He casually gripped the horse’s bridle and laughed at something Gracie said as she held a carrot to the mare’s lips. In unguarded moments, Mr. McTaggart’s jaw lost its hard edge.
He was not classically handsome like Lord Thorne, but he possessed a ruggedness that made Edith’s pulse race a little faster. When he decided to turn his attentions toward courting a woman, he should have no trouble securing a wife, provided he began using the brain God had given him.
“Gracie, do be careful,” she said when the girl’s fingers came too close to the horse’s enormous teeth.
Mr. McTaggart made a sound deep in his throat and gently tugged the horse’s bridle to get the animal’s attention.
Gracie looked toward Edith with a small frown marring her brow. “Molly won’t hurt me.”
“No’ on purpose,” Mr. McTaggart said, “but Mistress Gallagher is right to remind you to watch your fingers. One nip from old Molly and you willna make that mistake again.”
His lips curved into a warm smile that reached his green eyes as Edith approached. “Good morning, lass.”
“Good morning, Mr. McTaggart.” She returned his smile, conscious of his gaze locked on her.
He nodded toward Gracie. “Show Mistress Gallagher how I taught you to feed Molly.”
The girl wrapped her fingers around the carrot so it stuck up from her fist and held it out to the mare. The horse sniffed her hand until she found the carrot and took it.
“Well done.” Mr. McTaggart tweaked Gracie’s red nose before pulling another piece of carrot from his coat pocket. “Would you like to feed Molly, Mistress Gallagher?”
Edith recoiled. “Me? But I’ve never…”
She had spent her life in the city avoiding being trampled by horses in the streets. The thought of standing close to the intimidating creature made her tremble.
“It’s time you did, lass.” He held his hand out to her. “I willna let her hurt you.”
Gracie turned to Edith with raised brows. “You aren’t afraid, are you, Edith?” Then she addressed Mr. McTaggart. “If she’s not afraid of you, she’s not afraid of Molly.”
Mr. McTaggart laughed. “Aye. Fair enough, lassie. Mistress Gallagher has never been afraid of goin’ toe to toe with me. She’s a brave one, she is that.”
A pleasant tingle spread through Edith. She wasn’t brave, of course, but their praise inspired her to live up to their expectations. Tentatively, she placed her hand in Mr. McTaggart’s, allowing him to draw her to his side.
“Hold it in your fist like Miss Gracie did.” As she followed his instructions, he slid his hand to the small of her back, sending a shiver racing through her. “You can do it, lass. I’ll keep you safe.”
Perhaps he would protect her from the horse, but who would protect her from him? Now that she stood beside him, savoring the heat of his touch penetrating the fabric of her pelisse, coming along on the sleigh ride seemed like a bad idea.
He leaned his head close to hers and spoke softly, offering words of encouragement as she inched her fist toward the mare.
“Steady, lass. Dinna jerk your hand back, or you’ll confuse her. I dinna want her learning to grab a treat while she can, or she might start to bite.”
Edith didn’t find this especially comforting, but with his strong presence beside her, she discovered the courage she needed. When the mare’s velvety lips nibbled at her fist, she sucked in a sharp breath but held still. The horse was gentle as she latched onto the carrot, as if she sensed Edith’s nervousness.
“Verra well done, lass.” Mr. McTaggart’s lips brushed against Edith’s earlobe as he whispered in her ear, his sandalwood cologne teasing her. Warmth surged through her, making the pelisse feel too confining. But when he withdrew, the cold air chilled her again.
Gracie tugged at his sleeve. “Can I feed Molly another?”
“That’s enough for now.” Mr. McTaggart lifted the girl into the air, carrying her to the sleigh. “If you feed Molly too much, she’ll want to take a nap instead of pulling us around the estate.”
Edith followed them. A thick fur pelt lay over the seat, and Mr. McTaggart lifted it for Gracie to slide onto the bench. “In the middle, lass.” He escorted Edith to her side and offered her a hand up. “Watch the stones. They’ll keep you warm, but I dinna want you to trip.”
Two large, flat stones lay on the footboards, radiating heat as if they had been warmed in a fire. Once she and Gracie were settled with the fur pelt over their laps, he rounded the back of the sleigh and climbed in beside Gracie. It was a snug fit, perfect for a frosty day.
Mr. McTaggart winked at Edith over Gracie’s head. “Let the adventure begin.”
He made a clicking noise with his mouth, and the mare took off at a trot.
Chapter Five
