He did not stand still for very long. Of their own accord, his feet took him back to the garden room and then out of the door, heading across the lawn toward the stable yard. The closer he got to Lady Ridlington, he could see her looking up at him, in anticipation of his arrival.
With the Andalusian now set up with his reins and the saddle, it wasn’t long before she would be setting out on her ride. Yet he didn’t want to see her go just yet.
“He is beautiful, Your Grace,” Lady Ridlington said as he reached her side. She was talking of the Andalusian, stroking his nose around the reins. “I do not think I have ever loved a horse as much as this one.”
“He loves you more than he ever loved me too, I am certain of it,” Francis said softly, watching the way the Andalusian rested his nose into her grasp, with his head turned toward her. She had ridden often of late, and after each ride, the Andalusian always seemed sad to part from her.
“Then we have a mutual affection,” she said, smiling up at the horse. “Is all well, Your Grace?” Her words made Francis turn away from the horse and gaze at her. The groom walked off, back to the stable, leaving the two of them alone.
“Well?” Francis repeated as though the word confused him.
“You do not quite seem like your usual self,” she said softly. “Maybe a little quieter than usual.”
“I am trapped in whirring thoughts.”
“What thoughts?” she asked him.
He didn’t know how to answer her. He looked around a few times but seeing the groom had gone and there was no one else nearby, he took his opportunity. He stepped toward her and took one of Lady Ridlington’s hands, lifting it to his lips and kissing the back. He held it far longer than propriety should have dictated, pressing the kiss intimately to her hand and holding her gaze.
Chapter 17
Phoebe was holding her breath as she watched Hayward kiss her hand. He wasn’t letting the kiss go, holding onto it for as long as possible as he maintained the locking of their gaze.
The horse snorted beside them, impatient, almost asking what they were doing. She glanced his way before turning her eyes back to Hayward as he lowered her hand away from his lips, still holding onto her, but no longer kissing her.
“Why…did you do that?” she asked quietly, still feeling the thrill of his touch.
“Why do you think?” he whispered back to her. The words made the smallest of smiles flicker at her lips, before she remembered everything that had been in Graham’s letter and the fact he had gone to the constables, claiming she had been abducted.
Hayward was in danger because he was hiding here. Whatever it was that the two of them shared…surely it could never be?
“Your Grace…I…” she stammered, uncertain what to say, especially when his hand was still in hers, making a warmth spread through her.
“Yes?” he asked, still staring at her. That gaze pierced her and made her shift to side from side with excitement.
“My Lady, all is set,” a voice said, interrupting them. Hayward jumped away from her, dropping her hand, just as she turned to see the stable groom nearby. He was proffering a small bag to her, with a few snacks and a flask of water, ready for her ride.
“Thank you,” she said a little shakily, taking it from him. He bowed and stayed where he was, having no idea he had interrupted anything and clearly intending to watch her off on the horse. Cantante had hidden the moment of the kiss from the groom’s view, but now the groom had walked around the horse.
Phoebe turned her gaze back to Hayward to see he was backing up even further now, looking more than a little afeared at his own actions.
“Enjoy your ride, my Lady,” he said softly.
“Thank you,” she said, trying to smile at him. She wanted to talk about what had just happened, and not let it go just yet. Nevertheless, the moment was gone, having slipped through her fingers like sand. “I shall see you for dinner tonight?” she asked, planning already to return earlier from her ride than she had first planned, so that she could see Hayward again and discussthis.
“Yes, dinner,” he said distractedly, before walking away. She stepped forward, thinking of going after him, but he had turned away already and was heading back toward the house.
The horse snuffled at her side, pleading to be going. Phoebe turned and laid a hand on the horse, calming him instantly, though her gaze still lingered on Hayward’s retreating figure, thinking on the words he’d uttered when she’d asked why had had kissed her hand.
Why do you think?He’d asked.
* * *
Phoebe was restless as she prepared for dinner.
“You look beautiful,” Louisa said at her side as they gazed into the mirror together.
“Thank you,” Phoebe said as Louisa offered the usual ribbon to hide the bruise at her neck. Phoebe paused before taking it, looking at the bruise that had now faded so much, there was just a small yellow tinge around her neck. “I think I’ll go without it tonight.”
