Page 69 of Managing the Major

A Diversion in Ashstead

Richard entered the parlor, taking off his tan leather gloves as he sat. “We made good time, and the horses seem scarcely put out. I hope the pace wasn’t too uncomfortable.”

Octavia shook her head. “The carriage is beautifully sprung, and I am not tired in the least!”

“I wasn’t asking you, Scamp. We know you don’t have to worry about being fatigued.”

She rolled her eyes. “What time should we expect to see Lord and Lady Hope?”

“Evan said they planned to leave at eleven o’clock, but we all know Genevieve is notoriously late.” He looked over at Alastair. “Have you eaten? I arranged for a light meal.”

“No, but we’ve had a glass of excellent wine to tide us over until your business was done. The host has luncheon prepared in the dining room.”

“I thought I might eat and then drop over to see Firefox at Audley’s. Would either of you care to come? If not, the others should be arriving soon to keep you company. Lord Ehnes is bringing his wife, and the marquis is coming later tonight.”

“Is his wife still confined to her sickbed?” Octavia asked. “It’s been a month since the marchioness has appeared in public.”

Richard hesitated. “I fear the news is not good. She is suffering from consumption, Fellingham tells me. After the Derby, they will most likely go to Italy, and perhaps a drier climate will help.”

“Poor Eleanor,” she whispered.

“Yes,” he agreed somberly. “She and I have had our differences, but it’s a bloody shame.”

“I’d like to see your training stables, Richard,” Alastair said. “Although I’ve not enjoyed a nap, I’m far from tired.”

Octavia gave him a quelling look. “There’s no need for you both to beat that subject to death, you know. And I would never miss a visit to Mr. Audley’s, so we will both accompany you, Richard.”

“Excellent. I’ve ordered the landau to wait after the horses are watered, and I’m looking forward to taking the reins. Jerome is coming along on horseback. He insists on leading Firefox over tomorrow and will stay there for the night. Shall I drive the carriage open or covered?”

“Absolutely open,” Octavia said firmly. “It’s turned into a glorious afternoon.”

*

The ride to Audley’s and Sons Training Stables was scarcely three miles down the road. It was a large establishment on the outskirts of Ashstead, boasting a lush pasture in front, dotted with venerable elm trees and grazing horses. Alastair looked over at Octavia, with whom he shared the back seat while Richard had the reins up front. He studied her classic profile; the bonnet hung by the ribbons along her back, and some curls had escaped from the elegant topknot, falling against her ivory neck.

“You will have freckles,” he murmured. She turned, and once again he was struck by her eyes, the color of a stormy sea fringed by thick dark lashes.

At the moment, they danced merrily. “My mother has said that to me many times and warned me of the premature lines to follow. She also says if I roll my eyes often enough, God will punish me by permanently freezing my face. It has all been to no avail.”

The horses slowed to a walk as they turned into the entrance, but the clip-clop of four sets of hooves was still enough to cover their voices. Glancing at Richard’s straight back, he smoothed back the loose tendrils of hair, touching her cheek with his fingers, thankful that his gloves lay abandoned on the seat. She shivered imperceptibly.

“I love the lines of your neck; sometimes I wonder how it can bear the weight of your hair, it stands so long and slender.”

Something tightened in his loins when she drew a sharp little breath, her eyes widening. His left hand lay on his buckskin-covered thigh, and she tucked her gloved one underneath before turning to face the front of the carriage. It was Alastair’s turn to inhale sharply. Bloody hell, what was going to happen if they actually made love? If it were anything like that day in the barn at Merrick, he would probably just combust into flames.

When the carriage pulled up at the building, Jerome, who had gone ahead, was waiting outside.

He came over, pulled the steps down, and offered his arm to Octavia who laughed and waved him away.

“I don’t have to behave like a lady anymore, Jerome.” She jumped lightly from the last step, lifting her skirt to expose the tops of her buttoned traveling boots.

Richard, wandering over, raised his eyes in mock despair and looked over at Alastair to see if he needed help. He shook his head and made it down, not as gracefully as Octavia, but tolerably well.

Both gentlemen removed their hats, leaving them on the carriage seat. Octavia looked over mischievously and added her bonnet.

“How I love the country and being among friends! Your chestnuts pulled wonderfully, Richard.”

The earl inclined his head. “Thank you. I shall relay your compliments to Jerome. He’s put much time into their training.”