The Bride Spy (Civil War Brides Book 3)
Page 33
“Even if that is the case, you’re not riding the one he chose for you.”
She shrugged. “Daddy was wrong in his assessment.”
Andrew raised an eyebrow. “You’re so certain of that fact?”
Gwen nodded and sidled up to the large horse. “I visited them both earlier, and Thunder and I got along famously.” She patted his neck and then grinned at Andrew. “Lightning will be a much better farm horse.”
Andrew dropped his head and tried not to laugh. “Thunder and Lightning…”
“Yes. Do you have an opinion on my name choices too?”
He shook his head. “No ma’am.”
“Good.” Gwen faced the horse and glanced over her shoulder. “Give me a leg up, will you? If you insist on returning them to the barn, I’d like to ride.”
After several seconds of debate, he lifted her onto the horse and waited for her to adjust her skirts. He gazed up at her and she grinned as she gathered up the reins. “Thank you.”
Andrew mounted his horse and led… actually, followed… her back to the barn. He had to admit her riding skills were impressive, and she beat him back by several minutes. Of course, her horse was a full hand taller than his, which is the reason she returned so quickly. Or at least, that’s what he told himself as he pulled his to a stop.
Dismounting, he handed his horse off to the groom.
“Mr. Simmonds?”
He turned to see her strolling toward him. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Please don’t tell my father about today. I’d hate to ruin his surprise.” With one last, slow smile, Gwen turned and made her way back to the house.
Andrew watched her. Her hips swayed as she walked, and her head dropped back briefly, he assumed to glance at the large cloud forming overhead. Shaking off his thoughts, he strode into the barn and proceeded to instruct the groom on the correct way to saddle a horse. He was surprised by his anger toward the man who put Gwendolyn in danger, and had to physically stop himself from striking him.
He didn’t see Gwen again until dinner. She arrived in the parlor just before dinner, and Andrew’s heart raced. She wore a sea foam-green gown, and although it was modestly cut, it didn’t detract from her glorious form. Her hair was swept into curls on top of her head and exposed a long and elegant neck, to which a topaz choker was secured.
They both pretended they’d never met, and the secret… small though it was… made Andrew heady. They shared several knowing glances from opposite ends of the table, and he couldn’t wait to learn more about her.
When it came time for Mr. Butler’s surprise, Andrew watched concern flash in Gwen’s eyes, but he smiled, a silent assurance that he’d never betray her secret. Her shoulders relaxed, and she beamed as they made their way out to the stables. In the end, Mr. Butler acquiesced to Gwen, and she got the horse of her choice.
* * *
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Piper Davenport is the alter-ego of New York Times Bestselling Author, Tracey Jane Jackson. She writes from a place of passion and intrigue, combining elements of romance and suspense with strong modern-day heroes and heroines.
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