“I recall you mentioning you used to ride.”
“Yes, but not since I was Effie’s age or a little older.”
“You also said you like horses.”
“Goodness. You have quite a memory.”
“Where you are concerned, I do indeed.”
Self-conscious pleasure flowed through her. Sarah said, “Papa kept a fine stable at Finderlay. He rode regularly as a younger man. I often went with him.”
“Your sisters too?”
Sarah thought back. “No. Claire was not fond of riding, and the other girls were so much younger. Emily did ride with our neighbor Charles on occasion, but by then I had given it up.”
“May I ask why?”
A dull, familiar ache rose in Sarah’s chest. “When our mother became ill, Claire and I assumed many of her responsibilities. Claire took charge of our younger sisters, and I helped with her duties as mistress of the house—meeting with cook and housekeeper, keeping Mamma’s prized garden in order, and visiting elderly and infirm neighbors. I became too busy to ride. And then after Papa died, we had to sell the horses.”
“Would you like to start riding again?”
Sarah considered. “We are in a better position financially than we were even last year, yet we are a long way from being able to afford to keep a horse.”
She exhaled a deep breath. “Still, it’s interesting you should ask me now. Georgiana recently spoke with a young lady a few years older and quite refined, and felt immature by comparison. When Georgiana came home, Effie suggested performing another play, and it suddenly seemed juvenile to her. I gave her some speech about never growing too old to do what you love. Even as I said the words, the irony struck me. I have given up a pastime I once loved too. Become increasingly consumed with cares and responsibilities. My parents did not tell me I had to give up riding. I did that myself.”
His eyes softened in understanding. “There is nothing wrong with being responsible, Sarah. Though you are the last person I need to say that to.” He reached over and took her hand. “Still, I am sorry you bore so much while you were so young. You have sacrificed a great deal for your family.”
Unexpected tears heated her eyes. “Thank you. Yes, I grew up quickly. Too quickly, maybe. But there’s still time for Georgie. I don’t want her to rush into adulthood and lose her spark in theprocess. Pardon me. I am talking too much.” Sliding her hand from his, she pressed her fingers to her mouth.
“Not at all. I like hearing what you think.” He paused, then added with a mischievous grin, “And what I heard was that you have clearly realized the error of your ways and shall not miss an opportunity to ride with a visiting friend.”
Sarah hesitated. “Even though I want to, I could not.”
“Why?”
“With Mrs. Besley laid up, I have more to do in the kitchen. Besides that, I have no riding habit, and—”
“You may borrow my new one,” Effie said, popping her head into the room with a smile. “You said it yourself, we are nearly the same height now.”
“That does not mean it would fit ... elsewhere.”
With a frown, Mr. Henshall asked, “Effie, were ye eavesdropping?”
“It was easy enough to hear ye from the next room! And besides, it’s for a good cause. I want Sarah to go riding too.”
Effie turned back to Sarah and urged, “Ye can at least try on my habit, can ye not? And if it doesna fit, perhaps ye might borrow one. Maybe your mam has an old one somewhere?”
“If Mamma had one, it would be rather ancient by now. Not to mention moth-eaten.”
Effie gestured to her stepfather. “Then lucky for us, this wise man insisted the habit maker allow for future growth, so there are laces at the back of both jacket and skirt. Habits are expensive, apparently.”
“Ye didna think I was so wise at the time,” Mr. Henshall dryly replied. “I recall the termskinflintbeing tossed at me.”
“In hindsight, your miserly ways have worked out well this time. Now do come, Miss Sarah, and try it on. I’ll even help in the kitchen while you’re gone, if that will convince ye.”
“Oh, very well,” Sarah reluctantly agreed and allowed Effie to lead her away.
Over her shoulder, the girl said, “I’ll get her into a riding habit one way or another while ye change and see about the horses.”
