“What if I am never ready?”
“Then I will hold you forever.” The words rang surprisingly true as he spoke them, in so many ways other than merely riding. He could hold her throughout his life. Throughout marriage.
Theirmarriage.
Gawain was amazed the notion did not terrify him.
Still, it was ridiculous to think anyone could lose their heart to another upon a few days’ acquaintance.
After completing several circles, he tugged on Sugar’s reins to draw her up. They had gone in a slow circle and then a faster circle so that the horse had almost broken into a trot. They could have gone around a few more times, but Cherish was still fearful and trembled the moment he urged Sugar to speed up the littlest bit. And yet she was the one who now insisted on continuing because she was so determined to overcome her fear.
He thought she had done well for herself this first time out. “I’m proud of you, Cherish.”
“Oh, dear heaven. I am so pathetic. Are we done for the morning?” she asked, sounding hopeful.
He nodded. “Yes, almost. I am going to get off now, but I want you to remain in the saddle a little while longer.”
She gasped. “Without you?”
“Yes, you don’t need me. Sugar is just going to stand in this spot with you in the saddle. I have her reins and will be right here with you.”
“All right.” She tried to sound brave, but those beautiful brandy eyes of hers were still wild, and her voice shook as she spoke. Her distress was evident to all.
“You can do this, Cherish.” Reggie gave her an encouraging nod.
“I should be able to,” she agreed. “I will. All you are asking me to do is sit on a horse. Even a child can do this. I don’t know why I am so scared.”
Because her last tumble off a horse almost killed her, Gawain knew. He took hold of her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “These things take time. No one expects you to overcome this in a day.”
The onlookers had not walked away.
They were a nice group and were calling out encouragements to Cherish. Lady Margaret was particularly kind to her, and Gawain realized he might have been too harsh when first judging the little peahen. She lacked Cherish’s intelligence, but was otherwise a pleasant and cheerful girl.
He noticed Reggie smiling at Lady Margaret. The girl blushed and smiled back.
What was Reggie doing? Had he not told Gawain just last night that he might court Cherish if he did not? So why was he tossing those grins at Margaret?
He would have a talk with the boy later. They would have plenty of time for heart-to-heart discussions if Katie would notleave and he were stuck sharing a bedchamber with Reggie for the rest of the week.
The annoying reminder made him think of Katie. Where was she?
Not that he cared to see her again, but he did not like the thought of her roaming around Fiona’s house unchecked and thinking up mischief.
When Cherish asked again whether she could get down, Gawain nodded. “All right.” He helped her to dismount.
She cast him a dismayed smile. “I thought I would do better. Look at me—my hands won’t stop shaking.”
He took them in his once more. “You’ll do better tomorrow. I promise you. Each day will get easier.”
The others now joined him and Cherish while Reggie led Sugar back to her stall.
“You got back up on the horse, and that is enough success for today,” Fiona insisted, and Lord Durham agreed.
“You were marvelous,” Lord Fellstone said, and Gawain stifled the urge to punch him. Of course, this was the jealous ape in him coming out. Fellstone had done nothing untoward. No, all he had done was admire Cherish and…Bollocks, was he going to offer for her before the party ended?
Lady Margaret hopped up and down beside them and clapped her hands. “Cherish, you were brilliant.”
Cherish laughed and gave the girl a hug. “Thank you, Margaret. But I was awful and cowardly, and utterly inept. Thank you all for being so kind to me as I struggled.” She turned to Gawain. “I marvel at your patience. I am truly sorry if I disappointed you.”
