Page 18 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

“Hello,” the older girl said. “You’re riding like my papa,” she said, a smile in her voice.

Juliana smiled at the child, who sat straight and tall in the sidesaddle. Thank goodness the girl wouldn’t receive the derision Juliana faced after she made her come-out into society. “I’m afraid I didn’t learn to ride sidesaddle as you are.”

“I’m Victoria, but everyone calls me Tori,” she said, her incredible blue eyes sparkling. “I like your riding habit. It’s pretty.”

“Thank you, Tori. I’m Juliana, and I’m very pleased to meet you.” She turned toward the younger girl. “And what is your name?”

“Eva.” The girl’s dark eyes darted up to meet Juliana’s, giving her a shy smile before returning her attention to her hands.

Eva appeared to be no more than five or six, and she glanced nervously over to her brother who had remained with the adults. “Pockets.” The need in her soft voice tugged at Juliana’s heartstrings, and a commotion from someone yelling in the distance swallowed the girl’s cry.

“I’ll get him for you, Eva.” Tori’s gaze met Juliana’s. “This is Eva’s first outing on her new pony, and she’s a little uneasy. Pockets calms her.”

Tori rode over to where the rest of the adults, including Victor, huddled together on the path. Snippets of the conversation drifted over to Juliana as she caught Simon’s name, and Dr. Somersby’s enquiry as to his health. Juliana shot a nervous glance toward Victor. Simon didn’t want anyone to know about his ongoing fight with malaria. But Victor seemed distracted, his attention turned toward shouts coming from farther down the path.

Dark shadows passed over them, and Dr. Somersby glanced up, his voice a little louder. “Looks like rain.”

No sooner than had he spoken the words, than lightning flashed, and a roll of thunder followed.

Shouts in the distance grew louder. “Out of the way! Out of the way!” a man’s voice cried. People on foot, in carriages, and on horseback scrambled to clear the way. But Eva’s eyes widened and locked on Juliana’s, the message clear. The girl was terrified and didn’t know what to do.

Eva’s horse shifted, its hooves stamping the dirt and its nostrils flaring.

Oh, no!

Well acquainted with a horse who became spooked, Juliana reached for the pony’s bridle to steady it. But before she could gain purchase, a man on horseback shot past them.

Eva’s horse bolted, taking the girl with it. Without a second thought, Juliana jumped into action, racing after the runawayhorse. Hoofbeats pounded behind her, no doubt Dr. Somersby, Drake, or Victor also in pursuit.

Juliana leaned forward, bending low over Sunshine’s neck and rising enough to avoid her bottom pounding against the saddle. People gawked and shouted, their faces a blur as Juliana raced past, and Eva cried out for help.

Finally, neck and neck with the pony, Juliana managed to get close enough to grab the reins from Eva’s hands, and slow the pony to a halt. Moments later, Dr. Somersby and Drake appeared at their sides.

“Thank God.” Dr. Somersby vaulted off his horse and swooped Eva into his arms, lavishing her face with kisses and hugging the child so tightly, she cried out.

“Papa! Papa! You’re crushing me.” Yet she clung to Dr. Somersby’s neck as if it were a lifeline.

“Well done, brat.” Pride shone in Drake’s eyes.

Victor was next to arrive, followed by Honoria, Mrs. Somersby, Pockets, and Tori. Every one of them gazing at her as if she’d hung the moon and stars in the sky.

“Huzzah!” Pockets shouted.

“Juliana, that was marvelous!” Honoria exclaimed.

“I wish Manny could have seen that,” Tori said.

Tears brimmed in Mrs. Somersby’s eyes. “How can I ever thank you, Miss Merrick?”

“No thanks are necessary, Mrs. Somersby. I was simply the closet to Eva.” Juliana peered over at the child still clinging to her father. “Are you all right, Eva?”

The child nodded, her face pressed cheek-to-cheek against her father’s. A much wider smile crossed her lips. “You saved me.”

“You have an admirer for life, Miss Merrick,” Dr. Somersby said. “In fact, I believe you have five.” His gaze darted to Victor. “Or six.”

Uncomfortable with the attention, Juliana brushed off the compliments. “Really, Dr. Somersby, I’m only glad I could help.”

“Call me Oliver and my wife, Camilla.”

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