Page 74 of Oddity of the Ton
“No, Sam, I wish to introduce Miss Howard to Lady Star.”
“Beggin’ yer pardon, miss.” The groom set the hay aside, then tipped his cap toward Miss Howard. “Lady Star’s in the first stall.”
“Not the far one?” Monty asked.
“No, sir. On account of Hercules…” The groom glanced at Miss Howard and blushed, which turned even the tips of his ears pink. “I-I had to move Artemis to the far stall.”
“Very good, Sam.” Monty steered Miss Howard toward the first stall, and its occupant approached the door.
“Hello, my beauty,” he said, holding out his hand. The horse nudged his hand with its nose, and he let out a laugh. “Forgive me, I’ve nothing for you, but perhaps Sam does?”
“Of course, sir—there’s some apple cores sent from the kitchen this morning.” The groom scuttled off and returned with a bag. Monty reached inside and took one. The horse’s lips quivered, and Miss Howard let out a giggle.
“Would you like to give her an apple core?” Monty asked.
“Oh…” She hesitated. “I-I don’t know.”
“Let me show you.” Monty held the apple core in his hand, palm flat, and the horse took it. Then he rubbed the horse’s nose, and the animal gave a low nicker of pleasure. “Now your turn.”
She drew out an apple core.
“Keep your palm flat,” he said. “That way she’ll take the apple core and leave your hand behind.” She hesitated, and he leaned toward her. “Trust me—Eleanor.”
She met his gaze, and he smiled his encouragement. Then she held out her hand, and the horse deftly plucked the apple core from her palm.
“There’s a good girl,” she said softly, then reached out and stroked the horse’s nose. Monty held his breath, and the animal grew still, as if it were doing likewise. Miss Howard continued to caress the horse’s nose. Then, seemingly emboldened, she placed her hand on the animal’s face. The horse blew out a soft breath from its nostrils and leaned against Miss Howard until their heads touched.
“She likes you, miss,” the groom said. “She doesn’t always take to strangers.”
“Lady Star, meet Eleanor,” Monty said. “Eleanor—meet Lady Star. Would you like to ride her during your stay?”
“I don’t know…”
“She’ll do for you, miss,” the groom said. “She has the sweetest temperament—with the right rider.”
“You don’t want me to ride in ahunt, do you?” she asked.
“I was thinking of a tour of the estate—and perhaps a picnic at the end if the weather’s nice enough,” Monty replied. “There’s plenty of fine spots just right for sketching. In fact, I know of a rather fine tree stump.”
“The one by the lake, sir?” the groom asked. “That’s a rare, fine spot for a picnic, miss, if you don’t mind my saying.”
“I don’t mind at all,” Miss Howard said. “In which case, I’d love to—if it’s not too much trouble.”
“Nothing’s too much trouble,” Monty said. “Besides, we’ve been planning this, haven’t we, Sam?”
“Aye, that’s right, sir,” the groom said. “I’ll make sure to pack a bag of apple cores for you, miss, for Lady Star.”
“Oh, would you?” she cried. “That’d be so kind, Sam, thank you. Oh—I’m quite looking forward to it now. That is, if I’m able to keep my seat.”
“You’ll have no trouble with Lady Star,” the groom said, patting the horse’s nose. “The master will be there to help you—he’s an excellent rider. And Lady Star here responds well to a gentle temperament such as yours.”
“You’re very kind, Sam.”
The groom colored. “It’s not kindness when I speak the truth, miss.”
Monty smiled at the adoration in the groom’s eyes. The shy, awkward young lad seemed utterly smitten with Miss Howard.
And she seemed utterly oblivious. Most young women would have taunted him, or demand he be punished for his familiarity. But Miss Howard spoke to him as if he were an equal.
