For now, though, the sight of her lower half, encased in breeches, may have actually given me that fit of apoplexy I teased about last night. Words escaped me, along with the air in my lungs. She was… stunning, breathtaking, all delicious curves encased in tight fabric. A men’s linen shirt that surely belonged to her brother, draped loosely over her upper body. She topped the shirt with an unbuttoned spenser. Unlike the shirt, it was tight across the chest, pulling against her ample bosom. Without thought, my hand dragged along my mouth, checking against drivel.
“Is it too much? I can find something else.” She offered haltingly.
In the moment it took for her words to penetrate my thoughts, my heart processed the comment, though, and cracked at the edge.
“It’s not too much. You’re not too much, Kate. Please don’t find something else. You’re beautiful.”
She eyed me suspiciously before determining my sincerity with a bright smile in exchange for the compliment. My answering smile seemed to please her, and she performed an adorable little hip swish in the doorframe. I stepped around my desk and held my hand out to hers. She took it easily, allowing me to lead her out into the first rays of sunlight.
Though brisk, the morning was warmer than usual for midautumn. Her loose curls caught the light, a dark caramel color against the coffee-colored tresses beneath. I had always loved her hair, even when I found everything else about her objectionable. Today was no different, my fingers itched to run through the silky waves. In fact, now that they were free from pins and ribbons in the cool morning air, the desire increased tenfold.
Not our purpose this morning, I remind myself forcefully.
Much too quickly, we reached the stables, and I was forced to release her soft hand. The stable master was likely out exercising some of the mounts, and I hadn’t the funds for more grooms. We were left quite alone. I directed her toward the back stalls to the two thoroughbreds I was hoping to ride this morning.
The blood bay stallion and rose gray mare, Perseus and Andromeda, were well suited to ride together and particularly fond of a good run.
“Have you had the opportunity to meet these two?” I asked.
“Oh yes, we’re old friends. We haven’t ridden together though. Have we, darlings?” While she got reacquainted with the pair, I pulled out two sets of equipment. Before I could ask, she brought over Perseus, and I saddled him. When I turned around for Andromeda, she was halfway to saddled, with Kate making familiar work of the process.
Within minutes, Andromeda was ready to go. I turned to fetch a mounting block but by the time I had returned Kate was already mounted. It was a disappointment to miss that sight. The view was surely spectacular, and I was somewhat intrigued to see such a small woman mount a horse so much taller than her.
“Did you have a destination in mind?” She asked.
“I thought Margate Lake? About seven miles east.”
“That sounds perfect.”
She set off at a trot, leaving me to catch up. I made quick work of it and once we reached open land Kate urged her mount to a canter.
From behind I was left to admire the fine figure she cut. She moved with Andromeda as if they had been riding together for years, anticipating the horse’s gait with ease. Her hair flew behind her, caught in the wind.
Now that I have witnessedthis, I could not imagine her riding sidesaddle. Not when the two of them move as one with such elegance and beauty, it would be a travesty.
I hovered behind, allowing myself to admire the sight, shelving thoughts of her astride me for later thought. Eventually she turned, catching my eye with a grin before slowing her mount. I pulled Perseus beside them, he had been antsy hanging behind, straining against his reigns. He was not as appreciative of the view as I was, wanting, instead, to race with them.
Kate’s breath came in harsh pants and again I was forced to set that image aside for when I was alone.
“I hadn’t realized how much I’ve missed riding. Thank you for suggesting it.”
“Thank you for joining me. You are very natural on a horse. If I had known, I would have suggested it sooner. Why did you not mention it?”
She bit her lip thoughtfully. “I cannot ride sidesaddle comfortably. It spoils my enjoyment.” In her words I could hear the unspoken addition—I didn’t believe you would allow me to ride astride.
The worst part was that she was not wrong either. Had I not spent weeks longing for her, I would have balked at such an improper proposal. And certainly, I would have missed the enticing sight before me—pale skin and a rose flush with bright eyes and tousled curls. And a scantily clad wife, mustn’t forget that. What a tragedy that would have been.
“I am sorry. I have been a right arse in our marriage.” She began with a token protest. I stopped her with one hand raised. “I am trying to be better, to do better. I want to be the kind of husband you can approach with this. Who you could rely on to assist you in fulfilling your desires, rather than putting a stop to them. Can you be patient with me while I learn?”
“I shouldn’t have assumed you wouldn’t be amenable.”
“Oh, I definitely would not have been amenable. But, I was a daft fool.” She laughed gently. “I would have missed out on the sight of you in breeches.”
“You don’t object to them?”
“Object? No, I rather think not. Fantasize about them? Absolutely. Wish to purchase six more pairs so you can wear them every day? Definitely.” Her flush increased when my gaze returned from her hips and thighs to her face.
“There was once a time you objected to my form, what has changed?”
