His Wedding-Night Heir(39)

Maybe it was—if she could only keep her wayward and futile dreams safely under control, she thought, suppressing an unhappy sigh.

She said goodbye, and found herself turning towards the stables. She'd not planned a visit there, but it was either that or return to the house. And she wasn't ready for that. Or not yet.

There was no one about in the yard, and she followed the worn track down to the paddock, shading her eyes against the sun, which was sinking towards the treetops now.

There were three horses turned out in the field. Two were grazing quietly together, and the third stood alone in the far corner, head down, tail swishing wearily against marauding flies.

Cally, resting her arms on the fence rail, stared across at the solitary horse. There was something about him, she thought with bewilderment—his stance, maybe, or his colour—that was strangely familiar.

As if aware of her scrutiny, he lifted his head and began to move towards her across the paddock, his speed increasing as he approached, whickering softly. And, she'd swear, joyfully.

Which was when she knew for certain. And the world blurred.

'Baz,' she whispered chokingly. 'Baz, my beauty—my wonderful old boy.'

As she climbed the fence to get to him, her dress caught on a splinter and she wrenched it free, uncaring. She stood beside him, her wet face buried in his neck, one hand stroking his muzzle as he lovingly nosed her shoulder and arm, waiting for the expected treats as if it was only yesterday that they'd parted.

'I've nothing with me.' She was laughing through her tears. 'No carrot, no apple. Because I—didn't know.'#p#分页标题#e#

I have a wedding present for you...

The one gift that Nick knew she could not refuse. Dear God, but he was clever, she thought shakily.

She climbed on to the middle rung of the fence and swung herself on to Baz's back, holding his mane as she encouraged him to amble gently round the perimeter of the paddock.

The circuit was almost completed when Cally saw a girl standing at the gate, watching anxiously.

'Lady Tempest?' she asked as Cally brought Baz to a halt and slid to the ground. 'I'm Lorna Barton, the groom. I'm so sorry. I should have been here, but I thought you weren't coming after all, so I went up to the house for a cup of tea.'

'Well, it wasn't planned. As you see, I'm hardly dressed for riding.' Cally indicated her torn dress with a faint grimace, it was more of a happy reunion  .'

Lorna's face relaxed. 'He's a grand old lad, isn't he? But never exciting enough for that riding school.' She shook her head. 'A couple of lessons and they all thought they were three-day eventers and wanted rides to match. So poor old Baz was surplus to requirements. I don't know what would have happened if Sir Nicholas hadn't found him, because no one was bothering with him.'

Cally hesitated. 'When was that, exactly?'

'About a year ago, and Sir Nicholas hired me to come with him.' Her rosy face acquired a deeper hue.' He bought Baz for you. Lady Tempest, or so I understood. Only...'

'Only I wasn't here,' Cally supplied calmly. 'However, I'm back now, and I'll be exercising him regularly.' She paused, I presume he's up to it?' she added cautiously. 'He looks so much older.'

'He had a bad time in Yorkshire,' the other girl said sadly. 'And the vet's not totally happy about him even now. But he likes to be ridden, as long as it's not too far or too fast.'

'I'll be careful,' Cally nodded. 'And I'll see you tomorrow.' She ran a caressing hand down Baz's neck. 'Both of you.'

And now, she thought as she walked away, the breath catching in her throat, she would have to find Nick and thank him. She could do nothing else.

His study was at the back of the house. Cally knocked at the door, and waited until she was told to enter.

Nick was sitting behind a large oak desk, operating a laptop with frowning concentration. His tie was dark and his white shirt was open at the neck, the sleeves turned back over his tanned forearms. He did not 1ook up and his voice held a touch of impatience. 'Yes?'

She said, 'I just took delivery of my wedding present.'

His head lifted sharply. His grey gaze scanned her, taking in the flushed cheeks, the brilliance of excitement in her eyes, lingering over the ripped skirt.

He said, after a pause, 'You said you weren't interested.'

She shook her head. 'I just never dreamed...' Her voice thickened, and she swallowed. 'It's so wonderfu1 to see Baz again, and Lorna says you pretty much saved his life. How— how did you find him?'

'You asked me to go through your grandfather's papers after his death. I found the bill of sale amongst t hem.'

'And you didn't say a word?'

He shrugged. 'No, but I remembered how upset you were, and I wanted to surprise you— make you happy.' He gave her a level look. 'But, as you know, I was the one destined for the surprise.'