While holding onto the saddle with both hands, he maneuvered his leg into Lord Ridgeway’s hands. The earl lifted him as Robert pulled at the saddle and swung his leg over. He used too much momentum and would have fallen off the other side had the groom there not braced him and helped him find the stirrup.
There was a great deal of applause and Sadie sidled, though it was probably due to his awkward mount more than to the sudden noise. Robert waited for the horse to declare she had had enough, but she did nothing. He patted her neck, hoping to somehow charm her into keeping him in place. She nodded her head, but made no move to throw him.
Robert looked over to see Mark mount Bailey with the innate grace of a natural athlete, though the look on his face was one of carefully controlled terror, followed by a tentative smile. The three girls, Wes, Lord Edward Kellington and Lord Ridgeway all mounted their horses like they had been born to it.
“I think we should keep to a walk today,” said Lord Ridgeway. “Anna and Violet, why don’t you take the lead with Ned, staying to the main path away from the woods. Sadie and Bailey will both follow your horses. Wes and Letty, mayhap you two would like to stay to the rear with me.”
Robert knew that was Lord Ridgeway’s way of keeping an eye on him and Mark. And he was glad of it.
A moment later, they started off slowly. With a slight jolt, Sadie followed, making sure to keep to a slow, steady pace. Robert tried not to let his fear show since his father had delighted in reminding him how horses could sense it. But blessed Sadie did not seem to mind. Once the first few moments were over, Robert realized he was actually riding a horse. He was exhilarated. They were going at a snail’s pace but he was enjoying it. For that moment, he could pass as a man with healthy limbs. It was an incredible feeling.
However, after they had gone one hundred yards or so, he could feel himself slip a bit to the side. Sadie must have sensed it, for she stopped before he even indicated she should. He was suddenly surrounded, with Lord Ridgeway on one side and Wes on the other.
With Sadie stopped, Robert was able to right himself. Once he was in position, Sadie continued at her slow, steady pace. “While I owe most of my success to Sadie, I cannot believe I am riding a horse,” he said. “Mark, you look like you should be racing at Newmarket.”
“Bailey is being most patient with me,” said Mark. “Though I do not believe I would do well at a swifter pace.”
“Your seat is good,” said Lord Ridgeway. “I believe you both will do quite well, though we will likely keep to a slower pace until you grow more used to it. As with so many things in life, riding simply takes practice.”
They continued along at that pace for a quarter of an hour, with both Lord Ridgeway and Wes staying near Robert. The company was comfortable, though no one said much. At first, Robert’s attention was focused on Sadie, but once he realized the sweet mare was satisfied with the slow pace and her inexperienced rider, he was able to relax and actually enjoy the ride. His leg had precluded so much over the years. And while he certainly would not be able to keep up with the others if they were going at anything above a walk, he thoroughly enjoyed being able to do so for the moment.
“I love this land,” said Letty, who had ridden up next to him as Lord Ridgeway was off talking to Wes.
“It is beautiful,” said Robert, which was a bit of an overstatement since it was still early spring and many of the trees were devoid of leaves. But who was he to argue with their sweet hostess?
“The tenant farms were abandoned when my father – my real father – was the earl. It was only after Colin took the title and James came home from America that they were able to attract tenants again and make the estate what it once was. Do you think it odd that I call my brother Papa?”
“Not at all. Families are not always easily definable. In my own case, I am closer to Wes and Mark than I am to my actual brothers.”
“I believe Wes would say the same,” said Letty. “I was not certain what to expect when Papa told me about the letter he had received. Indeed, I was quite nervous about Wes’s arrival, not even knowing he would be bringing two friends.”
“Lord Ridgeway was most generous when he invited us. But I am very glad he did.”
That made the girl smile. And Robert had a glimpse of the beauty she would one day become. He hoped Lord Ridgeway would protect her from the rakes of the ton when it was time for her debut. “What does your future look like? I am certain you have discussed it with Anna and Violet.”
“It is a happy one, filled with my family and friends. I adore my nieces and nephews and look forward to watching them grow up.”
“But what about your own future? Surely there will be a husband and your own children.”
Something passed in the girl’s eyes, but Robert did not quite know what it was. But quickly enough, it was gone and she was smiling once again. “There are many things I look forward to. But I see Mark is trying to get your attention. I will leave you now.”
With that, Letty took her horse to a canter. Wes was fortunate to have found such a kind sister.
* * *
Well, that had been an awkward escape, thought Letty as she went in search of Anna and Violet. She had grown more and more intrigued by Viscount Lorton. She had seen how nervous he’d been and had admired his bravery for attempting an activity he’d failed at in the past, especially in front of people he barely knew.
She had rejoiced with the others when he had successfully mounted Sadie. But it was his look of pure joy when he realized he had been successful which had cut straight through to Letty’s heart.
He had been easy to talk to, much like Wes. And his smile was surely one of the most beautiful Letty had ever seen. She knew he was simply being polite to his friend’s sister, but Letty couldn’t help but think he was the type of husband she would one day want. Of course, that was a bit dishonest, because he wasn’t just the type. He might very well be the husband she would one day want. That was ridiculous because he was older than she and by the time she made her come-out he would likely be married to someone else and producing heirs and spares.
