At her suggestion, the modiste had created a ‘riding gown’ with wide legged pants instead of skirts. The fabric was a beautiful burgundy color with gold trim and embroidery at the waist. They fit perfectly and were quite comfortable. No wedgies or bunching in awkward places, either. There was something to be said for custom-made clothes, after all.
She donned a shirt, threw on the matching jacket on top, and pulled on her own pair of cognac brown leather riding boots. Finally, she was completely and (mostly) properly dressed, wearing her own modern underwear and all without having to wear a corset or needing the help of a maid. It made her feel more like herself.
Now for her hair. She didn’t know how to do the elaborate hairstyles, so she combed her hair back and tied it in a low bun. The final touch on the ensemble was a little hat perched at an angle. Olivia examined herself in the mirror and approved. She looked very well indeed.
Feeling energized, she came down to breakfast. Dale had not joined her in the past few days, and today was no exception. No matter. She wouldn’t dwell on that anymore. She had a plan.
Next stop, the stables. Where she would inquire about having riding lessons. Just as she expected, the head groom arranged for a steady mare and assigned one of the best grooms, a solid and capable looking guy, to teach her.
The first problem came when they presented her with a sidesaddle.
“I can’t ride sideways.”
“We know, miss. That’s why we are gonna teach you.”
“No, you don’t understand. I have no interest in learning to ride sideways. I want to learn to ride astride.”
“But, miss, that’s just not done.”
“Well, I have to do it like that. I have only been on the back of a horse once in my life, and it seemed difficult enough astride. I am not about to balance sideways on top of that huge beast. Besides, I’m prepared.” She kicked her legs to show the trousers.
The groom looked nonplussed.
“Saddle my horse Jameson. I’ll help Miss Mirabal.” The deep, commanding voice came from behind her.
Goosebumps rose all over her arms and around the back of her neck at the familiar voice. She turned slowly as the groom scampered to do as he was bid.
“Dale, what a nice surprise.” She said with a wide smile. It was ridiculous, really, how much his presence infused her with happiness.
“Likewise, Olivia. I gather you are planning on learning to ride?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I hope that is all right? The grooms said they could teach me.”
He inclined his head, all gracious courtesy. “Of course. Would you like me to give you your first lesson?”
Was he really offering to spend time with her? “I’d love that! I mean... if you don’t have more important things to do.”
“Not at all. Now, could I persuade you to at least try the sidesaddle? I promise it’s not as difficult as it looks.”
“And how would you know? Have you ever ridden sidesaddle?”
His lips twitched. “Touche. No, I haven’t. But all ladies ride like that. Just try it. I promise I won’t let you fall.”
“All right. So, how does it work?”
He bent down and laced his gloved hands. “Put your right foot in my hands, grab the pommel, and spring up. I’ll guide you to your seat.”
Her leg brushed his shoulders as she did as he bid, and his nearness calmed and galvanized her at the same time. This position brought his head close to her breasts, who immediately perked up at his nearness. Her breath caught, and then she was flying through the air. “Whoa!” she yelped as she landed in the saddle, holding on for dear life.
“That’s it. You’re doing great. Now just hook your leg over the pommel.” He said calmly. “I’ll bring your left foot to the stirrup.” It was a measure of how much she trusted his capabilities that she even attempted this.
“How do you feel?” he asked, smiling up at her.
“Unsteady.” She replied. And from more than being on the side saddle. That smile was enough to make her head spin. But when he laughed at her reply, her heart did a double beat.
“You’ll do fine.”
At that moment, the grooms came back with his horse and he mounted in one graceful move. “C’mon. We’ll go slow. Just follow me.”
