Page 19 of Love Set Apart
“Ye’d best no’ be,” Edna teased.
Angus rolled his eyes at her silliness. “I’m ready to retire. Are ye?”
“Most certainly.”
“I’m going to ride with Robert and Louis tomorrow morning. I’ll need a good night’s sleep.”
“Thank ye for helping me, love.” Edna wrapped her arm around his, getting as close as possible.
“Doona tempt me, lass. I did tell ye I need a good night’s sleep,” Angus said, knowing exactly what Edna was up to.
5
Aseventeen-hand shining black steed awaited Angus when he joined Robert at the stables.
“What a beauty,” Angus said. He examined the horse, running his hands along its flanks. “Are ye sure this one’s for me?”
“He is.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve ridden a horse as fine as this,” Angus said. The horse had a mane and tail that shined like glass in the sunlight and fell almost to the ground. Perfectly groomed and trained, it would be a privilege to ride a horse this fine.
Robert mounted his horse, a large grey of the same stature. Angus joined Robert as he took stock of the fine leather saddle and reins he would be using.
“His Majesty will join us shortly,” Robert said.
They rode around the arena located next to the stables. Angus found a sense of relaxation and peace as he rode. The horse was very responsive to his commands, easily moving into an extended trot alongside Robert and his horse. It had been ages since he’d ridden for the pure joy of it. He followed Robert’s lead as they rode in sync with each other.
“Beautiful!” King Louis XIII had arrived without fanfare. His horse, a brilliant white, had the same regal stature as the ones ridden by Robert and Angus. “Let me warm him up and I will join you,” he said.
“Of course, sire,” Robert said.
“Robert, I have told you before. Call me by my name please.”
“Louis,” Robert said as his mouth curled into a half smile.
“Who is this?” Louis asked, pointing to Angus.
“Angus Campbell, at yer service,” Angus said. Louis was exactly as Angus had pictured him. A young teen dressed in the finest garments of pale blue silk and satin embroidered with gold thread. His doublet was decorated with ornamental ribbons coiled into flowers at the waist. Tabbed panels that extended below his mid-section were bound with wide satin binding. He wore a matching cloak that hung loosely over one shoulder, cradling his arm. It was tied across his chest, holding it in place. The lining was a matching patterned fabric that was meant to catch the eye. His breeches were tied below the knee with more ribbon to hold them fast. Louis’ boots were cuffed at the top and he wore spurs fastened above the heel. His hair was long and curled in the fashion of the day.
“You are visiting from Scotland. Are you Robert’s uncle?” Louis asked, seeming genuinely interested.
“Nae. We only met yesterday. We are countrymen and so we have a bond in that way,” Angus explained.
Louis nodded as he took his horse to a trot and then a gallop. When he slowed beside Angus, he said. “I’m pleased to meet you. Shall we all three make our horses dance?”
“I’m afraid I’m nae as accomplished as Yer Highness in the equestrian arts.”
Louis accepted this with a knowing smile. “We shall teach you then. Watch and then join us.”
Robert and Louis rode their horses side-by-side in apas de deux.The beautiful fluidity of the movements was breathtaking. The more he watched, the more Angus wanted to give it a try himself.
The horses stopped alongside him. “Are ye ready?” Robert asked.
“Aye. I’m eager to try.” Angus was an experienced horseman, but he rode to travel from one place to the next or, when he’d been a young man, for battle. This was something completely new to him and he wondered if he was ready for the challenge it presented.
He needn’t have worried. His horse was well-schooled and followed along with little input from Angus.
“We need music,” Louis said, glancing around. “Where are my musicians?”
