“While I do enjoy torturing you,” she replied with a grin. “I came here specifically to ask if we might declare a truce.” There. The words were out.
He arched a brow. “Truce?”
“That’s right.” She nodded. “Which, of course, means I promise to keep your secret for the remainder of the house party.”
“In that case, how can I say no?”
“Excellent,” Julianna replied. “But I would love it if you’d still allow me to come out here each day until I leave, in order to ride Violet or Alabaster. I do so love to ride.”
He inclined his head toward her. “I’m certainly not going to keep you from it. You are an excellent rider, Julianna.” His tone was soft, conciliatory.
“Will you ride with me? Be my groomsman?” she asked, allowing the hint of a coy smile to touch her lips.
His eyes widened. “It would be my pleasure, my lady.” He bowed to her.
“Excellent,” she repeated. “There is just one more thing I wanted to say.”
“What’s that?” he asked nonchalantly as he walked over to the tack wall.
Julianna cleared her throat. “Thank you again, for helping Mary.”
Rhys turned to face her and bowed. “My pleasure, my lady. I’m more than willing to provide another lesson at any time.”
Julianna nodded. “Thank you. We may just take you up on that.”
“Or if you can’t think of another way to make me quit my position as groomsman, perhaps you’d like to meet me at the archery targets across the lawn and take direct shots at me.”
She couldn’t help her surprised smile that quickly turned into a laugh. “Have I been that awful?”
He returned her smile. “Well, you did give me fair warning at the start. I believe you said you intended to enjoy every moment, including ordering me about yourself.”
“Yes, well, I can’t say it hasn’t been fun, either, but…” She met his gaze. The smile slid from her face. “I am truly thankful, Rhys, for your making the lessons so painless, for Mary’s sake.”
He nodded once. “I hope you know that whatever disagreements you and I have had, I would never take it out on a nervous young rider or her horse.”
“I do know that,” Julianna replied simply, then she shook her head to clear the sudden intimacy, the sudden gratitude she felt for him.
“You must admit I’ve impressed you with my ability to work so diligently, haven’t I?” His grin was unrepentant.
She laughed. “Perhaps.”
“And you’ve impressed me with your ability to doggedly pursue someone,” he added.
“Thank you,” she said with another laugh. “I do appreciate that.” She turned toward the front of the stables. “Well, I should get back. Mama will be looking for me.”
“Wait. One last thing.”
She turned back halfway. “Yes?”
Rhys clapped his hands together. “I believe a truce between the two ofuscalls for a celebration.”
She arched a brow. “What did you have in mind?”
“Meet me at the lake at four o’clock. I’ll bring the wine.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Later that afternoon, when Rhys galloped up to the edge of the lake on horseback, Violet was already there, tied to a post near where Julianna and Mary had had their picnic several days earlier.