It was a most lowering thought.
Then when he’d asked if she pictured having children, she almost blurted out that she had a very specific vision where he was the father. She knew a vivid blush was about to break out – a most frustrating aspect of having red hair – so she made her excuses and left.
There was no doubt about it. Letty had her first case of unrequited love. She smiled to herself at the very notion.
* * *
When they returned to the stables after an hour, Robert’s weak leg was aching, though he was so buoyed by the experience of finally staying on a horse he did not care how much pain he’d be in later. It was embarrassing to have to be helped off his horse by so many men, though he noticed this time Sadie did not need to be held. She stood perfectly still on her own.
When he had finally slid to the ground and righted himself, he stroked the mare’s head. “Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for one of the best experiences of my life.” As ridiculous as it was to be talking to a horse, he had the oddest notion that she understood, for she nudged him with her great head.
“Milord,” said Hobbes, who had likely overheard the embarrassing comment, “May I curry Sadie?”
“Might I learn to do that?” asked Robert, who wanted to do something to show Sadie how much he appreciated her.
“Yer a guest, milord,” said Hobbes. “I’m certain his lordship would not wish to see ye working.”
“If Lord Lorton wishes to curry his horse, I shall show him, Hobbes” said Lord Ridgeway. “I have found it a calming exercise for both man and beast. Mostly because my excellent staff takes care of the mucking out portion of the task.”
“I would like to curry my horse, as well, my lord,” said Mark. “I will also gladly help with the mucking out.”
“You will not do any mucking, Mark,” said Lord Ridgeway. “Though I thank you for the offer. However, it is
important for a man to learn to curry his horse since assistance may not always be available.”
“I rather think assistance would rarely be available for me,” said Mark with a grin. “But I would like to show my appreciation to Bailey for a most enjoyable ride.”
“Good man,” said Lord Ridgeway. “And I think you and Lorton will both like the activity.”
Sadie stayed by Robert’s side as they entered the stables and he found her stall. After Lord Ridgeway showed them how to curry the horses by doing his own, Robert brushed down Sadie, even as she kept nudging her head against him repeatedly.
“I believe you have found a friend in Sadie,” said Letty, just as he was finishing. “Give her these carrots, one at a time.” She opened Robert’s palm so it was flat, ensuring no fingers could get in the way.
“I owe her more than a carrot for such a wonderful ride,” he said, even as Sadie eagerly chomped on each of the carrots he offered her.
“I believe she enjoyed it as much as you did. No one has ridden her in ages since we don’t take her above a walk. She is grateful to you for giving her a chance.” As if on cue, Sadie snuffled against him again. After a few fond pats, Robert made his way to the stall door.
“I will see you tomorrow,” he said to his horse, who nodded in response. Robert knew it was nonsense to think she understood, but he decided belief in nonsense was a small price to pay if it made him this happy. “Where are the others?”
“Papa is talking to Hobbes and Anna is showing Wes and Mark the tree I fell out of the first time I met my Aunt Kate.”
“That sounds painful.”
“It was, especially for her,” said Letty with a sheepish laugh. “I landed on her from several branches above. It was not the best first impression I could have made, though we all fell in love with her at that moment. Except for Nick, who had fallen in love with her earlier and married her.”
“Sometimes you only need a moment to take someone’s measure.”
And Robert knew the girl next to him was one of the kindest people he had ever met.
* * *
The boys’ visit drew too rapidly to a close. When it was time to leave, Colin invited all three of the boys to come back to visit at all the holidays.
Letty, Anna and Violet had rarely heard a better suggestion.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
London, June 1830, A Year Later
Jason Rigg was a fortunate man. He had worked for the Kellington family most of his life. He had followed Lord Ned to the continent when he had worked as an operative during the war, then accompanied him to Marston Vale when he married Lady Jane. Of course, it helped matters that Rigg had met his own wife in that village. And now they all lived comfortably at the house in Marston Vale in between trips to London, where he found himself at the moment.
He was at Tattersalls, the famous horse market. Lord Ned had bought a chestnut mare the previous day as a present for Violet. Rigg was here to pick it up, while Ned made sure to keep his horse-mad eldest daughter away from the Lynwood stables.
It was while Rigg was watching the grooms prepare the mare for transport that he heard it. A man was yelling at his son, the rage evident even from a distance. From his experience at war, Rigg knew the man wasn’t just angry, he was on the verge of violence.
While he couldn’t see who it was, the cultured tones signaled it was a nobleman doing the yelling. Which meant the man wouldn’t be called into account for his actions. Hoping to ward off any violence, Rigg walked in the direction of the commotion.
* * *
Robert never enjoyed his trips to Tattersalls. Other than Sadie, the gentle mare at Ridgeway Manor, he had never had much luck with horses. As his father had reminded him time and time again, horses could sense fear and Robert could never control his emotions when he was around them, especially when his father was with him. His father had insisted that he join him today at Tattersalls, which was odd since Robert knew he was an embarrassment to the man. He tried as hard as he could not to limp, but in the end, his weakened leg proved an obstacle that even his determination could not control.
