“Of course,” she acknowledged, relaxing a little. “It is all one huge mistake, so yes. Let’s hope that by tomorrow it’s all set to rights.”
They all nodded, knowing full well that none believed it.
“What can I do for you, Adalyn?” Jeremy took her hand as Evan left them. “I do not want you to sit alone, worrying all afternoon over something we cannot control.”
She sighed. “I don’t know, Jeremy. Honestly. I have no idea which way to turn or what I had planned for today.”
He agreed. “I feel the same.” He looked outside to see the clouds moving in. “Perhaps you might help me take care of some of Trick’s chores?”
“I know nothing about horses…”
“That’s all right. We should just make sure they have fresh hay in the stables, that their water troughs are clear and they’re settled. It will take a while, but at least we’ll know they’re cared for tonight. And tomorrow we’ll find ourselves a temporary stable boy to tide us over.”
Adalyn thought about it, and realised that good solid hard work would be an excellent way to take her mind off her worries. “I’ll go and change.”
“Wait…wear breeches…”
Her eyes opened wide. “Pardon?”
“A skirt is going to get filthy, plus get in your way. Here…come with me.” He tugged her upstairs to his quarters. “They’ll be big on you, but they are much too small for me.” He passed her a pair of soft buckskins from one of his cupboards.
She took them, looking around at the modest but comfortable room. Jeremy had made it his own, with plenty of books, a couple of branches of candles, and a large chair by the little fireplace.
She smiled at the thought of him reading there at night. “This is a nice room.”
“I like it,” he replied. “It’s smaller than the others, but it’s exactly what I need.”
“And your books…”
“From the library. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Good Lord, of course not. I’m glad they’re being used.”
“Right then. Here’s a shirt that never fit me, so if you can wear that and put something around it all to keep it together, we’ll see if there’s an old pair of boots somewhere. Then you’ll be the perfect stable boy.” He grinned.
Her spirits lifting, she nodded. “I’ll tie my hair out of the way too.”
“Excellent. I’ll be downstairs checking on the boots.”
They separated outside his door, Jeremy to the hall and the large cupboard holding an assortment of outerwear gathered over the years, and Adalyn to her room to change into the unusual clothing.
She tentatively pulled up the breeches and tucked the edges of the loose shirt into the waist. It needed a tie of some sort, so she dug around in her bureau and found a length of ribbon that served to keep everything in place. An old riding jacket that Trick had turned up for her a few weeks ago, topped the ensemble, and she held it to her for a moment, closing her eyes and praying that he was all right.
He’d hadn’t had the chance to teach her to ride yet. She felt tears, but then she lifted her chin and reminded herself that she could not control today, but she could still look forward to tomorrow and believe all would be well. She would try. It wouldn’t be perfect until Trick was back home at Wolfbridge but she would not mourn his loss, just his temporary absence.
Pushing all her troubling thoughts to the back of her mind and feeling quite odd in the breeches, she picked her way downstairs in stockinged feet with her boots in her hand. They were leather, and not suitable for stable work, without question.
Fortunately, Jeremy had triumphed. “I knew I’d seen them somewhere.” He held up a pair of ladies’ boots that had seen better days, but were sturdy and still had their laces. “And no mice living in them either.”
She had been reaching for them but her hand fell back as he spoke and she instinctively stepped away.
He chuckled. “I can assure you we have very few mice, Adalyn. Just a jest to make you smile.”
She gave him a mock serious frown. “Jeremy. Do noteverdo that again.” Then she grinned and took the boots from him, sitting on a small bench to put them on. “A bit large, but I’ll manage.”
“You look very nice in my breeches,” he added, a wicked light in his eye.
“Thank you. I think.” She stood and wriggled her toes. “I’m not sure about all of this, but it will be good to know we’re doing something for Trick.” Her fears returned. “I hope Daniel and Giles are all right. Do you think they’ve arrived yet?”
