Page 41 of Managing the Major

Grinning, Alastair handed her most of the winnings he’d collected from Octavia. “I’ve given Thomas and Ned the evening off, which they’re enjoying at the local tavern, no doubt. Would you both care to keep me company while I check on the horses? It’s a balmy night with a full moon to light up the sky.”

“Freya usually has a walk after supper, which we missed today.” Genevieve picked up her book again. “Octavia, why don’t you accompany Major Alastair and I’ll read. The nefarious Duke Orlando is about to get his comeuppance from our hero, and I won’t sleep until knowing the outcome.”

Bless Genevieve. His heart leaped at the thought of being alone with Octavia. A walk in the moonlight together was almost too much to hope for.

“Aren’t you sore, Alastair?” she asked uncertainly. “I can always look in on the horses.”

“Amazingly, there’s not much pain at all, and little swelling. Moving about will feel good after sitting still for so long. Come with me, Octavia. We need to make a plan for tomorrow’s ride.”

To his delight, she stood up and called the dog. “Very well. A walk would be good for your leg, and Freya needs the exercise.” The terrier leaped up and spun in circles on hearing her name.

“She certainly does,” he said drily. “I thought you called her lazy.”

“It must be the country air,” she twinkled. “At home, she’s very sedate.”

“I think you say that to lull people into accepting her as a houseguest, for I’ve seen no signs of lethargy at all.”

Octavia laughed as they walked through the kitchen. “Freya sleeps extremely well all night.” He merely grunted and held open the door.

“Are you going to Lady Drummond-Burrell’s party—oh, drat, she’s Lady Willoughby now, isn’t she? Anyway, she’s hosting a dance Tuesday night. Richard and Fiona are great favorites of Lady Clementine, as we call her, because they announced their engagement at one of her soirees. Actually, he was forced into the situation—Lady Clementine and another patroness caught them practically en déshabillè in the conservatory.”

He quirked his eyebrow. “Really? The polished Earl of Seldon? That’s hard to imagine.”

“Oh, their courtship was quite the scandal. She was his ward, you see, and he was somewhat older. But it ended well after all the difficulties involved.”

“Interesting. I seem to be out of touch with society and its notable gossip. Yes, we have received an invitation to Lady Willoughby’s, and I’ll attend if only to see your brother and his wife in a much different light.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “As if he would tolerate any hint of scandal now. Richard has become quite strait-laced.”

They reached the barn, and all was quiet save for the munching of hay and the occasional swish of a tail. Freya immediately ran to a stack of straw bales in the corner, digging tenaciously around them for mice. Alastair chuckled and walked to Thor’s stall. The horse approached him with a nicker, and he rubbed its nose.

“Have I mentioned what a wonderful horse you’ve found? You could probably sell him ten times over, but I’m pleased you saved him for me.”

“When I found out about the farmer in Surrey and the type of horses he bred, you were foremost in my mind. My stable manager, Peter, went over to see if there was something suitable. I’m afraid I can’t take all the credit.”

“You had Thor brought to Merrick House and tested him thoroughly, I suspect. What are your suggestions for his progress, and dare I ask the same of mine? I’m afraid it will take time to recover the skills I once possessed.”

The open doors cast a play of moonlight and shadows across her features. He marveled at how easily they could have such a sensible discussion when all he wanted to do was kiss her again.

“Everything will come back quicker than you think,” she assured him. “Your years of experience and expertise are still there, and time in the saddle will improve dexterity and strength. Alastair…”

His name on her lips made his pulse quicken. “Yes, Octavia?” Now it practically pounded in his veins. It was difficult to take his eyes from her mouth.

“I thought perhaps Thor should return to Merrick House. You’d have a quiet place to ride, and I can continue to school him in the right direction. You can come ride while he is in training.”

“That’s an excellent suggestion, but I don’t want to impose, and I’ll insist on compensating you.” He experienced a stab of disappointment that it wasn’t something more intimate.

“It’s no imposition at all. Richard scarcely comes anymore, and having someone to ride with is much more fun. Besides—” she poked him playfully “—you may be sure I shall exact a price.”

“Indeed?” He very much feared he would pay any price she demanded.

“I enjoy your company very much, Alastair.” She pushed a loose curl behind her ear, looking uncertain. “Is that too forward to say? I’m not as clever as you are when it comes to flirtation.”

He grimaced. “Do you think that’s what this is?”

She traced the edge of the stall door with her fingertips, refusing to meet his eyes.

“Perhaps at the beginning it was, but lately you consume my thoughts, Octavia. And I don’t kiss lightly.”