“Miss Everton? What is she doing out here?” he blurted out, unable to mask the surprise in his voice.
Tristan, leaning casually against the stable door, laughed heartily. “Oh, she’s come to join us on the hunt, of course!”
Alistair’s heart raced as he took in the sight of Cecilia. She was clad in fitted riding gear that accentuated her figure, the dark fabric hugging her curves in a way that made his breath hitch.
Her long hair was pulled back into a neat braid, strands escaping to frame her face, softening her sharp features. The way she stood, poised and confident, exuded an effortless grace that left him momentarily speechless.
“Are you being serious?” Alistair struggled with keeping composure at this most unexpected sight of her, his eyes darting between Nathaniel and Tristan, searching for some sign that this was a joke.
The men’s laughter echoed around him, but he felt a rush of panic rising in his chest. He tried to shake off the feeling, reminding himself that he had no business finding her attractive, especially not now.
Cecilia turned her head slightly, catching Alistair's gaze ever so quickly before dragging her eyes back to her horse with a huff. Her skin was flushed, likely from the cold. She adjusted her gloves, the movement fluid and deliberate, and Alistair’s heart raced even faster.
What is wrong with me?
“And what do you mean exactly by such question, Your Grace?” she asked, her tone challenging as always.
Alistair faced her matter-of-factly. “I wouldn’t expect you to join us, Miss Everton. After all, you are a lady, such is not expected.”
Her eyes sparkled with indignation, and she countered immediately, “Who says ladies can’t join in hunts?”
Nathaniel and Tristan, sensing the rising tension, quickly jumped in. “You shouldn’t underestimate Cecilia, Your Grace,” Nathaniel chimed in, a grin spreading across his face. “She’s been horse riding since she was a child and has beaten both of us in countless races.”
Alistair lifted a brow, his skepticism evident. “Hunts are distinctly different from races, nevertheless. Do you not worry she might find herself in danger?”
A vision of her falling victim to a trouble her delicate frame likely could not handle flashed by his mind and Alistair shudderedinternally. He felt an odd sense of protectiveness fill him as he watched her coo at her horse.
“Danger?” Tristan’s question turned into cackles immediately echoed by his brother. “Oh, Your Grace, our sister is the danger if anything.”
Alistair’s brow remained lifted as he watched the young woman swat airily at her elder brother who only slung an arm across her shoulders.
What an odd bunch these people are.
“What he means to say is, she’s perfectly capable of handling herself, Your Grace. Plus, we’d all be watching her most of the time,” Nathaniel spoke with a smile.
Alistair couldn’t resist, “My point remains very loud still.”
Cecilia opened her mouth to retort, but Tristan interjected, pulling her closer with a laugh. “She wanted to come out with us. She’s tired of being cooped up in that mansion all day, Your Grace.”
Cecilia leaned away from Tristan slightly, her posture was relaxed, but Alistair couldn’t help but notice how the movement drew attention to her lithe figure.
Focus, Alistair.
‘Tis wrong to ogle a woman in front of her two brothers!
Nathaniel nodded in agreement, adding, “Besides, it would be beneficial for her research to explore the woods. There’s so much to discover out here.”
Alistair began again, hesitating as he searched for the right words. “This isn’t a leisurely outing. Hunts require skill and focus.”
Finally, Cecilia met his gaze, unyielding. “And I have both of those qualities, Your Grace. I beg you do not underestimate me.” She gave him a tight smile, “The day shall not wait for us. Shall we begin?”
“Do you see that track? It must be fresh!” Nathaniel exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement as he pointed toward the ground.
“We ought to hurry before it gets away, ya!” Tristan added, already galloping ahead into the dense thicket. His enthusiasm was understandable, as they had been walking for a while, making only small talk, as they searched for anything to strike in the cold.
“We ought to move in a group!” Alistair called, trying to keep pace with the two brothers. However, as he glanced back, he noticed their sister had come off her horse, lingering behind, herattention seemingly captured by a small patch of vibrant green peeking through the snow.
“And whatever do you think you’re doing? Your brothers are leaving,” he asked, turning his horse to head in her direction.
