Page 111 of I Thee Wed
On the other side of the pen, Phillip stood beside Anise, who looked pale but determined. His tone was brisk but not unkind as he adjusted the straps and guided her hand on the reins.
“You are stiff,” he said frankly. “Relax, Miss Stanton. A horse senses your fear. If you hold yourself like stone, the beast will not respect you.”
“I cannot help it,” she murmured.
“You can,” he countered, his voice quiet but commanding. “Look forward, not down. Shoulders back. Yes, better. You see? Control begins with confidence. The horse will follow where you lead.”
Anise glanced at him, dismayed, but obeyed. He smiled, quick and approving, and for a moment she felt emboldened.
Lady Helen watched intently from where she stood outside the enclosure. She admired her son’s easy charm and the way he directed without offense. But she was frustrated. Lady Helen wished Phillip would devote himself to Abby rather than to the quiet sister whose heart was already entangled.
As the riding lesson wore on, she observed with relief that his attention often strayed from Anise to Abby, who sat her horse with natural grace and was now galloping down the long track racing Georgiana.
Elizabeth, stranded on her horse, caught Lady Helen’s expression and hid a smile. She knew well that her aunt’s heart was set upon Abby for Phillip. But Phillip would not be managed. He had made up his mind to instruct Anise, and that is what he did.
When at last Elizabeth circled the paddock three times, Darcy looked up at her.
“Elizabeth, darling, this has been enough for your first day. I fear your muscles will be sore tomorrow, but it will not be too bad if we stop now.”
He raised his arms, and she slipped into them. Phillip assisted Anise in dismounting. Then Darcy said, “Come, ladies, the shade under the yew trees will protect you from the sun. I will order tea.”
Phillip mounted the black stallion, which had been saddled for his use.
“Darcy, this stallion is a rare beauty. I’m going to put him through his paces.”
Phillip turned his mount and rode to where Abby and Georgiana were returning along the track.
“Miss Abby,” he called out. “What say you to a short ride before we finish for the day? There is a fine spot at the edge of the estate where one may look down into the valley. It is no more than a twenty-minute ride.”
Abby’s eyes brightened. “I should like that very much, my lord.”
He smiled with the assurance of one unaccustomed to rebuff. “Very good. Come then.”
As they moved away from the others, Phillip cast her a sidelong glance.
“Tell me, Miss Abby, have you any hobbies beyond riding?”
Abby tilted her head, her lips curving. “If I answer your question, then I claim the right to ask one of my own.”
His laugh was low, amused. “Ah, so this is to be a contest? Very well, I accept.”
“Then yes, I draw landscapes, portraits, anything that pleases me. My lord, let me set the rules before we go on. All questions are to remain proper and unexceptionable.”
She looked at him, inquiring.
His grin widened to a smile. “Very well. I disapprove of restraints; they bore me, but since we met but two hours ago, I will concede. We will keep the questions light and decent.”
She nodded. “Thank you. And now it is my turn. What is your favorite food, my lord?”
Phillip’s brows rose in amusement. “That is a dangerous question. If I admit it is roast beef, you may think me dull. If I say oysters, you may think me extravagant. But since honesty is the rule of this game, I confess it is venison pie. Now then, where did you go to school?”
“I did not attend a women’s seminary. Papa did not believe in sending children away. We had a governess and masters who came to the house.”
“What was your favorite subject?”
“Stay your turn,” Abby countered. “You have had your question. The next belongs to me.”
He regarded her, surprised, then he grinned. “You are determined to keep the reins, are you not?”
