It must be nice to have those kinds of memories. She’d left everything non-essential behind and she doubted her father would have saved any of it. “That’s great.”
He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Want to go for a quick ride before Darcy gets back?”
The offer surprised her. She thought he’d been making platitudes when he’d offered to take her earlier. “What if we get guests?”
“Georgie and Ed can deal with them.” He smiled, annihilating her memories of his usual sombre expression as if it never existed. This was a Brandon who had swept all his troubles away for the moment. It connected with her deep-seated need to ignore expectations.
“Please,” he continued. “I discovered my old gymkhana trophies and I have a sudden urge to go riding. Your company would be nice.”
She laughed. “You won’t get me doing any gymkhana stuff,” she said. “I can barely trot.”
“I can teach you.”
“Teach her what?” Ed said. He was dressed for the day, his hair now slicked back and his clothes tidy.
“I’m going for a ride. Thought I’d take Amy with me.”
Ed narrowed his eyes. “Why are you suddenly so cheerful?”
“Did you know there’s a box of your old stuff in the shed?”
Ed blinked. “No.”
Brandon grinned. “It’s in the room off the workshop. I’m inspired to go riding.”
“You always were the best rider of all of us,” Ed said. “Though Darcy might be better now.” He grinned, obviously stirring his older brother.
“Probably,” Brandon agreed and turned back to Amy. “So you want to come?”
She’d enjoyed the few sessions she’d had with Bill and would have ridden more, but she wasn’t confident enough to go alone. Besides she had decided to befriend Brandon. “Will you be all right if I go?” she asked Ed.
He nodded and waved his hand. “Go. Have fun. You deserve a break. I’ll entertain anyone who drops by. Just don’t let my brother push you around. If you’re not comfortable, tell him so.”
“All right. Thanks. I’ll get changed.”
“I’ll meet you at the horses,” Brandon said.
It took little time to change into a pair of jeans and a loose long-sleeved top. The day was already warm, and Bill had advised it was better to cover up and be a little warm, than to bake her skin in the sun’s rays. Her light straw beach hat felt at odds with the rest of her clothing, but it would have to do. Maybe if she stayed, she’d get herself a hat like Brandon and Darcy’s.
Over by the horses Brandon saddled Lara’s bay horse, Starlight, and Bill’s horse, Reg. Amy joined him as his competent fingers did up the saddle cinch and then he murmured to the horse as he slid the bridle over its head. Sure, but gentle movements. Unwanted attraction swept through her. In his current outfit it would be all too easy to forget he was in the army and wonder what his fingers would feel like against her skin.
He smiled at her. “What has Dad taught you?”
Focus. “He showed me how to saddle Starlight and take care of her afterwards. The last time we went out he said I was ready to canter.” She wasn’t certain she agreed with him.
“Don’t look so concerned. We’ll stick with what you’re comfortable with.” He turned his attention to Reg, hefting the saddle over his back and cinching it. For the first time since returning, he seemed in his element. Perhaps it was because his siblings weren’t around.
Amy stroked Starlight’s neck, murmuring to her. “Be gentle with me.” Maybe she should go to the adult riding classes Faith ran on a Saturday afternoon. She’d definitely get more practice, and it would be nice to catch up with Dot and Faith in a social environment.
Brandon undid the halter ropes and slid them off both horses, handing her Starlight’s reins. “Do you need a leg up?”
“I can manage.” She mounted and directed Starlight away from the fence. “Where do you want to go?”
“How about over the ridge?” he suggested. “I haven’t been that way yet.”
The ridge which gave the station its name could be seen from the farmhouse and was probably a twenty-minute ride. “Sure.” She nudged Starlight into a walk and they rode side-by-side down a path which led in the general direction. After a few minutes Brandon said, “You look comfortable on her.”
“Walking is easy, especially when Starlight’s so well behaved.”
