Page 37 of The Major's Mistake
Slightly dazed by the intensity of his own emotions, he managed to stammer out an reply. “That is far from true.”
She stared at him in wary disbelief.
“I have been thinking—” His words were interrupted by the high trill of Justin’s excited cries.
“Mama! My lessons are done. May we go for a ride now?” As he barreled around the corner, his eyes lit up at the sight of Julian. “Major! Oh, thank you! I love my pony—he is quite the best one in the whole world.”
“I am glad you like him, lad.”
Justin looked up expectantly at his mother. “Are you thanking Major, too? Angus says that the other horse is a present for you.” A look of delight spread across his face. “Now that Major is here, we can all go together and both of you can watch me gallop!”
“Run along and help Angus to saddle your pony, love,” replied Miranda rather sharply. As soon as he was out of earshot, she turned back to the marquess. “And I shall thank you to stop trying to manipulate me through my son, sir!” she snapped.
It took Julian a moment to recover from the harsh accusation. “That was hardly my intention,” he said in a low voice.
Miranda seemed surprised by his quiet words.
He gave vent to a sigh of frustration. “But be that as it may, I shall send Sykes to fetch the filly in the morning,” he continued, then turned on his heel and started to walk away.
“Wait!”
He stopped.
“What I said—I’m sorry. That was unjust.”
His back was still towards her, his shoulders rigid as steel. “And I,” said Julian, “am sorry if I have created an awkward situation for you with Justin by appearing at other than my allotted time. You may tell him …” He exhaled in frustration. “Oh, hell and damnation, tell him whatever you want to explain my absence.” With that, he began moving towards the door.
“Please stay,” said Miranda. “He would be so disappointed if you do not.”
Julian turned around slowly. “I do not wish to cause you a problem. You are sure?”
She nodded.
His fingers tightened around the filigreed silver butt of his crop. “And what do you plan to do?”
Miranda bit her lip as she considered the dilemma. “I suppose it will do no great harm if I borrow your filly this once.” She looked down at her old gown with ill-concealed dismay. “Even if I am hardly dressed properly for the occasion.”
“It matters not,” murmured the Marquess. “You will like her—she moves as smoothly as silk.”
Her mouth crooked upwards. “I would be less than honest if I did not admit I am dying to put her through her paces, for I vow, I have never seen such a magnificent animal.”
“Well, then, let us fetch Justin and be off.”
It took little time for the grey filly to be saddled along with Justin’s pony and soon the three of them were headed off down the winding drive. Julian led the way, keeping his stallion reined in at an easy trot to make sure the boy had no difficulty keeping his seat. Miranda brought up the rear.
The marquess had little opportunity to see how she was taking to the spirited horse. A few surreptitious glances were all that he could manage as they swung off onto a well-used cartpath that bordered a wide expanse of pasture land, but it appeared that she had things well in hand.
As the fields opened up before them, Justin dug his heels into his pony’s flanks, sending it off at a canter. As it seemed the boy was in no danger of falling off, Julian paused to follow his progress over the gently rolling field. A rush of pride swelled his breast as he watched his young son handle his mount with fearless pluck and no little skill. Justin finally slowed the pony to a walk and turned to wave.
“You have taught him well, Miranda,” he said softly as she came up beside him.
Her eyes were locked on Justin as well. She waved in return and motioned for him to remain where he was. “I can hardly claim credit. Even at this young age, he is a natural in the saddle.”
“Like his mother.”
She didn’t answer.
Julian ventured a sideways glance. “How do you find the filly?”
