“I have had ample time to observe such matters. Your brother and I discussed these improvements last autumn, but he wished to wait until spring.”
“And now spring has passed.”
They walked in silence for a few moments. Amelia found herself relaxing into the easy rhythm of it—the way they could simply exist beside one another without constant conversation. It was different.
Dangerous.
“If we continue with the drainage improvements, we ought to address the cottage roofs too. I suspect several of the tenants?—”
The thunder of hooves cut through her words.
Amelia turned. Then froze.
A massive chestnut stallion was charging across the field directly toward them. Its eyes rolled white with panic, reins trailing behind. Foam flecked its neck.
“Amelia, run!”
But there was nowhere to go. Trees pressed close on one side, a steep embankment on the other. The lane was too narrow. The horse too close.
Tobias moved.
He pushed her behind him and spread his arms wide.
“Tobias, no!” She screamed his name. “Move!”
He didn’t. He stood there as the horse reared up, massive hooves slashing the air inches from his head. Then he lunged forward and grabbed the bridle.
Amelia couldn’t breathe. The horse reared again, and Tobias’s feet left the ground. She was going to watch him die. Right here. Crushed beneath those hooves.
No, no, no…
“Easy now, lad. Easy.” His voice was steady despite everything. Low and soothing. “No one means you harm. Steady, that’s it. Steady.”
The horse’s movements slowed. The wild terror in its eyes faded. When its hooves finally touched earth and stayed there, Tobias sagged forward against the animal’s neck.
Amelia ran.
“You absolute fool!” She crashed into him hard enough to make him stumble. Her hands flew to his face, his shoulders, his arms. “You could have been killed! You nearly were killed! What possessed you to—your coat is torn. And you… you are bleeding!”
“Amelia—”
“Do not ‘Amelia’ me! You stepped in front of a charging horse. You could have died. You could have?—”
“I know.” He caught her wrists. His fingers were warm. “I know, but I could not—are you well? Did the horse touch you at all?”
“Did the horse—you very nearly had your skull crushed and you’re asking if I’m well?”
“Yes.” He looked at her earnestly. “I had to protect you.”
Their eyes met, then Tobias cleared his throat.
“Henry. You… are all he has, his mother…”
She nodded slowly, her eyes meeting his.
“My lord! Lady Amelia!”
Pemberton’s voice made her jump backward. Tobias’s hands dropped from her wrists.
