Page 74 of The Governess and the Rogue

“I wouldn’t advise it,” St. Clare said. “Better you should take a carriage.”

Jack shrugged off the suggestion. “It’s but six miles each way. Seven at most. I could manage it blindfolded.”

“We’re not talking about your vision,” St. Clare said. “We’re talking about your leg.”

Hannah covered St. Clare’s hand gently with her own. “My father was able to ride soon after his leg injury. He still can, though he’s older, and arthritis has set in.”

“I suspect our mother has something to do with that,” Charles said. “The two of them often ride together.”

“A good point,” Kate said to Jack. “You shouldn’t go alone. If you must ride out, take Maberly with you. Or perhaps Charles or Ivo can⁠—”

“I was thinking of taking Bea,” Jack said.

Bea felt the eyes of everyone else turn upon her. A flush of embarrassment crept up her throat. “But…I can’t ride.”

One would think she’d just declared that she couldn’t breathe air.

“Can’t ride!” Kate exclaimed. “You’re not serious?”

Bea managed a faint smile. “Is that so shocking?”

“We’re a horse-going family on all sides,” Ivo said. “My maternal grandfather, Squire Honeywell, was famous for his bloodstock, and my father’s family kept a notable stable. Charles’s family too, and Meg’s. We all have that in common.”

Bea carefully placed her cup and saucer on the tray beside Ivo’s. She was already lacking in so many respects. She didn’t have the right clothes, the right looks, the right pedigree. She’d thought for a moment that by prevailing at charades she’d begun to fit in, but not anymore, apparently. “I’m sorry,” she said. “There weren’t many opportunities to ride in India.”

Not for a governess.

“Have you ever b-been on a horse?” Meg asked.

“A few times,” Bea said. “Nothing to mention.”

“Then you can’t even ride a little?” Kate asked.

“I’m afraid not,” Bea replied.

“I’ll teach you,” Jack said.

Bea’s gaze jerked to his. Her pulse gave an erratic leap. “Oh no,” she objected. “You wouldn’t wish to waste your time doing that.”

“Nothing I’d rather do,” he said gallantly.

She shook her head. “Really, Jack. I’d only slow you down.”

“I’ll be slow enough on my own until I get my bearings. It will be the perfect conditions for you to learn.” Jack looked to St. Clare and Hannah. “Do you still have that old mare the children learned to ride on?”

“Nightshade?” Hannah asked. “Why, yes.”

“She’s nearly twenty, Jack,” Kate protested. “She hasn’t got any pep.”

“Pep isn’t required,” Jack said. “So long as she’s steady and reliable.”

A dozen objections sprang to Bea’s lips, but she had no opportunity to make them. The Beresfords were off on another subject with lightning speed, discussing past horses and past races they’d had with each other. Before long, it was time to retire. Even then, Bea had no opportunity of waylaying Jack, for Meg quietly commandeered her attention as they exited the drawing room.

“I presume you d-don’t have a riding habit,” she said.

“Indeed, I do not,” Bea replied.

“I’d be happy to lend you mine. It will be a little too big on you, but that’s easily remedied. My lady’s maid is capable of performing miracles.”