Damn. He’d done his best to try not to watch her too much. Had his mother noticed something in his behavior toward Olivia? She’d always been able to read him better than he would have wanted.
“Prissy has her sights set on Lockley, and I couldn’t help but notice he paid Miss Redfield an inordinate amount of attention at dinner and then later, in the parlor.”
Gabriel stiffened and ran one hand through his hair. He, too, had noticed.
And yet, the man seemed just careful enough that he could easily deny his intentions.
Not that Gabriel would ever give the man permission to make his sister an offer. He had been hoping he wouldn’t have to let his sister down this way but would do so if necessary.
And although Lockley’s behavior toward Olivia could be considered convenient in thwarting the man away from Priss, Gabriel wasn’t comfortable with that either.
He’d have to keep an eye on all three of them, not a task he relished in any way.
“I’d hate to see your sister hurt,” his mother emphasized.
“Which is exactly why he’s the wrong man for her.” He spoke sternly, a tone he hardly ever used with his mother.
“But–”
Gabriel held up a hand to cut off any arguments. “Am I not Kingsley?” At his mother’s nod, he continued, “I’m watching the man, Mother. I’ll not trust Prissy’s happiness to just anyone. You’ll simply need to defer to me on this.”
“Perhaps you’ll see something different in him on the ride today, or even better, over the next ten days.” Of course, his mother wouldn’t give in so easily.
“Perhaps,” Gabriel acquiesced. “But I doubt it.”
* * *
In additionto the day dresses and evening gowns Louella insisted upon, she’d also ordered a riding habit for Olivia. She’d never worn such a garment before and couldn’t help but think it quite ridiculous attire for an excursion into nature.
Nonetheless, the purple hues of the fabric matched her eyes perfectly, and even she could not find fault in the jaunty hat. Decorated with lavender feathers, one of them curled downward and lightly caressed the side of her face when she turned her head a certain way.
It surprised her to realize how different a lady felt when clothed properly.
It had been years since she’d ridden sidesaddle and although she’d once considered herself proficient at it, had to tamp down a few nerves. She watched the various gentlemen and grooms assist Louella, Lady Priscilla, and Victoria—as Miss Shipley insisted she call her—onto their prospective horses with genuine anticipation. When one of the mounting blocks finally became free, she moved closer, hoping she wouldn’t make a fool of herself.
“Miss Redfield?” One of the groomsmen appeared with a friendly-looking but gorgeous white mare saddled up and ready to go.
“She’s beautiful! What’s her name?” Olivia couldn’t help but exclaim as she stepped forward slowly and then rubbed the mare’s silken neck.
“Rhiannon,” the steward stated proudly. “Lord Kingsley specifically selected her for you.”
“Like the Celtic Goddess?” Olivia had read about the fairy queen. The horse’s eyes followed her and for some odd reason, Olivia felt an instant kinship. Why would Gabriel assign her such a special horse? Or was she only imagining it?
She blushed and then chastised herself. Gabriel had likely done the same for all the ladies present.
Lady Priscilla’s mount was a lovely spotted gelding and Louella’s and Victoria’s lovely brown mares.
After acquainting herself with Rhiannon, Olivia climbed onto the block and then easily hooked her thigh onto the front of the saddle and guided her left foot into the slipper stirrup. What she remembered as being most important was to center herself on the horse, just as if she were riding astride. Facing forward, she sat patiently as the grooms led the ladies out where the gentlemen already waited.
Gabriel paired up with Victoria, Louella with Mr. Gilbert Fellowes, Lady Priscilla with Lord Lockley and riding up beside Olivia, Mr. Nathaniel Fellowes, Gabriel’s youngest brother.
All of it was so formal when she simply wished to gallop across the lush meadow until her mare was ready to rest. She’d forgotten the pleasure she’d found in riding before her parents had moved her away from the main estate.
“Rhiannon, eh?”
“She’s spectacular,” Olivia answered honestly as she felt the easy response of the gorgeous horse below her. “She’s an enviable goddess, to be certain, Mr. Fellowes.”
“Call me Nathaniel. Or better yet, Nate. May I call you Olivia?” A little surprised, Olivia glanced over at her companion just in time to see his eyes dancing even more merrily than Gabriel’s did. She guessed him to be a flirt but an innocent one. He seemed sweet, fun, and uncomplicated.
