“Very serious. I simply want to know.”
“And, excuse me for parroting some of your words, but the answer is perfectly simple. I can’t teach girls to ride.”
She stopped walking and frowned. “And why is that, I’d like to know?”
“There are several reasons, Livvy. Why does it matter to you?” He scratched his head and confusion filled his eyes.
“If you aren’t going to include them, I think they have a right to know why.” She peered into his eyes. “They think you’re playing favorites. I’m sure they’re wrong about that, but you need to give them a reason.”
He frowned. “All right. One reason is that they don’t have the proper clothing. They can’t ride in dresses. It wouldn’t be modest.”
Olivia’s heart lightened. He did have a good explanation, but one she could fix. “That’s easy to remedy. I’ll ask some of the ladies to help me make riding skirts for them. We’ll start right away.”
Charles’s face blanched and panic washed over it. “Wait, that’s not the only reason. Girls have to ride sidesaddle. I wouldn’t know the first thing about that. So, you see, they can’t take the class.”
“No problem. I’ll teach them.”
Surprise filled his eyes and he stared at her for a moment, groping around in his mind for another reason. When nothing came to him, he shook his head. “Fine. I accept your offer. I’m sure you’ll be an excellent teacher.”
Chapter 4
What had she been thinking to get herself into such a predicament? Olivia twisted the initialed handkerchief she’d received from one of her Sunday school students last Christmas. How could she have been so foolish as to say she’d teach horseback riding?
Abigail sat on the settee across from her in the Quincys’ back parlor, a look of amusement on her face. “Just tell Charles you’ve changed your mind.”
“I can’t. I’d have to tell him the reason. That would be utterly humiliating.” She bit her bottom lip and heaved a sigh. “Besides, I can’t let the girls down. I’m sure he’s told them by now.”
“Hmm. Maybe you could put them off while you take a few lessons.”
“It’s not lessons I need, Abby. I learned to ride, at my father’s insistence, when I was a child. But I never got over my fear of horses.” A shudder ran through her body. “I don’t know why. As long as they’re hitched up to a buggy, they don’t bother me at all. But when they get too close I freeze up, and the thought of mounting one again makes me sick to my stomach.”
Concern crossed Abigail’s face. “Oh, honey. You’re serious, aren’t you? I had no idea it was that bad.”
Olivia nodded. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so helpless.
“Okay, we have to make the riding dresses, so you have a little time to figure this out. And since most of the women are busy canning, it could take us a while to get them all done.”
A moment of relief surged through Olivia, followed by another wave of despair. “But that doesn’t solve my problem. Sooner or later I’ll have to face it.”
Abigail sat up straighter. “True. But in the meantime, you’re going to overcome your fear.”
“How?”
“Well, I don’t know. But we’ll think of something. I’d better see if Trent has an idea that might help.”
“But what if he tells Charles?” The thought of Charles laughing at her predicament was more than she could bear.
“He won’t. I’ll make him promise not to tell anyone.”
“Well, all right. But I don’t see how I can possibly get over this fear I’ve had almost all my life.”
“I know one thing you need to do.” Abigail hesitated, then taking a deep breath, she continued, “Have you ever prayed about it?”
“A little. But mostly, I just stayed away from horses as much as possible.” Truthfully, she’d seldom thought to pray about it. It hadn’t seemed that important before.
“Maybe it’s time for you to face your fear.” At the sound of a sharp cry, Abigail jumped up. “My angel girl is awake. I’ll be right back.”
Olivia leaned back and closed her eyes. “Father, I know I need to get over this fear. But I can’t do it myself. Please help me.”
A moment later, Abigail returned, carrying her curly haired little girl. She sat and bounced the child on her knees. The child chortled with giggles. It must be wonderful to have such a sweet baby. Maybe someday. Olivia took a deep breath. But she had other things to think about now.