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Somethingabout this woman proved irresistible. “Lead the way.”

Sheled him to a stall on the stable’s other end, and as she walked, he studiously avoided admiring the gentle, tantalizing sway of her hips.

Mostof the time.

“We’ve had him less than a month,” she said over her shoulder. “Papa witnessed his previous owner maltreating him and bought Sampson on the spot. Paid twice what he was worth, but Papa is like that. Cannot bear for any of God’s creatures to suffer.”

Thatmade the Duke of Latham a highly unusual peer of the realm. Most nobles were self-absorbed sots who didn’t care a fig about people, let alone animals.

Amassive black head appeared over the stall door with a glistening thick midnight mane. When the gelding’s large coffee-brown eyes met Owen’s, he fell in love with the big brute.

“Aye, my beauty,” he crooned, stroking Sampson’s glossy neck. “What a handsome fellow you are.”

Sampsonnuzzled Owen’s shoulder in return.

“Why, he likes you.” Awe threaded LadyAlthelia’s voice. “Sampson’s usually more restrained when he meets new people. He wouldn’t let any of us pet him for a fortnight.”

Emotionclogged Owen’s throat as he closed his eyes and leaned into Sampson’s strong neck, inhaling the horse’s scent. He made another foolhardy, spontaneous, impulsive decision, something he seemed to be doing a lot of lately.

Nomatter the cost or what it took, Sampson would be his when Owen left HefferwickshireHouse.

Whenhad his common sense, self-preservation, and reason flown to the wind like down upon a thistle or seafoam on the shoreline? Owen was where he was today because he insisted caution and reservedness guide his actions and decisions.

“Thank you for showing him to me.” Emotion rendered his voice raspier than he’d anticipated. He cleared his throat. “He’s a magnificent beast.”

Atabby stable cat jumped down from the haybale she’d been sleeping on and yawned before setting to grooming herself. Horses in adjacent stalls poked their heads out to see what was happening and perhaps to demand a little attention.

“I suspected you’d like him, but I didn’t expect he’d take to you so.” Althelia’s acute regard shifted between Owen and Sampson. She blinked and glanced around. “I’d better return to the house, or I’ll be late for dinner. My parents don’t adhere to rigid rules on many things, but being on time and properly attired to dine are two.”

“I’ll walk with you.” Owen gave Sampson one final pat, promising himself he’d pop in before seeking his bed tonight. For certain, he’d be back often to visit the grand fellow. “It’s full-on dark by now, and there may be wild creatures about.”

Altheliasnorted as she pulled her hood over her tresses. “I’ve walked that pathway my entire life, and it doesn’t scare me. Besides, I rather like the dark. That is, I like nighttime.”

“Youlike the dark?” Owen shook his head as he fell into step beside her. “Has anyone ever told you what a unique woman you are?”

Somethingundefinable clouded her features in the muted light. “I’m a product of my experiences. I have chosen to let them make me stronger, and as a result, I’ve learned who I am and what I want.”

“And what would you most like to do?” Genuine curiosity prompted him to ask.

Howlong had it been since Owen had conversed so easily with an attractive woman, even if she was a tempest in a teapot?

Heglanced downward.

Thecrown of Althelia’s head barely reached his shoulder, but her confidence and self-assuredness made her seem larger.

I’m not too big for her.

Owennearly tripped over his skiff-sized feet at the intrusive and unwelcome thought.

ByZeus, he’d better wrangle his ruminations under control.

He’donly just met the girl, and he wasn’t going to do anything that might jeopardize the Westbrooks’ potential investing in his mining venture. Not even if she was the first female in a very long while who’d garnered more than his passing interest.

“I would like to travel as several of my brothers have done. To see the world. I’ve been to America, and that only whetted my appetite.” Wrinkling her nose, she pointed her gaze skyward for a second. “I’m also intrigued with the notion of owning a club as my brother Fletcher does. You can imagine how receptive my parents would be to those ideas, so I haven’t broached the subjects.”

Owencould imagine.

Genteelladies were expected to make a brilliant match and settle into domestic life without protest or qualms.

Herather suspected Althelia’s future lay along a different course.

Nevertheless, it was none of his business.

Atthe house, he gave a short bow.

“It’s been a pleasure, LadyAlthelia.”

Shegave him a nascent, slightly beleaguered smile before slipping indoors.

Owenstood with his feet rooted in place for several minutes.

Ifhe had an ounce of sense, he’d march upstairs, pack his meager belongings, and leave.

Butas he’d already discovered this Christmastide, his common sense had deserted him.