It did not help that his father made him wear the Hoby boots which were too small. His father had actually thrown out the boots Mr. Stemple had secured for him the previous year, saying it was a disgrace that his son would be wearing the footwear of a common laborer. Robert had been close to weeping at having to part with them. As soon as he had returned to school he had bought another pair. And this year when he had returned home for the summer, he had entrusted them to Mark for safekeeping, since his friend had been invited to spend the summer with the Emersons. Robert had been invited to join them, but had been unexpectedly called home. Robert thanked God for the generosity of the earl and his family, because they were becoming the family Mark had never had. Robert only wished he could have spent this summer with them, as well.
The day had started off as well as could be expected. He and his two younger brothers had accompanied their father to Tattersalls, along with the head groom at the London residence. All of them were immaculately dressed to display the Marquess of Selden’s wealth. His father wanted everyone to see he was able to purchase any horse he wished and as many as he liked. Robert thought that was rather unfortunate for the horses. Because after watching the Emersons ride, he realized neither his father nor his brothers were very good equestrians.
“Lorton!” said his father when Robert had lagged behind. “Do try to keep up. We cannot be here all day. Some of us have important matters to attend to.”
“Why did we even bring him?” asked Robert’s brother, Frederick, who was two years younger than he. “It is embarrassing to be the object of stares.”
“If you see a servant staring, tell me and I will have Tattersalls discharge him,” said the marquess. Robert knew better than to think his father was defending him. Instead, he was offended that anyone would have the effrontery to look down on the heir to the Marquess of Selden.
Even if the Marquess of Selden had little use for his son himself.
“Here is the one I want,” Selden said as he came to a halt in front of a stall. “Lorton, get yourself over here.”
Robert tried to hurry, though he was careful not to fall. When he was ten years old, he had taken a fall on Bond Street as he had rushed after his father. The marquess had seethed in the carriage all the way home, then had spanked him a dozen times.
After that, Robert took greater care walking in public.
He reached the stall to find a magnificent stallion looking back at them. While Robert had only ever ridden Sadie at Ridgeway Manor, he had spent a great deal of time in the stables with Letty and the others. She loved horses and had delighted in sharing her knowledge with him. He had begun to recognize the features which distinguished them, though he was always careful to both begin and end his visits by offering a treat to Sadie so she wouldn’t be jealous. He knew it was foolish, but he truly loved that horse.
“Lorton!” his father said, as he reached out and pulled Robert to the stall, almost making him trip. “Look at that beast. He is the most expensive horse at Tattersalls. I had to pay a pretty penny for him since anyone who knows about horseflesh wanted to buy him.”
“He is a magnificent animal, my lord,” said Robert, unsure why his father wanted him to know all of that. His father liked outspending his peers as a reminder of the Selden wealth. But why it should matter to Robert was another thing entirely.
“You there!” said Selden to one of the Tattersalls grooms. “Bring him out to the ring.”
“Aye, milord,” said a groom as he and another gingerly approached the animal, who was powerful, high-strung and eyed them warily. The two men carefully led the horse to an enclosure which was about fifteen feet in diameter.
“Open the gate,” Selden said to another groom. “Join me in the ring, Lorton,” he said, as he entered the enclosure.
Robert’s stomach clenched. This was a large horse and a small enclosure. Lord Ridgeway had told him t
hat even a docile horse could rear if it felt threatened in an enclosed space. And there was no doubt the marquess was making the horse anxious, as the stallion sidled back and forth. The two grooms looked none too happy to be there, but were holding onto the reins.
“I told you to get in here!” the marquess bellowed.
Robert walked to the gate, which was being held open by a groom who looked wary about what might transpire but knew better than to say anything. The Marquess of Selden’s reputation as a man who was not to be crossed was well earned.
Robert entered the ring only to hear the gate close behind him. He was still ten feet from the stallion, but the horse seemed impossibly large. And if the animal reared, Robert would have little chance of leaping back to climb the fence.
“This is to be your horse, Lorton,” said his father, but with none of the warmth of a man giving his son a gift. “You will learn to ride it.”
The horse was looking in their direction, snorting and pawing the ground. And Robert knew there was no chance he would ever be able to ride it. He knew his father would not put him on the animal’s back now because Robert would fall right back off and Selden would not risk the embarrassment. But eventually, in the privacy of their estate, Robert would be forced to ride and he knew what the result would be. For the first time he wondered if his father was actually trying to kill him.
“I will do my best, my lord,” said Robert, knowing his best would not be good enough.
Apparently, his father thought so as well. “Show him who his master is,” he said, holding out a whip.
“I do not understand, my lord.”
Selden placed the whip in his son’s hand, then pushed him toward the horse. Robert was barely able to catch his balance.
“Show him you are his master, else you will never conquer him. If you were to ride him now, he would throw you the moment you mounted. But he won’t dare do so when you teach him to fear you.”
Never and Always (Emerson Book 6) Page 12