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Six

HefferwickshireHouseStables

21 DECEMBER ~ LATE AFTERNOON

Unableto resist visiting the gelding again, Owen stood in Sampson’s stall, stroking the horse’s strong neck while considering the tawdry story Althelia had shared yesterday morning.

She’dfaced ruination but, like the mythical phoenix, had risen majestic and glorious from the flames of her disgrace rather than permit the ignominy to consume her. He couldn’t help but admire her gumption, strength, and intrepidness, even if forged by fires of difficulty and despair.

Sampsonbumped his nose against Owen’s chest, and his heart swelled with affection.

Itseemed the horse had fallen in love with him too.

Untilthis magnificent beast, Owen hadn’t believed in love at first sight.

Smallwonder that two oversized, misunderstood creatures should develop an affinity.

Howmuch convincing must he do to persuade the Duke of Latham to permit him to buy the animal?

Owenmentally calculated how much he dared spend of his limited available funds. His affection for the horse almost made him consider withdrawing a portion of his inheritance.

Almost.

Itwas too soon to broach the subject of buying the gelding just yet, but Owen suspected from the speculative glances Haygarth, Duke of Latham, and his sons veered his way during their rides yesterday and today that they’d concluded the same thing he had.

Fateor providence or GodHimself had decreed Sampson should be Owen’s.

Thehorse was an unexpected but welcome blessing—another unforeseen benefit of spending the holiday with the Duke of Latham and his family.

LuciusWestbrook and his wife, Clodovea, arrived early yesterday afternoon. The duke’s second biological son seemed a pleasant enough chap, if a trifle reserved in his embarrassingly starched cravat and over-polished boots, in love with his exquisite Spanish wife.

Owenmust join the family for tea shortly. Even as his mind shied away from having to carry on trite conversation, his mouth watered at the thought of more shortbread. Mrs. Tastespotting’s shortbread was as scrumptious as the fresh buns he’d gorged on at breakfast both mornings.

Hisruminations wandered back to Althelia again.

She'drevealed multiple confidences in the short time he’d known her. She hardly seemed the type to blather on about personal issues to random strangers, so why had she confided in him?

Eachtime, she’d appeared as flummoxed about her revelations as he.

MayhapOwen had the same effect on her that she had on him, which proved highly worrisome. At present, there was no room for the distraction of a woman in his life. He had a plan and must stick to it if he wanted to achieve success. Regardless, how often did he encounter a female as enthralling, captivating, and wholly entrancing as LadyAltheliaWestbrook?

Never.

Andhe’d never, ever, met a woman who looked at him the way she did.

Itmade him want to puff out his chest and strut about like a proud rooster.

Granted, a gargantuan rooster.

Andthat was another thing; his size didn’t seem to matter to her, and because of that, he was less self-conscious. His stomach tightened, and his pulse zipped along dizzily, simply recalling her radiant smile and the edge of vulnerability she’d no doubt deny when she told the humiliating tale.

Owenfisted his hands so hard that the nails bit into his palms.

HadPeterHartigan been present, he’d have planted the sod a facer and assured he never treated another woman with the disrespect, disdain, and disregard he’d directed toward Althelia. As for LeticiaHartigan, she better hope Owen never made her acquaintance.

Hewas quite intimidating when he declined to act the gentleman.

Thestable door squealed in protest, announcing someone’s entrance.