CHAPTER 39 - The Pool House
OLIVIA SAT PROUDLYon top of her mare. She knew her seat wasn’t very graceful, but she was very happy with her progress so far.
“Are you comfortable on the horse? Do you think you can follow me without problems?” Dale asked, studying her.
“I think so. I already know Pearl, and she knows me. As long as you don’t go too fast.”
“No more than a gentle trot. We are not going far. We could have walked, actually. But it would have taken longer, and I’m quite eager to get there.”
He turned his horse with graceful ease and led the way. Pearl followed without even having to be commanded. Livvy had the notion that Dale was guiding both horses with his will alone.
They kept to an easy pace over beautiful parkland, and Olivia raised her face, absorbing the light of the sun, inhaling deeply the crisp air. The day was beautiful—sunny and cool, with a gentle breeze ruffling her hair and disarranging her chignon. She felt happy in this moment, in this place, with this man.
They entered a narrow path that curved through a forest. Within minutes, they arrived at a clearing that contained a rectangular stone building. It looked like a miniature palace and seemed as out of place in the forest as a jewel box would be.
Three arches completely covered by paned glass dominated the center of the building. She could tell there were mirroring arches on the back side. The sides of the building were solid and had a window each. A wide set of steps led to a door set into the glass of the center arch.
What was the use of the building? Why was it here? She had seen many palaces and grand houses that featured structures built solely for entertainment and pleasure. But usually those buildings were displayed prominently on a rise, clearly visible from the main house and gardens. This one was secluded away in the middle of the forest. It seemed like a strange location.
A hand lighted on her arm, and she jumped. “Oh!”
Dale stood beside her, holding the reins. He must have dismounted as she’d studied the building.
“Will you allow me to assist you, or do you have another preferred method of dismounting?” his eyes danced with amusement.
She grinned mischievously at him. “I usually dismount the same way I mount, but I’ll allow you to assist if you promise I won’t fall.”
“I would never let you fall, Livvy.”
“In that case, what do you want me to do?”
“Bring your leg over and sit sideways. I’ll lift you down.”
She did bring the leg over, but over the back of the horse, which left her facing away from him. He quickly wrapped his hands around her waist from behind and plucked her easily from the horse. But he didn’t let go after she was settled firmly on the ground. Instead, his arms encircled her waist, and he brought her back against him, murmuring in her ear. “That wasn’t precisely what I had in mind, but I think I like the rear view just as well.” Laughter mixed with desire in his voice.
She turned her head, and he gave her a quick kiss before taking her hand and leading her towards the building.
“Come. There’ll be time for that, but I can’t wait to show you this.”
His excitement was contagious, and to be honest, she was curious, too. He opened the door, and she found herself in a hot and humid environment, a mineral smell wafting in the air. But the ‘pièce de résistance’ dominated the oblong room.
