The sound of hooves on the gravel path could be heard again and Oliver glanced out the window, a knowing smile spreading across his face. ‘Speaking of horses, I have a surprise for you.’
Clemmie raised an eyebrow. ‘A surprise?’
‘I’ve booked us in for a horseback ride this afternoon,’ he announced casually, as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
Her jaw dropped. ‘A horseback ride? Oliver, the last time I was on anything remotely resembling a horse, it was a donkey on the beach when I was seven and it didn’t end well.’
He leaned forward, clearly intrigued. ‘Tell me more.’
‘The donkey refused to walk along the sand like it was supposed to. Instead, it marched straight into the sea, lay down, and I ended up falling face-first into the water. My granny had to fish me out while the donkey just sat there looking smug.’
Oliver burst into laughter. ‘I promise you this won’t be anything like that. These horses are well trained, and you’ll have me beside you, every canter and stride.’
‘Donotlet my horse canter.’
He held up his hands in surrender. ‘Deal. But I guarantee you’ll have fun.’
As she finished her tea, Clemmie was suddenly feeling a little nervous. She liked the thought of a romantic horse ride through the countryside together, and only hoped it would be as magical as it sounded, rather than an awkward disaster involving runaway horses, tangled reins or an ungraceful dismount into a muddy puddle.
Chapter Eighteen
Ten minutes later, Clemmie stood in the hallway of the cottage staring at Oliver in disbelief. He was dressed like he’d stepped straight out of an equestrian catalogue, in a tailored riding jacket, spotless white breeches, polished leather boots and a helmet that looked as if it had never seen a speck of dirt.
‘You’re kidding, right?’ she said, gesturing to his outfit. ‘Is there a horse-riding fashion show at the end of this I don’t know about? And when did you get all the gear?’
Oliver smirked, smoothing the front of his jacket. ‘I’ve ridden my whole life. It’s something my grandmother taught me to do. Actually, she used to keep her horse at the stables on this very estate.’
‘How do I not know this about you?’
He grinned. ‘What did you bring to wear? Because I’m assuming you’re not expecting to ride in that?’
Clemmie took off her wide-brimmed hat and gestured to her floral dress. ‘I brought this. And about five other versions of it. I didn’t exactly pack for a gallop through the countryside.I actually thought…’ She paused. ‘Well, I hoped that you were joking and there would be a carriage to sit in.’
He rubbed his chin, pretending to think. ‘Wearing that, you could ride side-saddle like a Victorian duchess…’
Clemmie shot him a playful death glare but he wasn’t done. ‘Alas, there is no carriage. We’re riding.’
‘Really?’ she asked, her voice rising an octave in disbelief.
‘Really!’ Oliver repeated, his lips twitching into a grin.
‘Like I said, my suitcase is full of dresses, sandals and about three cardigans.’
He tilted his head, giving her a once-over. ‘What about trousers? Any type at all?’
Clemmie scrunched up her face. ‘Only my pyjama bottoms.’
‘Perfect. They’ll have to do.’
Her jaw dropped. ‘You can’t be serious.’
‘Completely serious,’ he said, turning her towards the stairs and gently pushing her back up. ‘Now go, and for the love of all things royal, make sure they’re decent.’
Ten minutes later, Clemmie descended the stairs in a pair of bright pink pyjama bottoms covered in cartoonish red love hearts. She’d paired them with a mismatched yellow hoodie she’d brought for comfort, and her shoes. She knew her face was the picture of resigned amusement as she reached the landing.
Oliver took one look at her and widened his eyes. ‘You look ready to conquer the world. Let’s pray we don’t bump into the Queen.’
Clemmie snorted, waving a hand at him dismissively. ‘Don’t worry. If I do, I’ll tell her you insisted I go out in public like this. That way none of this can be blamed on me.’
