Page 24 of Ella’s Desire

He chuckled. “Aye, there are a considerable number of rules. Were we in London, for example, we would not be able to be alone together without an escort.”

She knew well of this rule. Here at Werrick Castle, escorts were seldom required between an unwed woman and a man, unless Papa was entertaining important guests.

The time Ella had spent alone with Calville thus far had not felt improper. However, the reminder that in a different place this would be inappropriate made the quiet around them feel suddenly heavy with intimacy.

“The sky is enchanting today, is it not?” She tilted her head back to better view the wide stretch of blue overhead. Bits of clouds hung suspended in the great expanse, like tufts of wool spread apart until they were little more than nearly transparent threads and fibers.

“Your eyes rival the beauty of that blue sky, Lady Ella.”

The softness of Calville’s voice drew her attention back to her companion.

Heat touched Ella’s cheeks. “Thank you.”

Truth be told, she liked this part of him, the part that made her go warm and squirmy with attraction. It made her recall that kiss in the solar, when his lips tenderly caressed her mouth and skin.

He reached out a hand and skimmed his fingertips down her cheek. “I want to see your favorite place here.”

Her heart stuttered. “How did you know I have a favorite place?”

“Mayhap I know you better than you assumed I did.” His eyes were as green as the grass they rode over, his smile as warm as the sun.

Had he really learned her so quickly, after such a short a period of time? Was she so easy to read? And if she was, had he been able to tell how she recalled their kiss with such vividness?

He leaned toward her, his eyes closing. Heavens! He was going to kiss her while they were both on horses. How very romantic! Like something from a troubadour’s tale.

Ella closed her eyes and stretched in his direction. Their lips had only but grazed one another’s when Kipper gave an irritated huff and leapt forward, pulling Ella from Bronson’s kiss.

She couldn’t help but laugh as Kipper jealously trotted away with her on his back. Calville flashed a charming grin, snapped his own reins and trotted ahead of her. “Point me in the direction and I will lead the way.”

Ella couldn’t help the smug smile. He did not know her so very well after all. She urged her horse to canter faster. “I can show you where it is.”

He navigated his stead in front of hers. “That is not necessary, my lady. I can lead us both. You need only point me in the proper direction.”

Ella tightened her grip on the reigns and pushed Kipper to the beginning of a gallop. “Lord Calville—”

“Bronson.”

Ella swallowed down her exasperated sigh at this stubborn courtier determined to be the protective man. “Bronson.” She tested his name on her tongue. It felt masculine and intimate, and she decided she liked it very much. “I am perfectly capable of leading you. I venture this way all the time and am often alone.”

“You are not alone today, my dove.” He drew up alongside her, practically shouting to be heard over the thundering of their horse’s hooves. “Please indicate where we will go.”

Their horses were both moving swiftly now.

A grin curled her lips. If he wanted the direction, she would give it to him. “There is a cottage,” she spoke loudly to ensure he heard her. “Go in the direction of the sun over several hills and you will find it.”

Bronson’s face lit up at the opportunity to lead her. He was so overjoyed, in fact, she nearly felt bad for what she was about to do.

“I’ll meet you there.” She flashed him a smile and allowed Kipper to fly. The horse had been her father’s, a wild foal meant to be broken to become a prize mount. However, the wilderness could never be tamed from the beast. He attempted to throw every rider but her. She’d spent the better part of a month talking to him, soothing him, never once attempting to ride him. Until her father planned to sell him.

She’d begged Peter to let her try. He’d refused, of course. So, when they had all gone to bed, she’d snuck out of her room and took Kipper out to the field. With no saddle, and nothing but the moon to witness what her father liked to call foolish bravery, Ella climbed onto Kipper’s back.

She’d expected him to throw her, but he had not. To this day, she was the only rider Kipper would allow on his back. He was the finest horse in the stable, with his black sleek coat, fearless and powerful.

And so, it was no surprise at all to her that she won the impromptu race. Though to his credit, Bronson’s horse had put forth a strong effort and he was only several moments behind her.

The cabin was small, a single room that had been abandoned some time ago. Her gaze caught on an axe with part of its head sunk deep in a stump used for splitting wood. She froze.

Mayhap it was no longer abandoned. A heavy thump of horse hooves brought her attention back to Calville, who rode toward her at an impressive speed.