As the laughter grew in volume, Malcolm turned their way. Hunter did the same in perfect synchronization, setting everyone off in fresh peals of mirth. Malcolm and Hunter both wore befuddled expressions. The two walked back to Alethia as if their movements had been choreographed. Hunter matched Malcolm’s strides, leading with the same foot, holding himself exactly the same way.
“What is it?” Malcolm asked, his face clouded with confusion. Hunter’s perplexed expression matched it to a tee. It was all she could do to stay on the horse. Helpless to control her giggles, she implored Elaine’s help with a look.
“The lad idolizes you, Malcolm. ’Tis clear,” Elaine answered, wiping a tear from her cheek.
Malcolm glanced down at Hunter, who gazed up at him with open admiration. Alethia could see the understanding dawn as Malcolm put his hand on Hunter’s head. “Have I no’ said he’s a canny lad?”
CHAPTER NINE
With a toss of its head, the mare managed to wrest the reins from Alethia’s hands again. The willful beast moseyed away from the caravan of travelers in pursuit of a tasty snack by the side of the trail. Alethia gripped her mane as if the horse were in full gallop. “You are not helping at all,” she grumbled at Elaine, who laughed at her from her proper place in line.
“I canna help it. ’Tis quite funny.”
“Aack!” Alethia jerked as her horse took a step and stretched its neck low to nibble on some grass.
“You must let the horse know who is master.”
“Oh, I think it’s obvious to the horse who’s in charge.” Her mare moved farther up the slope in search of greener fodder, the reins dangling along on either side. She already knew from experience she couldn’t reach them on her own from her place in the saddle. “You are supposed to be teaching me.”
“Aye, but this is so much more fun.”
“I’m so telling your brother on you,” she scolded. Elaine only laughed harder. She heard the sound of a horse approaching at a gallop from behind her. Relief poured through her as Malcolm rode to her horse’s head and reached for the reins. Her relief turned to irritation when she saw the amusement in his eyes. Hunter giggled at her from his perch on Malcolm’s lap.
“Your sister has been no help at all,” she complained.
“How can you say such a thing?” Elaine cried. “Have I no’ retrieved your reins at least a dozen times?”
“You’re exaggerating.” She scowled. “It’s only been four times.” Lifting her chin, she glanced at Malcolm. “I’d like to ride in one of the wagons now.”
“Nay, lass.” Malcolm grinned as he knotted the ends of the reins together. “You’ll learn. ’Tis common enough for new riders to lose the reins. This should take care of the problem.” He brought them back over the mare’s neck and handed them to her. “She is trained to respond to your commands without them, should you wish it. Tighten your knees, and lean slightly in the direction you wish to go. Push slightly with the knee on the outside of the turn.”
She did as he instructed and was pleasantly surprised to find herself heading back toward the road.
“Aye, that’s it. Now give her a little kick with your heels.”
The horse began to trot, and she bounced around on the hard saddle. “Malcolm!”
“I’m right beside you.” He chuckled. “Relax. Pull lightly on the reins and lean back at the same time.”
Her mare slowed to a walk, and he helped her to regain her place next to Elaine. For the first time since being placed on the mare’s back, some of her tension melted away. She smiled at Hunter.
“What will you call her?” He gave her his most charming smile, the dimples on his cheeks in full view. She could tell he was in little-boy heaven riding with Malcolm at the head of the line.
“I’m not sure. I’ll think of something.” Alethia winked at Hunter and turned her attention back to Malcolm. “Will there be furs and hides for sale at the fair?”
“Goods of all kinds will be available. Why do you ask?”
“Winter is almost here. I want to make boots and garments for Hunter and myself.”
He grunted. “We have our own tanner. Did I no’ tell you to come to me should you need anything? You and Hunter will be provided for.”
“Thank you.” Alethia concentrated on learning how to control her horse. She was becoming more accustomed to the mare’s rhythm as they plodded along. “Why didn’t Lydia come with us?” Malcolm and Elaine exchanged a knowing look, making her even more curious. “Tell me.”