“Because you are a woman. It is not safe, much less proper.”
I gritted my teeth.
“It is plenty safe,” Damon said.
“But not proper,” Ollie said.
Damon turned to me. “What is your preference? The stallion or the mare?”
“I . . .” My sentence hung in the air. I appreciated that Ollie cared for my safety, but I was also flattered Damon thought me capable of riding such a fine horse. But as flattered as I was, Ollie knew me and my abilities best. With neither the means to invest in riding lessons, nor the time to devote to such a luxury, I’d quite fallen out of the practice since Mama’s passing.
“Though I appreciate your faith in me, Damon, Ollie is correct. I’m not so accomplished on horseback. I should be glad to ride the mare.”
“A wise and proper choice.” Ollie rewarded me with a smile that made my stomach flutter.
“I quite disagree,” Damon said, “but if that is what you desire—”
“It is,” I said quickly, wanting to put the argument to rest.
“Then I will tell the groom to ready a different mount.” Damon released my arm and went to speak with the groom, leaving Ollie and me alone.
For the first time in my life, I didn’t know what to say to him. Things between us had never been so uncomfortable, so strained. It was as if I were standing with a stranger. A stranger, that is, who knew all my deepest secrets—save for the secret I kept with his brother.
“I must admit,” Ollie said, toeing a pile of hay with his freshly shined boot, “I didn’t expect this from you.”
“Expectwhatexactly?”
“Your sudden interest in spending time with Damon.”
“We have always spent time together. Why would it surprise you now?”
Ollie laughed under his breath. “Because you do not like my brother.”
There was that. I’d even told Damon as much. “Perhaps that used to be true, but ever since we danced the supper set at the Rumfords’ ball, I’ve found him to be much more agreeable.”
A guilty expression stole over Ollie’s face. “How long are you going to be cross with me? I have apologized for not dancing with you.”
“One apology does not make everything right between us.”
“Neither does avoiding me.”
No, but avoiding him was easier than conversing with him at the moment. Not wanting to argue, I moved to step past him and rejoin Damon.
Ollie caught my arm, keeping me at his side. “Of all men,” he said, his breath warm against my ear, “why Damon?”
Hurt and confusion saturated his voice, but I could not be moved. I raised my chin and met his gaze, bringing our faces much too near. The truth clawed at my throat, demanding to be set free, but I swallowed against it. It was better he hurt for this small moment than for us both to hurt for the rest of our lives.
“What aren’t you telling me, Hanny?” Ollie persisted. “Do you feel obligated to him in some way? Because he danced with you? You must know his intentions aren’t honorable.”
“I have no reason to believe that. Damon has done nothing untoward.”
“I would not saynothinguntoward.”
I jumped at the sound of Damon’s voice behind me.
“We should go before the rain begins,” Damon said.
I tugged my elbow from Ollie’s grasp and followed Damon down the long row of stalls toward the door. Ollie’s gaze was hot on my back, but I didn’t dare look at him. If I did, I would lose my resolve.
