“Sit there for a moment, then we’ll adjust the stirrups for you,” he replied.
“I assume this is where inexperienced riders start from?”
“Yes, but you’re not inexperienced, and you’re going to be fine,” he said with a grin.
“Arthur said the trails through here are quiet.”
“He’s right. Experienced riders go elsewhere. We’ll ride there once you’re ready.”
Harriet knew he was right, but she also knew it wouldn’t take her long to feel comfortable riding astride. She knew why men, society in general, thought women should ride sidesaddle. It was just another tactic men used to keep things in their control.
“I think I’m ready to have my stirrups adjusted,” she said. She couldn’t wait to get started, and for once the London air was not as unpleasant as it normally was. A breeze off the Thames seemed to be moving the bad air out.
After a few minutes of adjustments, Harriet was ready to begin. She watched Lucien mount Onyx, who had been pawing the ground impatiently. He was ready to go. Jack, for his part, was patient with Onyx’s antics.
They walked side by side in order that Lucien could keep a close eye on Harriet. She seemed very adept at riding, though he knew she was having to learn how the distribution of her weight changed the way she rode.
“How are you feeling?” he asked after a few minutes of walking along an otherwise deserted path.
“Good. I feel much more comfortable riding like this than I do the other way,” she replied.
He nodded. “We’ll keep walking for a bit longer.”
“Onyx doesn’t seem to approve of your plan. He is restless and wants to run.”
“He does, but he also has to learn he doesn’t always get his own way,” Lucien replied.
“I’ll be fine if you want to go on ahead. Let him canter a bit.”
“I appreciate your offer, but like I said he needs to learn he doesn’t get his own way all the time,” Lucien said.
Continuing to walk along the path, Harriet couldn’t help but look up at the sky. It was still a beautiful cobalt blue with a few puffy white clouds now moving along at a slow pace.
“I’m glad you thought of this,” Harriet said.
“So am I. It gives us time to get to know each other better,” Lucien replied.
“It does. You do a lot of riding on your family estate?”
“Yes, when I’m there. My parents have a hunt in early autumn, though it’s more of a just a ride and gathering than an actual hunt these days.”
She glanced at him quickly. “I’ve never been on a hunt.”
“I think you’d like it. Have you ever jumped a fence?” Lucien asked. Onyx seemed to have settled into accepting the fact he had to walk now. He was quieter than a few minutes before.
“I’ve tried. I don’t mind the really low ones, but the taller ones terrify me. In my opinion, jumping and sidesaddle do not mix.”
“No, they don’t, though I have known ladies who do it,” he replied.
“Foolishness,” Harriet said. She patted Jack’s neck as they walked.
“Do you feel comfortable enough to trot?”
Nodding, she gathered her reins a bit more firmly. “Shall I follow you?”
“Would you feel comfortable doing that?” Lucien asked.
“I don’t know, but there’s only one way to find out.”
