the air. He noticed that her cheeks had turned pink again.
A stable hand walked towards them. “I have a message from Lady Lydia, Your Grace,” said the boy. “She asked if you would care to join her and Lady Frances for luncheon on the far balcony, as it is such a nice day.”
