Honoria waved it off. “Buttercup is a lamb with the right touch. It was Anne’s stubborn pride thinking she could manage the jump sidesaddle, despite the fact it was difficult even for Drake.”
Somehow, that didn’t surprise him.
“So, you’re concerned she might try something foolish today?”
“Well, not exactly, although there is that possibility. But I never told you about the events which transpired after Anne’s fall.”
Colin shifted. From the expression on his sister’s face, he wasn’t going to like whatever she had to say.
“She was unconscious for almost a day. We all worried she might...”
Colin took Honoria’s hand. “You don’t have to say it.” In truth, he didn’t want to hear the worddieuttered either.
“Drake felt responsible. He believed he should have insisted Anne ride another horse, or in some way stopped her. It ate at him, Colin. And Anne...well, Anne read more into his concern and presumed he had formed an attachment.”
Oh, Christ.“And Drake didn’t refute that presumption?”
“No. He would have married her, Colin.” Tears welled in Honoria’s eyes at the memory. “Even as my heart was breaking, I would have understood. But oh, my poor Drake.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
Honoria wiped her eyes. “There was no need. Anne realized Drake’s affection for me and released him. Besides, Margery was so ill, I didn’t want to add to your burden for something that was moot.But I fear it’s a huge source of embarrassment for dear Anne, so I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t press her further.”
So like Honoria. Worried about everyone else. And Burwood! Colin wanted to march back in the breakfast room, shake him, and say, “What were you thinking?”But Honoria had a point, and thank goodness the faerie sprite saw past her own nose and let the man go—regardless of her embarrassment over her own misconceptions.
“I know you don’t like her?—”
“I don’t dislike her.” He only found her annoying—and difficult to get out of his mind.
“She can be quite outspoken; it’s true. But she means well.”
Colin grunted again. At his sister! “Forgive me, Honoria, but Miss Weatherby appears to be a scatterbrained simpleton. And perhaps you should be having this conversation with Grey. He will be Miss Weatherby’s riding companion. It is he who will be responsible for her, not I. I intend to enjoy my ride with Lady Miranda, who seems a most level-headed woman, and who will not be taking unnecessary risks.”
Muscles in his neck tightened at his sister’s pursed lips. “Surely, you approve of Lady Miranda. Her father is an earl, and she is well-bred and well-mannered.”
“I don’t dispute that, but you speak of her as if she’s a horse, Colin. Is there at least a spark of attraction?”
He exhaled a heavy sigh.Women and their ridiculous need for love. “My marriage was arranged, and Margery and I respected each other. It was a good marriage.”
Resting her hand on his arm, her gaze softening, Honoria stared up at him. “It was. And I didn’t mean to imply you didn’t love Margery. But I don’t want you to settle.”
“It’s a ride, Honoria. Nothing more. I’d like to get to know Lady Miranda. Isn’t that why you invited me to this infernal house party? To start living again? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go speak with the stablemaster and choose which horse I want to ride.”
He tried to convince himself he wasn’t stomping away, but his step lightened at Honoria’s words. “Ask for Major; he’s Drake’s horse.”
CHAPTER 6
The stablemaster’s eyebrows hitched at Colin’s request. “Major is a fine animal, my lord, but he can be difficult to control at times.” The man chuckled. “Except by His Grace, that is. The two seem to be bonded at the hip.”
Colin tugged on his riding gloves. “I assure you I’m an accomplished rider. In fact, I used to go riding with His Grace when he was a groom on my father’s estate.” Pride kept Colin from admitting that practically every time the two raced or had any type of contest, Drake would win. Not to mention the few times Colin won were by the slimmest of margins, leaving him to suspect Drake had thrown the race. To that day, it galled him. “And it was Her Grace who suggested I take Major.”
The stablemaster nodded and began saddling the beautiful white gelding.
“We’ll need three more readied. One for Mr. Grey, and one each for Lady Miranda and Miss Weatherby.”
The man stopped tightening the girth fastening the saddle and peered up at Colin. “Yes, sir. His Grace already sent word.” He pulled off his hat and scratched his head. “I’m a little worried about Miss Weatherby. She took a terrible fall the last time she was here.”
“Inviting her wasn’t my idea. But perhaps the gentlest mare you have would be prudent.”
