Page 46 of The Secret Life of a Lady
‘I doubt it.’ Hannah straightened her shoulders.
‘She’s a good girl, aren’t you? What’s her name?’ Killian asked the steward. He grasped Hannah’s hand in his, guiding it to the horse’s neck to stroke. He stood so close, the heat of his chest warmed her back.
‘Starlight. She’s a gentle mare, is our Star.’ The young man’s voice was low and smooth. Hannah wasn’t sure if he used that tone to calm the horse or her.
‘Patient with new riders?’ Killian moved closer. The vibration of his words buzzing through her senses.
‘Yes, my lord, she’s sweet and strong is our Starlight.’ The steward ran a hand down the horse’s flank.
‘And you are?’ Killian asked.
The steward ducked his head. ‘Sam, my lord. One of the stewards here.’
Hah! Betty’s handsome stableboy. I knew it.
Hannah might be facing certain death, but she had guessed Betty’s sweetheart. That was a real comfort.
‘Grab a handful of her mane. Sam will hold her steady, won’t you, Sam?’ Killian didn’t wait for Sam’s reply. He put his handsaround Hannah’s waist. Before she could protest, she was suddenly looking down at him from the dizzying height of her horse’s saddle.
Sam handed her the reins, and Hannah held each in a fist, pulling them high to her chest.
Killian’s eyes widened in alarm. ‘Have you never ridden before?’
Hannah’s shrill laugh startled poor Starlight, who side-stepped nervously. Hannah dropped one of the reins to grasp the saddle. ‘Of course I have. Twice.’ She couldn’t remember a single instruction from the lessons she had taken years ago. Lessons that ended in disaster.
‘Dear God.’ Killian grabbed the remaining rein from Hannah and retrieved the one dangling on the other side of Starlight. Hannah took the opportunity to grip the saddle with both hands. He turned to the group, now all astride and ready to leave. ‘I think Miss Simmons’s horse may need a new bridle. I’ll wait with her, and we’ll catch up.’
Major General Drake must have seen something in Killian’s gaze. He wheeled his horse around to face the group. ‘Excellent plan. Any of you gentleman interested in a little race?’
Alfred Cavendale and Franklin St George nodded their assent.
‘I’ll wager I can make the first paddock before you clear the grounds, Major General.’ Millie winked at Major General Drake. Her horse leapt forward before he had a chance to respond. St George scowled at the Major General before kicking his horse into a gallop and following Millie.
Ivy spurred her horse down the drive toward the open fields in a mad dash of hooves and gravel.
‘We can’t let the ladies beat us, Major General. How could we live with the disgrace?’ Alfred shouted to Drake before slappinghis crop against his horse’s flank. Major General Drake quickly followed, passing Alfred before they cleared the drive.
Lady Bradford, Lady Hastings, and Miss Hastings embarked together at a much more sedate pace. Their laughter faded as the trio disappeared down the lane.
Philippa wheeled her gelding around. Her horse was anxious to follow his friends, and Philippa’s equestrian skills were on full display as she controlled the spirited mount.
‘I’ll catch up.’ Hannah echoed Killian’s words to Philippa. ‘I’ll be fine.’
Philippa glanced at Killian before returning her worried gaze to Hannah.
After a rare moment of hesitation while her horse danced in frustration, Philippa nodded. ‘Make sure you are fine. I’ll keep an eye out for you.’ She turned her horse after the group. He whinnied and broke into a blistering run. Philippa leaned low over his neck, moving with the muscular animal as though they were one flesh. Her hat flew off, but Philippa didn’t seem to care a bit. She was magnificent.
‘Shall I get a new bridle, my lord? I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t realise there was a problem.’ Sam reached for the reins, but Killian shook his head.
‘The bridle is fine. Miss Simmons just needs a few minutes to get used to her mount.’
‘Ah. Of course.’ Sam looked at Hannah and winked. ‘No shame in being a little nervous, my lady. Why don’t I take the reins and lead you around a bit?’
The lad was too handsome for his own good, but he had kind eyes and gentle hands. Hannah would put in a word for him with Betty. If she lived that long. Which was incredibly doubtful.
After ten minutes of being led around while Killian kept akeen watch on her, Hannah thought she might make it to the end of the lane without falling off her steed.
Don’t show fear. Don’t fall off. Don’t die.
