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“I must apologize to you. I speak French and Spanish. I have never learned Gaelic. That was what you spoke, yes?” Orris climbed down from the horse as discreetly as possible. She hadn’t been riding sidesaddle, but she also hadn’t expected to run into anyone she might know at such an early hour.

“I’tis, Miss Orris Gray. You have a good ear.”

It was her turn to be embarrassed. She could not tell if she were still breathless from her ride or if the heat in her cheeks had come from their exchange. “I cannot take credit. My mother told us you were from Ireland.”

“Aye, I see. Still, I can see intelligence in your eyes,” he said. “I must ask ye, what on earth are you running from? The horse was in a full-on gallop. I’ve never seen a lady such as yourself ride so… intensely.”

“In Texas—well, in America, my father owned a ranch. He taught me to ride when I was hardly old enough to run on my own. I too suffer from old habits.” She laughed, praying he could not hear the discomfort in her voice.

“Indeed, Miss Gray.” He cleared his throat. “I should not wish to delay your return. I imagine you are preparing for your sitting today. I shall see you there.”

Perhaps he had been aware of her discomfort, given the abrupt dismissal.

“Oh, yes. Of course. I shall meet you then, Mr. Fain,” she said, turning away from him, dragging Belle behind her.

“Beautiful,” he said, the word lively from his lips.

“What was that?” she asked, turning back to face him.

She would have thought him to be nervous, saying such a boldly complimentary thing to her. “Your horse. She is a grand dame, is she not?”

God, how could she have been so silly? It never failed with Orris. Always reading more into actions than necessary… or appropriate. “Yes, she is grand, indeed. I shall see you a bit later.”

She should have gotten on Belle and ridden away as fast as she could. With her luck, she would fall flat on her behind. Muttering curses under her breath when she was sure he would not hear her. Why was her luck so poor?

It would only take her a moment to return Belle to her stable and slip back inside the house, up to her room and out of her muddy clothes. She was thankful Gladys was not in her room any longer. She did not feel like responding to inquiries on her whereabouts, nor the hour of her departure and return.

Mere moments after replacing her riding clothes with night rails, Eliza knocked on the door.

“Come in,” she said.

“Morning, Miss Orris. “I have brought you breakfast. Mrs. Gray told me the sitting will be first thing today. And to remind you to wear your hair as you had yesterday. She thinks it comely.”

“Good morning, Eliza. Please tell my mother I will bear her advice in mind. It has not escaped me that a portrait would benefit from its subjects in the exact pose and adornments throughout the process,” she said with a roll of her eyes. Mama seemed to think her daft. Orris glanced over at Eliza, whose eyes were cast downward, her jaw slack as if stricken.

Lord, she hadn’t meant to snap at Eliza. She was such a kind woman. The frustration over her encounter with Mr. Fain was getting to her.

“Did you want me to tell your mother what… as you stated, miss?”

“No, I am sorry. Truly. I am not… Well, I do not like all the fussing about when there are far more important events to be concerned over. What happens in this house is not of such import that we simply forget everything.”

Eliza walked over to the dressing table and placed the tray in the center. “Yes, miss,” she said, her hands clutched before her as her eyes found some spot on the rug once more. “And as a reminder, your sister and brother-in-law shall be joining us today, just so you are aware.”

With a sigh, Orris stood from her bed and took a seat. Lifting the platter off, she found sausage, fruit, and rolls with some porridge. “I am sure you noticed my foul mood the last few days. I will make an effort to remain cheerful. None of this is your fault, Eliza. Thank you for bringing my tray up. Everything looks delicious. Please relay the message to everyone in the kitchen. Thank you for the reminder about Myrtle and Samuel. I had forgotten they would be staying temporarily.”

“Yes, Miss Orris,” she said. “I shall return soon so you may get dressed for the day.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Orris was alone again and honestly a bit ashamed over the manner in which she’d handled Eliza. Glancing around her room, she noticed the opulence for what must have been only the third time since they had moved in. Her four-poster bed, the soft linens… Even her combs and brushes were embellished with gold.

Thomas had shared what life had been like for him before he’d been hired on by the earl, the owner of the home in which they’d resided upon arrival to London. He’d mentioned people who lived outside of the wealthier parts of London hardly had food to eat or suitable shelter.

How could she carry on over Thomas choosing a better life for himself? For his family? Were she in the same position, would she not have done the same?

In reality, her uncle had given him a chance at a new life.

While she knew all of that, why did her heart ache so at the mere mention of his name?