“Nonsense. It’s the only way I know to help you over your fear. And it’s no trouble at all. After all, you’ll be doing the school a service by teaching the girls how to ride. Heaven knows, I don’t have the time.”
Trent led the mare out through the gate and over to the mounting block. Olivia took a reluctant step in his direction.
Abigail took her arm and urged her forward. “Come on now, Livvy. You can do this.”
Straightening her back and lifting her chin, Livvy stepped to the block. “Of course I can.”
She placed her foot in one of the stirrups and took a deep breath. A moment later she was settled on the saddle, her right thigh secure between the pommels and her leg wrapped around the left horn, her skirt smooth across her legs. She glanced toward the ground and a wave of dizziness washed over her. Quickly, she closed her eyes.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
Trent’s voice brought her back with a jolt, and she opened her eyes. “I’m fine. It’s just that I haven’t been up this high in a while.”
He gave her an encouraging smile and handed her the reins. “Take it slowly at first. Sugar is easy to handle, and I’ll be beside you on Midnight.” He mounted his horse and gave her a look of encouragement.
With her lips in a tight smile, she nodded. They started at a gentle walk down the lane.
Livvy sat naturally, with her back straight, but tension tightened her muscles. After a while, Sugar’s gentle sway soothed her, and she forced her icy hands to relax.
Midnight edged closer to her mount, and a cold sweat broke out on her brow. Her breath sped up and she forced herself to inhale and exhale slowly.
The lane swerved into a lush green valley, and Sugar increased her speed to follow Midnight with no urging at all from Livvy. Soon they settled into a slow trot up and down soft, gentle slopes.
Finally, they rode back to the corral and Trent assisted her in dismounting. Relief surged through her as her riding boots touched the ground. A wave of dizziness washed over her and she grabbed Trent’s arm.
“Are you all right?” Trent led her over to a bench beneath a sweet gum tree.
As she sank onto the bench, Abigail came running from the house. “Livvy, are you all right?”
“Fine. I’m fine. Just a little light-headed is all.”
“Come to the house and have a glass of cold lemonade. Or maybe you’d rather have tea?”
“Either will be fine.” She stood, forcing herself not to wobble.
“Trent, take her arm and help her to the house.”
“No, no, don’t fuss. I can walk fine on my own.”
“Here, let me help.” Trent took her elbow in his comforting hand. “I have to go to the house anyway to get my medical bag. I’m making rounds today to see some of my homebound patients.”
By the time they reached the cozy parlor, Livvy felt much better. She sank into an overstuffed chair and Abigail sat on a matching one and picked up a small bell from the table between them.
Carrie came in response to the tinkle of the bell and Abigail asked her to bring tea and sandwiches. When the housekeeper left the room, Abigail turned to Livvy. A frown creased her brow and worry filled her eyes.
Livvy glanced away to avoid her friend’s searching eyes.
“Your fear goes deeper than you led me to believe, doesn’t it?”
With a sigh, she nodded. “Yes.”
“Look. I can’t tell you what to do, but I really think you need to reconsider teaching this class. Tell Charles and P.H. the truth. Maybe they’ll find someone else.”
“And if they don’t? Then I’ve let the girls down. And I can’t—” She paused as Carrie came into the parlor with the tea tray.
“Thanks, Carrie,” Abigail said. “Don’t bother with pouring. I’ll take care of it. Is my angel still sleeping?”
“Yes, ma’am. Sleeping like a log. I just now checked on her.”
“If she should awaken, will you watch her for a little while? Miss Olivia and I have things to discuss.”
“You know I will. Watching that baby is what I love best.” A broad smile stretched across her dark face and she left the room.
Abigail grinned. “I don’t know what I’d do without Carrie.”
“She’s been working for Trent for a long time, hasn’t she?”
“Yes. Her husband, Solomon, even longer. You know, when they were children, the three of them were best friends. They used to scandalize the county.”
“Really? I didn’t know that. Can’t imagine Trent scandalizing anyone.”
“Well, the main scandal was that they were friends. No one seemed to think anything about it when they were small, but when they got a little older, a lot of folks thought it wasn’t right for Trent to spend so much time with them. You know the prejudice around here. Well, it was a lot worse twenty or thirty years ago.” She tossed back a curl that had come loose. “But Trent didn’t care. He loved them like his own brother and sister. Still does.”