Page 33 of The Highlander’s Improper Wife

He gave her an appraising look. “Aye, I see you can, but I cannot allow that.”

They turned into the tack room and he grabbed brush, saddle, and bridle. He nodded towards something behind her and Caroline turned to see the bucket of apples beside the door.

She beamed at the man, then scooped up two apples. “One for later,” she said, “just in case.”

The stable master nodded approval and she fell into step alongside him as he strode back to the chestnut. They reached the stall and he tossed everything but the brush on the ground, and reached for the latch.

“Sir,” Caroline said, “I would be pleased if you let me brush him down.”

He hesitated, then handed her the brush and lifted the latch on the door. The stall door swung open and he stood aside. Caroline smiled a thank you and entered.

“Easy,” she cooed to the horse, and laid a firm hand on his neck as she extended the apple.

The chestnut sniffed at the fruit, then opened his lips. Caroline pushed the apple into his mouth, and the horse sucked it in. He crunched as she began brushing his lean back.

A few minutes later, the stable master returned and saddled the horse. He handed her the reins and she led the beast out of the stall. A mare stood tethered beside them.

Caroline gave the stable master a quizzical look.

“I cannot let ye go riding alone. If your husband is still sleeping…” He gave her a penetrating look.

“He is a late sleeper.”

“Liam Rose at your service, my lady.” He gave a slight bow, looking at her from the corner of his eye. “If your husband doesna’ see my good deed as altruistic, I beg you to tell my wife I loved her.”

Caroline gave a whoop of laughter, then clamped a hand over her mouth. She bit her lip and removed her hand from her mouth. “I promise you, sir, you have nothing to fear from my husband.” She leaned closer and added in a whisper, “Particularly, if we return in the next hour.”

Ten minutes later, they were on the hard dirt road headed east out of Kelso. Sunlight streaked through thick clouds in wide beams as sharp as knives.

“Looks like rain,” Liam commented.

“Yes.” She inhaled air that already smelt and felt heavy with water. Caroline pulled back on the horse’s reins. “Is this the road where the Caledonian Hunt is held?”

“Caledonian Hunt?”

She jerked her attention onto him at the edge in his voice. Intense brown eyes studied her.

“Yes,” she replied. “Caledonian Hunt. My father—” She broke off and took a slow breath as she slid her gaze along the wide open field before them. Why, after so long, was she suddenly at a loss for words? Caroline returned her gaze to Liam. “My father used to attend the hunt.”

Liam studied her. “The Caledonian Hunt is a sight to behold. ‘Tis a shame a horse lover like yourself could not attend.”

“How long have you been stable master, Liam?”

He glanced heavenward. “We had better start back, my lady. Rain is sure.”

“Wait.” She slowed and he followed suit. “Please, tell me, where are the markers?”

His gaze bore into hers for an instant, then he nodded to the right of the massive field surrounded by trees on three sides. “That is the starting line.” His gaze moved left. “They race across the field and through those trees for half a mile.” He pointed to an opening on the left side in the middle of the trees.

“Half a mile through the forest?” She looked at him. “That must be dangerous.”

“Aye. That is what makes the race exciting.”

Her heartbeat accelerated. Exciting? How could anyone call a race that risked a man’s life exciting?

“We must return,” he said, and started to wheel his horse around.

Caroline grabbed his arm. “You did not answer my question, Liam. How long have you been stable master here?”