He had hold of one of the horses, but Charley recognized a wild look in the other mare’s eyes. The poor thing was terrified.
“Go back in! What are you doing?” he yelled over the rain when she sprinted around him to take hold of the second horse.
“What’s her name?” she shouted. The mare trembled beneath her hands when Charley grasped the leather strap to help lead them to shelter.
Julian narrowed his gaze but then shook his head, resigned. “Calista.”
“Poor girl.” Charley smoothed her hand down her neck. “That’s good, Calista. Just like that.”
“I can’t believe you!” He glanced sideways, scowling but then turned back to the other horse when she raised her head with a whinnying sound. “Easy now.”
By now, the rain slashed torrential sheets as, together, she and Jules dragged the horses, straining against the gusts of wind.
They were soaked through and Charley had to concentrate hard not to slip in the mud.
“Let go if they bolt!”
Jules scowled at her when he loosened his hold in order to open a large door. He sounded angry, but she knew he was only afraid they would hurt her.
She wasn’t afraid. She’d assisted her father with the horses hundreds of times and in storms far worse than this one.
Jules returned quickly and when they stepped inside, the shiny vehicle rolling in behind them, the horses calmed almost immediately.
An almost surprising quiet fell after Jules pulled the large doors shut. High up windows allowed just enough light inside for Charley to see his expression.
“You shouldn’t have come out in this mess.” He looked as though he couldn’t decide if he was furious or grateful. Charley bit her lip, unable to keep her gaze from appreciating the man who looked even more attractive to her with his hair plastered against his head and his clothes clinging to his person. The breeches she’d appreciated on more than one occasion outlined his muscular thighs and she shivered at the outline of his—
Charley dragged her gaze back to meet his. “I’m not unfamiliar with horses.”
He glowered.
“You needed me.” She turned, feeling hot inside, despite the fact that water dripped from her hair and dress. With shaking hands, she stroked Calista’s snout. “This poor girl needed me.”
Thunder sounded but not as loudly as it had been before. The torrent of rain echoed steadily on the roof of the unused shelter.
When she turned back, Jules seemed to be assessing the contents of the barn, more resolved now than frustrated.
“What will they think when we don’t show up?” Charley continued rubbing her hands along Calista’s head and neck. “Mrs. Crabtree will say something to your mother. Bethany will notice that I’m gone and that I left with you.”
Before she could continue, warm arms wrapped around her. “The guests will have turned back as well, and the manor is going to be in something of an uproar while everyone returns. My mother will be far too busy dealing with servants rushing to get all the tables and chairs put up to even notice our absence.”
“But—”
“The stable master was aware that I might stop here first and also that we’re traveling in the curricle. He’ll inform her, and they’ll realize that we had no choice but to wait out the storm.”
“They will be understanding?” Even in Philadelphia this sort of thing wouldn’t go unremarked upon. She glanced up at the high windows. They had no choice but to take refuge here. It wasn’t as though either of them intended to get caught in the storm.
“We can’t travel in it.”
She dropped her chin and grinned. “It’s not a very practical conveyance, is it?”
His chuckle rumbled beneath her hands, which were planted on his jacket, which was possibly even more drenched than hers. “I didn’t purchase my baby for her practical attributes.”
The temperature was cooler in the stable, and the dirt floor was muddy from the rain that had blown in. A shiver ran through her, and he rubbed her arms to warm them. “Go back to the main building while I unhook Calista and Zeus. I’ll start a fire when I join you.”
“There is a basket tied to the back of your shiny but impracticalbaby.” She stepped out of his arms.
His brows rose and a smile tipped up the corner of his lips. Feeling a little shy, she resisted the urge to rise up onto her toes and press her lips against his again.
