Leo looked at the boy after she spoke. He appeared comfortable, and his seat good enough.
“I will not let that happen,” he reassured Beth.
“I wish to ride also.”
“Do you now,” Leo said, reaching for Scarlett and lifting her up in front of her brother. “Hold her steady now, Joseph.”
The boy nodded, placing an arm around his sister, while his eyes remained on the horse’s head.
“Ready?” Leo said. The children nodded.
They began walking, and he held out his arm. Beth could do nothing but take it.
“You are impulsive.”
“Yes,” he agreed, “but never reckless.”
“I am not reckless, if that was your inference.”
“It was not, but I find if someone defends themselves vehemently as you just have, there is a shred of truth to the denial.”
“Did you follow me again?”
“Not this time. This time I merely wanted food.”
They walked a few steps, and he could feel the tension in her.
“Relax.”
“I have no wish to relax.”
“Do you ever?”
“Of course, but rarely in your presence.”
A bark of laughter had the children looking Leo’s way.
“Will you tell me how that boy you took back to your stables is faring?”
“Very good, actually. Eric is fitting in well according to my stable master, who is a crusty old devil and would let me know if he wasn’t.”
“I’m glad he is doing well.”
“And now perhaps you can tell me why yet again you are up at such a ridiculously early hour?” Leo looked at her, and noted the shadows under her eyes then, and the tight look to her face.
“What is wrong?”
Something flashed across her face, and the only label he could put on it was anxiety, but then it was gone.
“I assure you, my lord, I am quite well.”
“Something has upset you, I can see it in your face.” Leo leaned closer, but she pulled away.
“I have recently become betrothed, and I am finding the matter extremely taxing, as is the constant stream of morning callers.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No,” she waved a hand about. “I agreed to this charade even though I originally had no say in the matter. The furor will pass in time. I just need something equally juicy to happen, and society will move on.”
