The Wrong Girl(27)

"Wait a moment," said Sylvia, holding up a hand. "I'll have to come. To chaperone," she added when both Jack and I stared at her. "You shouldn't be alone together."

"For God's sake, Syl. I've been alone with her all morning in a room with the door closed and then again down at the lake."

"That was different. The room was work, and I didn't know you were at the lake. If I had, I would've escorted her. You can't go gallivanting around the estate together where anybody could see. I won't allow it, and I doubt Uncle would either."

"I'm not sure August cares one way or another."

"He should. If he wants to fit in with Society then he must follow the rules."

"Just because he has this house doesn't mean he wants to fit into Society. You know how he hates that class of people."

Sylvia's gaze once more flicked to me and she blushed ever so slightly and looked away. I supposed they considered me part of 'that class of people.' If only they knew—I was far beneath them both on the social ladder.

"Nevertheless," she said. "I ought to chaperone you."

Jack sighed. "Very well. I'll wait for you both in the stables."

Twenty minutes later, I entered the stables without Sylvia. "She's not coming after all," I told Jack when he asked. "She took one step outside and decided it was much too cold. It appears she cares more for her comfort than my reputation."

This last was said as a joke, but Jack didn't even smile. "I suppose it would be cold for her out here," he said.

"I admit I thought about staying inside too."

"You're cold?"

"Afraid. The closest I've ever been to a horse was the other day in the carriage."

"You'll be fine. Clover is our oldest nag. She can barely raise a trot." He indicated I should walk into the stables ahead of him. "There have been a lot of firsts for you in the last few days, haven't there?" he said, taking a saddle from one of the grooms.

"My first time in a carriage," I said. "First time wearing something that isn't woolen, first time sleeping in a room on my own." First time alone with a man.

I watched as he saddled his horse. He wore no jacket or coat, and I could clearly see the muscles flex beneath his shirt.

"Then it's my duty to make this inaugural ride a pleasant experience," he said, suddenly turning and catching me staring.

I mumbled something, I hardly knew what. He turned back to his task, but not before I saw how pink his cheeks had become.

He and the groom finished saddling the horses and led them outside. Jack paused to remove a black riding jacket hanging from a hook and put it on. He cut quite the gentlemanly figure in it with buff riding breeches and black boots. I had difficulty concentrating as he explained how to mount, and I ended up gratefully accepting the assistance of the groom. I managed it the first time, but only because Clover remained perfectly still. If she'd pranced about like Jack's horse, I would have surely fallen off the other side.

"She'll just follow along," Jack said, urging his horse forward. "You won't have to do a thing."

Clover did indeed meekly follow his horse, but that didn't stop me from clutching the reins so tightly that my fingers ached by the time we reached the lake.

"Relax a little," Jack said, his voice clear in the breathless quiet. "You're doing well."

"I must look awkward."

"Not at all. You look elegant."

I snorted. "Thanks to this riding habit. Sylvia has exquisite taste and seems to have been well versed in my size and coloring before my arrival. I believe I have you to thank for that."

"I can assure you, it's not just the clothes. You've got a natural gift for riding. It's a shame Lord Wade never allowed you and Miss Smith to learn."

"I suggested it to her once, but she was much too frightened by the idea so I never pursued the matter."

"A shame. Could you not have gone without her? Your governess could have accompanied you instead."

That may have indeed been possible if I were in fact the earl's daughter, but since I wasn't, I was subject to Vi's whims. The lowly companion simply would not be allowed to ride without her ladyship. And Vi was indeed terrified of horses.

"I doubt Miss Levine would have cared for riding either," I said.

"She was a stiff-looking woman." He slowed his horse to allow mine to catch up, and we rode side by side. "I'm sorry you had to endure such a grim childhood, Violet. Your life hasn't been fair. I hope...I hope you'll see that it doesn't have to be that way anymore. The thought of being cooped up forever...I don't know how you managed."

"It wasn't so bad. I had a good friend in...Hannah." I swallowed, but the lie stuck in my throat. Perhaps I ought to tell him the truth. Perhaps his uncle really didn't wish Violet ill, and she would be all right at Frakingham, learning to control her talent.