“I have an idea,” Owen said, leaning forward to speak to my brothers. “The weather is fine today. Would you two like to go outside to ride horses?”
Peter and Charles turned their heads briskly to look at one another. “Horses?” Peter’s brows lifted.
“Yes, horses. Ponies too. Would you like to join me?”
They nodded. Peter jumped up and down. “I love horses!”
“Are you coming, Annette?” Charles asked with a nervous look.
Owen grinned at me in his teasing way. “I suppose you are invited.”
“Of course,” I said, taking Charles’s hand. I was a little nervous too—it had been a long time since I had ridden a horse. Besides that, Mrs. Everard’s commentswere still replaying through my mind.I did feel better about spending more time with Owen if my brothers were present, but I still questioned the wisdom of it. I didn’t want the household to think I had some secret ideas about courting Owen.
That would be horribly embarrassing.
I knew, without a doubt, that I was no match for him. He had been raised in this grand house, had received a full education, had seen cities all over Europe, and was the most handsome man I had ever met. As a physician, he wasn’t rich, but with his charm and looks he could easily capture the heart of some London heiress.
There was an easy solution that would silence any speculation, and that was telling the household about Mr. Frampton. Perhaps I could confide in Mrs. Everard if the subject ever came up again. The thought made my stomach turn, as it usually did.
I stopped by my bedchamber before we set off to the stables. Mrs. Everard had sent Lizzie to fetch me a riding habit that belonged to Owen’s sister, Alice, and I needed to change into itquickly. It was dark green, with stunning brass buttons. I had never worn something so fine, and I couldn’t stop staring at it in the mirror. It fit me well enough, but was a bit loose in some areas, such as the bust, which I had fully expected. Hopefully Alice would approve of her clothing being lent to a stranger while she was away.
I raced down the stairs and met Owen, Peter, and Charles outside. By the time we arrived at the stables, my brothers were bouncing with excitement. They had never ridden a horse, and it seemed that the idea was even more riveting than any mischief they had ever caused, all put together. They tugged on my arm and pulled on my skirts for me to walk faster. They even sneaked behind Owen to push him through the door.
Once inside, Owen introduced them to each horse. Peter chose a dark brown filly, and Charles chose a biscuit-colored pony. According to Owen, they were all expertly trained and would be safe to ride. He turned to me next. “And for you?”
I looked over all the horses. Eve, the striking black mare, stood in the last stall. I walked up beside her, and her large brown eyes met mine. Of course I had to choose her. “I’ll ride Eve.”
Owen grinned as if he had known I would pick her.
With the grooms preparing our horses, I stood back, nervously rubbing my palms down the skirts of the riding habit. I tried to distract myself from my nerves by turning my attention to my brothers. Peter argued that his horse was better, but I assured Charles that his was equally suitable.
I hadn’t noticed Owen walk up beside us until he spoke. “It seems that you boys are eager to begin.” He chuckled. “Now we need only to convince your sister.”
I shot him a subtle glare. He must have noticed how nervous I was. I certainly couldn’t have anyone assuming that I wasnervous to ride a horse. I had done so on a daily basis at my childhood home.
But that was five years ago.
“Convince me of what?” I asked a little too innocently.
Owen raised an eyebrow and gestured to the mounting block resting beside Eve. I swallowed and walked tentatively toward her. I stroked between her eyes and spoke softly in her ear. “My name is Annette, and we are going for a little jaunt together. Is that all right?”
Her ears twitched and she turned her head slightly toward me as I spoke.
“If not, please acknowledge so.” I waited a few seconds, but Eve sat still and straight, like a well-trained horse was supposed to do. I felt like I could trust her. After stepping onto the mounting block, I carefully eased my way onto the side saddle. I grasped the reins in my gloved hands. They felt old and familiar, and somehow they settled my nerves.
I smiled back at Peter and Charles. Owen had helped them onto their horses, and was now instructing them. They grasped their pommels with both hands, giggling uncontrollably. Two grooms stood prepared to guide their horses, standing beside them with the reins in hand.
Owen mounted his copper horse and rode up beside me. “Off we go.”
Taking a deep breath, I loosened my hold on the reins and set off at a nice slow pace.
After a few minutes of this, I grew more comfortable, guiding Eve into a trot before slowing down again. The brisk midday air rustled my ears. It sounded like old memories of time spent with my father.
Owen’s horse kept up with mine. From beside me, Owen turned his head and flashed me a smile. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Very much,” I said with a smile.
“It seems your brothers are as well,” he said with a chuckle.
