Page 22 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

“First, take a moment and scratch Fancy on her neck.”

“Why?”

“It is a bit of a reward for her behaving so beautifully.”

She did as he requested and sensed the horse’s enjoyment. “There, little love. That’s nice, isn’t it?”

“We’ll trot down the main thoroughfare until we reach the gate. Are you comfortable with that?”

“Yes, I believe I am.”

“Nudge her again. She’s a quiet, steady creature. When I pick up the pace with Galahad, Fancy will follow.”

It was as Owen said. When he increased their speed, Fancy joined in. Instead of being afraid, Louisa felt happy. She kept beside Owen until they reached the gate and he dismounted, opening it and having her ride through before he pulled Galahad through and closed the gate before remounting.

“Still feel comfortable trotting?”

“Yes.”

They went around the pasture for a few minutes until he said he was going to canter. Dread filled her but she nodded. Again, Galahad began to move faster and Fancy followed suit. This time, though, Louisa made certain to keep her body loose and banished her anxiety. The reward was a feeling of exhilaration as she cantered.

After several minutes, Owen reined in Galahad and she did the same with Fancy.

“How was that?”

“Marvelous,” she exclaimed. “I don’t believe I have ever been so comfortable atop a horse.”

“Then let’s cut across the meadow and return to Cliffside. It will be shorter than returning to the main road.”

Louisa nodded and spurred on Fancy. They were moving at a fast clip, not galloping, but making good time.

Then without warning, a deer bolted in front of them, emerging from the nearby wood. The creature almost collided with Fancy, causing Louisa to panic. She jerked on the reins and Fancy stopped abruptly. Because she wasn’t ready for such a sudden halt, Louisa found herself off-balance and fell from the saddle, landing on the ground.

“Louisa!” Owen cried, leaping from Galahad and racing toward her.

He knelt beside her, his large hands framing her face. “Are you hurt?”

“I don’t think so. Well, my ankle stings a bit.”

“Let me see. Which one?”

“The right.”

She stretched her legs in front of her and felt a slight twinge, her nose wrinkling. She watched Owen take her right foot in hand. Rotating it slightly, she sucked in a quick breath. His fingers unlaced her boot and he gently removed it from her foot. He held her ankle in both hands, causing a delicious ripple within her. Her breathing was quick and shallow. As he rotated her ankle, she sucked in a quick breath.

His eyes, the color of melted chocolate, focused on her. “It’s not broken but you do have a sprain. It will swell some. It needs to be elevated and a cold compress put upon it.” He frowned. “I am so sorry, Louisa. Here I had thought our first lesson went so well.”

“It did,” she assured him. “No one could have predicted a deer darting in front of Fancy, startling both her and me.”

“Then... you aren’t upset? Or frightened to ride again?”

She laughed. “Not in the least. If anything, I felt more comfortable than I ever have on a horse. You have given me a confidence I never had, Owen.”

He gazed at her steadily. “You have always possessed it, Louisa. Your perspective has merely changed. You believe in yourself now whereas you didn’t before. You’re certain you’ll be ready to get back on a horse then after this incident?”

“Absolutely,” she told him.

“Then we need to get you back to the house and see to your injury, slight as it may be.” He glanced up at the horses. “I think it best if I tie Fancy to Galahad and have you ride with me.”

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