“Yes.” Pamela nodded her head enthusiastically. “Thank you, Your Grace. I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad too, Pamela.” Camelia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. “Now, tell me more about these horses. What kind do you love most? The sleek black ones or the spirited chestnuts?”
The greenery and crisp air wrapped them in possibility as Pamela’s voice grew stronger with each step.
“Enter,” Raph called firmly from his desk as he folded the invitation he was reading and placed it in his top drawer.
The door to his study creaked open, and to his surprise, Pamela stepped in. Her ebony curls were framed by her bonnet, and a shadow hid her face.
She had been outdoors.Raph noticed the slight sunburn on her cheeks.
Where did Camelia take her this time?
“Pamela, did something happen? And where is Camelia?” he asked roughly but with genuine concern.
Camelia followed shortly after her in a pale green gown that made him suck in a breath.
She wore a look that he was getting used to. It was a look of pure determination.
“What are you two planning now?”
“Husband,” Camelia said too warmly, “Pamela has something she’d like to discuss.”
Raph exhaled heavily.
“Now, before you scowl and brood in that signature way of yours, at least hear us out.”
The little vixen.
“Go on then, I don’t have all day,” he snapped.
Camelia cleared her throat. “As you are aware, we are drawing closer to Pamela’s birthday, but it has been truly difficult, since we have not attended any events on her behalf, and… we need to discuss her schedule.”
Raph gritted his teeth and shot her a dark look, which she returned just as haughtily. Pamela shifted nervously between them, catching his attention.
“I will listen, but only if it comes straight from Pamela herself.” He crossed his arms over his chest and waited.
Pamela turned towards Camelia, who gave her an encouraging nod. She looked at Raph then. A quiet courage overtook her youthful features, and he was instantly reminded of her mother.
“Father, I… I want to learn to ride.”
“Ride?”
“Yes… horses. I want to learn horse riding. I’ve always loved the creatures, but…”
“Horse riding? I never knew. You’ve never spoken of this until now. Please continue, Pamela.”
Pamela gulped audibly. “But my schedule doesn’t allow it.”
Raph noticed how Camelia smiled at Pamela with pride, and he felt a sudden warmth spreading through him.
He leaned back in his chair. “Why now?”
“There isn’t any time in my schedule for horse riding.”
“But many ladies ride. It’s a fine skill to acquire, too. And she loves horses! I think you’d agree that it’s worth exploring. Don’t you?” Camelia interjected.
Raph’s eyes narrowed as his gaze shifted between them.
