Page 90 of Duchess By Accident
“I was hoping you would say that.” Lord Peter grinned. “We Rokesbys are rather competitive. Though I expect you already know that.”
Adrian chuckled. “I have had my fair share of it, yes.”
“May the best man win.” Lord Peter called, kicking his horse into a canter as Melody raced past the oak tree.
Adrian urged his horse after them. Wind tore at his face, his coat tails flapping wildly behind him. He and Lord Peter were neck and neck. They jumped their steeds over a small bush and splashed through a small stream.
Melody was still ahead, but her lead was shrinking fast. She glanced over her shoulder and then urged her pony on. Adrian leaned forwards.
He could see the ruins ahead of them. Lord Peter was beside him. He was a skilled rider, but his sister was better. Suddenly, Lord Peter’s horse let out a shriek, reared and threw him from its back.
Peter yelled as he sailed through the air.
Adrian pulled back on his own horse’s reins, slowing it down and guiding it towards Peter’s wildly bolting mount. He approached it and snatched the reins, keeping his own steed under control.
He murmured soothingly to the horse as he slowed them all down to an easy walk.
Lord Peter’s horse calmed and Adrian leapt down from his own horse, leading both to Peter. Melody had turned in time to see what was happening, and had ridden back to check on her Uncle.
“Uncle Peter, are you all right?” Melody asked as she peered down at him from her horse.
Adrian held out a hand to Peter, pulling him to his feet. The younger man dusted himself off, and gingerly shifted, clearly looking for signs of injury.
“Yes, save for my pride. And my clothes.” The young man was almost entirely covered in mud.
“What happened?” Adrian asked as he tied up their horses, and helped Melody down from her pony.
“There was a stick, I think the horse thought it was a snake.”
“His name is Swift.” Melody informed Lord Peter.
“Perhaps it should be Shy.” He muttered.
“But he is not shy.” Melody frowned at him. “He is fast.”
“I think your uncle means shy as in to shy away from something.” Adrian explained.
“But it is normal to shy away from a snake.” Melody shook her head. “Does my win still count if Uncle Peter fell off his horse?”
Adrian ran a hand over the stubble growing on his face.I really need to shave.He had meant to that morning, but Melody had found him before he had a chance. “I would say so. It is not as though you cheated.”
“I would never cheat.” Melody’s eyes widened and she shook her head.
“Then it would seem Natalie has not taught you any of her tricks.” Lord Peter laughed.
A prickle of unease stirred within Adrian, but he pushed it away. It was probably just a bit of sibling rivalry. It did not mean anything important. He was sure of it.
“Mother does not cheat.” Melody narrowed her eyes.
“That is what she wants you to think, but believe me, she does. That is why I never win at cards with her.” Lord Peter shrugged.
“Perhaps you are not very good at cards. I win against her all the time.” Melody twirled a stray thread on her dress and then added, “Well, not all the time. But I do win sometimes.”
Adrian had to hide his smile as his daughter puffed her chest out with a sense of importance that only the very young seemed to possess.
“Then you will have to teach me your ways.” Lord Peter ran a hand through his hair, leaving it streaked with mud.
“If I teach you to be better at cards, will you give me one of your puppies?” Melody asked.
