Page 135 of From Rakes to Riches

“Let’s walk to the next stall,” he suggested. “I have another Arabian to show you.”

Lola’s face lit up as soon as she saw the chestnut mare. The horse seemed equally pleased with her attention, moving to the gate and prancing prettily as if putting on a show.

“She’s beautiful,” Lola said, appreciation in her voice. “What’s her name?”

“She doesn’t have one,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“Why not?” Lola exclaimed, clearly aggrieved on the horse’s behalf.

“You haven’t given her one yet,” he replied, smiling through the words.

“What? I don’t understand.” She canted her head, her expression confused.

“She’s for you. A gift,” he said, drawing her back against his chest as they admired the animal together. “I thought you might like to go riding with me sometime, and if you do, I want you to have a horse that exemplifies your strength, beauty and grace. With that in mind, I visited Tattersall’s yesterday and arranged for her to be brought here.”

She twisted, turning in his embrace so she faced him. “You bought me a horse?”

Her question was a mixture of inquiry and awe.

“Yes,” he answered as he gazed into her eyes. “I chose her for you.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Her surprise was evident. She hesitated, but eventually her smile broke through.

“Do you like her?” he asked.

They moved closer to the stall and the horse approached once again.

“Yes, very much,” Lola said, reaching up to stroke the Arabian affectionately.

“Then there isn’t anything else to say. I’m happy you’re pleased.”

“It’s not that simple,” she insisted.

“It is if you’ll allow it to be,” he answered.

“Theodore, this is a very thoughtful gesture and she’s a magnificent horse, but I can’t accept your gift,” she said sincerely.

“Yes, you can, because I chose her just foryou. No one else.” He rested his hands on her shoulders and felt a shiver pass through her. “Let’s go up to the house. It’s cold and I’ve kept you here too long.”

“Thank you so much. I’m stunned by your generosity.” She wrapped her hand around his elbow, holding tight as they began their walk out of the mews. “I don’t know what else to say.”

“Say good-bye to your horse,” he said with humor in his voice.

She stopped, looking at him first before she glanced over her shoulder. “I’ll see you soon, Venus.”

“Venus?” he asked, staring down at her as they continued to make their way toward the house. “You’ve already decided on her name? Are you sure?”

“I am.” She smiled up at him. “She’ll be running alongside Mercury, won’t she?”

“Yes.” He placed his hand atop hers and squeezed her fingers. “I certainly hope so.”

Lola attemptedto calm her emotions as they entered Theodore’s town house through the back door and moved down the hall. A giddy, unfamiliar feeling swirled inside her, but she couldn’t allow it to take hold.

He bought her a horse?

He bought her a horse.

She was surprised by the extravagant gift and at the same time utterly delighted. Nevertheless, she’d promised herself tonight was an anomaly. Clearly, he was thinking beyond this evening even when she’d forbidden herself from doing the same.

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