Page 126 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

Lord Stockton’s mount was no doubt more powerful than her own. Faster, too, if the thundering sound of hooves growing ever closer was anything to go by.

But Holly knew the grounds like the back of her hand. She’d been traversing them since she’d been old enough to sit atop a pony, and she wasn’t about to let this Scottish interloper beat her.

Ahead of her, the stream that bordered the formal grounds, frozen almost solid at this time of year, came into sight.

She would clear it before she slowed.

Much as she’d like to, she couldn’t very well ignore Lord Stockton’s presence for the entire morning. And in any case, she had some explaining to do.

Sighing, Holly prepared for the jump.

With all of her focus on the river ahead, she barely noticed that Lord Stockton had now caught up to her and would easily pass her in a moment or two.

Growling with frustration, Holly urged Artemis into a full out gallop, pushing the horse as hard as she could.

Reaching the water’s edge, she positioned the horse for the jump.

Within seconds, she’d cleared the stream, feeling as though she were flying.

No matter how often she rode, the feeling of pure joy never deserted her.

Even at this time of year, when her heart was heavy with sorrow and her mind filled with memories of Mama, being out with Artemis made her happy.

Landing on the other side of the river, Holly straightened, patting Artemis and slowing first to a trot and then a walk.

Beside her, Lord Stockton had already landed the jump and was even now pulling his horse up beside her own.

The cold morning air burned in Holly’s lungs as she took great gulps of air.

She turned her head to look at the earl and couldn’t help but feel pleased at the admiration evident on his face.

So, when he grinned at her in frank appreciation, she couldn’t help but grin right back.

“My lady,” he said as they both slowed to a stop. “I must admit that I have been well and truly put in my place by your skills as a horsewoman.”

“Whatever do you mean, Lord Stockton?” Holly asked with what she hoped was wide-eyed innocence.

But his knowing smile told her that she wasn’t fooling him.

“I mean, I shouldn’t have assumed you wouldn’t keep up with me, Lady Holly. It’s abundantly clear that any man would have his work cut out for him to keep up with you.”

Holly felt a jolt of pleasure at his words.

“Well, you did a stellar job, my lord.” She nodded graciously as he laughed.

“Your method is a little unorthodox, too,” the earl continued, and Holly couldn’t help but stiffen in response.

Would he now express disgust? Would he think her wanting? Unfit to be a lady of Quality?

Not that she cared a whit what he or anyone thought of her. But it would displease Grandmama so.

“Oh, I didn’t – I mean, I don’t –“

She stopped her mumbling and bit her lip, studying the earl and wondering how frank she should be.

The low, winter sun glinted off the blonde lock that always seemed to fall across his brow, and Holly was shocked at the sudden urge to reach out and brush the unruly hair from his face.

Good heavens! What was the matter with her?

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