Stepping toward them, Matt heard Serena say, “You know I’m not a good—” before his sister looked up and saw him.
“Here is Matt!” she interrupted. “We should start now. I’ve taken care of everything,” she added cryptically to Serena before moving to the mounting block.
“Good morning, my lord.” Serena smiled a greeting. The strain between them had eased somewhat as they fell into the familiar routine of home. Suddenly a quick flash of fear appeared in her cornflower blue eyes as the grooms brought horses.
The instant he saw the brown mare meant for Serena, he guessed what his sister was up to. This horse was kept only for sentimental reasons. Cecily learned to ride on the gentle nag, who was devoid of either speed or stamina. Civility would demand Matt keep pace with Serena, thus allowing Cecily and Kendall to ride ahead.
“This horse won’t do, Serena, she’s much too docile. Bring a more spirited mount for her ladyship,” he ordered the groom.
“Oh, no! I … I quite like the look of this horse!” Before Matt could stop her, she stepped forward and the groom tossed her into the saddle.
He sent a sharp, condemning look at his sister. He had to give her credit, she appeared utterly guileless as she sat her horse beside Kendall. However, his mood boded ill for her upon their return.
An hour out, as Matt had predicted, Serena’s horse could not keep up with the other more spirited mounts. She apologized for slowing the pace but appeared perfectly happy to continue on. He admired the determined thrust to her chin and the glint in her eyes.
Matt finally called to Kendall and Cecily. “Go on ahead. We’ll meet you there.” Without hesitation, they galloped away, leaving him alone with his wife.
Her chin tilted even higher and Matt noticed how tightly she gripped the reins. “Blackwood, I know this must be shockingly slow going for your mount. I don’t wish to spoil your ride.”
Suddenly he realized she was not an experienced rider and had probably requested the easiest mount. It just proved how little he really knew about her.
“On the contrary, I welcome the opportunity to slow down. My leg still gives me twinges now and again,” he lied gently, wanting to eradicate the strain in her eyes.
“Is it painful? If so, we should return to the Landing at once!”
“No, I believe if we continue to ride slowly, I should be fine.”
Relief washed over her skin, bringing back healthy color as she nodded.
They had several miles to cover before they would reach the White Feathers. He was determined Serena should relax her grip upon the reins and enjoy the ride. So he began to talk about the countryside and the ruin they would be visiting after luncheon. He mentioned a book he’d recently discussed with the duke about the early Romans and was mildly surprised to discover she’d also read it. Books led to politics, to estate management, and suddenly they were discussing topics he’d never before spoken to a woman about. There seemed to be no topic that didn’t burst into life as they shared their thoughts. Her grasp of what was happening on the continent and her questions about the congress taking place in Vienna stirred interests he thought lost forever. Before he was ready, the low inn loomed in front of them.
Cecily and Kendall were already seated before a crackling fire in the best parlor. They had ordered lunch and reported it should be served shortly.
Slipping down beside Cecily, Serena sent her a small smile. “You were right” she muttered, to his sister’s giggling delight.
It was apparent to Matt, Serena was fully aware of Cecily’s stratagems and was forgiving her deceptions. Or perhaps her deception was twofold: to steal some moments alone with Kendall and to protect Serena’s reputation as a horsewoman. In any case, he had found the ride … enlightening. Those stirrings of new feelings that Serena inspired no longer were vague. He had picked up the thread of his new life.
And was in such a mellow mood that Cecily’s sudden declaration that she had a shocking headache was accepted with no protest.
“Perhaps it was the mulled cider,” she sighed dramatically. “I must rest. The three of you go on to the ruin without me.”
“Can’t say I’m that keen on it now. I’ll stay and bear you company, Lady Cecily,” Kendall declared gallantly.
“Oh, would you really, Lord Kendall? How very kind.” Batting ridiculously long lashes, she gazed up at her brother. “I know Serena has been longing to view the ruin. You two go along without us. We’ll wait here.”
“Cecily, don’t be a goose!” If he sounded prosy, he couldn’t help it; some rules were utterly ingrained. “You know I can’t leave you alone here with Kendall.”