“I’m so sorry for your loss.” How awful for the doctor; he had obviously been in love with Rachel. This didn’t seem the time to delve into such matters, however.
“Thank you.” His voice sounded detached from his body, as if it came from a ghost standing next to him. “Well.” Dr. Garrison shoved his hands into his pockets. “I should go upstairs and check on your father. If you will excuse me…”
“Yes, of course.” Keelan stepped aside and let him pass. Marrying Dr. Garrison had never made her giddy with happiness, but now her chest hurt and her stomach swirled in a sickening spiral. The man’s melancholy spirit had shifted to her and stirred her apprehension.
And she was now his betrothed.
Good Lord, what had she done?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Keelan needed to do something bold to expend the nervous energy pulsing through her body.
The interactions with Dr. Garrison and her spoiled cousin, combined with the heavy still air of late morning, pulled at her spirits as she left the house. Normally, she’d have asked Slaney to join her, but today she wanted to be alone to sort out her life. She hoped a brisk ride across the plantation would buoy her mood.
She turned in the direction of the barn. In exchange for overseeing the plantation business, her father had granted Uncle Jared use of a large tract of land, where he built an impressive stable filled with some of the finest stock in Charleston. They would someday be part of Doreen’s dowry.
She paused at the small paddock closest to the barn. Several brood mares stood under the large oak tree on the far side of the paddock. She whistled softly.
One of the round-bellied creatures turned her head and perused Keelan for a moment before turning to plod toward her. The mare lifted her delicate nose over the fence and nuzzled Keelan’s sleeve.
“Good afternoon, Juliet, my love,” she crooned as she stroked the sleek blue-gray neck. “I wish you could come with me today, but alas, in your delicate condition, ‘tis best you reserve your strength.”
A voice spoke near Keelan’s elbow. “She should be droppin’ her foal any day now, Miss Keelan.”
She turned to find one of the young stable hands staring at the gentle brood mare. The young boy had a nasty welt across his cheek. She inspected the mark. Who did this to him?
“Thomas, what happened to your face?”
He stared at his bare feet. “It ain’t nothin,’ Miss Keelan. Only a scratch.”
Unconvinced, but unsure what she should say, Keelan returned her attention to the mare. “Juliet is moving slowly today. I don’t think she is very comfortable.” Her perusal moved worriedly over the mare’s bulging sides.
Thomas nodded in agreement but stated confidently, “Don’ you worry none, Miss Keelan. Seamus say she lookin’ fine, so she is. He been at dis a long time, so he knows things.”
Keelan smiled brightly. “I shall place my trust in Seamus then. Since I cannot ride my favorite palfrey, would you please saddle Camilla for me?”
The boy glanced away. “I can’t do dat, Miss. She not here. Miss Doreen told me to turn her out in the lower valley pasture.”
Undaunted, she shrugged. “No matter.” Juliet nuzzled her arm again, and Keelan rubbed her muzzle gently. “Would you please saddle Uncle Jared’s gelding?”
Thomas shook his head. “Mastah Jared rode him this mornin’ down to da mill.”
Keelan laughed and gestured toward the barn and adjoining pasture. “It doesn’t matter, Thomas, you may saddle any one of the other mares.”
The boy again looked at his toes as he shuffled his bare feet in the dust. “Sorry, Miss Keelan, I can’t.”
She stopped stroking the mare. “Why not?” she asked.
He mumbled, “Miss Doreen said she’d flog my hide if I let you ride any of her daddy’s mares.”
Keelan bristled. So it was Doreen who dealt the ugly welt on Thomas’s cheek. She could easily override her cousin’s order, but she didn’t want to place Thomas in a position that would entice Doreen’s rage.
“Miss Keelan?”
She tried to hide her agitation. Juliet gave up on Keelan and nuzzled Thomas’s sleeve. The boy absently reached into his pocket, pulled out a crust of bread, and offered it to the mare. She delicately accepted the treat from the groom’s palm.
“I’m awfully sorry, Miss Keelan. The only mounts Miss Doreen say I can saddle for you is Ole Poke, or…” he swallowed nervously.
“Or?” Keelan questioned. She raised her eyebrows suspiciously.
The groom glanced nervously toward the thumping sounds emanating from the rear of the barn. “Or Shamrock’s Prince. Mister Jared's stud.”
She clenched her jaw and scanned the pasture for Old Poke. He stood lazily in the shade of a large, gnarly tree. The aged mule casually flipped his tail in a half-hearted attempt to shoo the flies from his backside. She shuddered. No, Old Poke was an option she refused to consider. He was no more desirable than the past suitors her cousin escorted to the door of the house.
Keelan frowned. No doubt, Doreen only included Sham on the short list of available mounts because she did not believe Keelan would dare attempt to ride the beast. It nettled her sorely to think of Doreen’s pale, pampered face spying on her from the chamber window.
Gloating.
Keelan set her jaw in grim determination. She’d not give her cousin today’s amusement by riding a mule. Decision made, she tried to ignore Sham’s impatient kicking. The rhythmic thumping against the boards of the stall mirrored that of her heart in her chest.
“Now, Miss Keelan…” Thomas said nervously while he peered up at her. “Lemme hustle up and saddle Old Poke for you to take on a easy, slow ride around the plantation. He’ll be good for a spell at a slow pace. Besides, Ruth’s bones say we got a big storm a comin’. You might want to stay close by.”
“Humph!” Keelan snorted. She could abandon the ride and return to the house, but the humiliation she’d feel if she conceded the afternoon to Doreen would be almost unbearable. She turned and bestowed a radiant smile on Thomas.
“Would you please saddle Sham for me?”
Thomas’ forehead creased. “Please, Miss Keelan…dat horse is well-trained, but he’s a strong ‘un. You could git real hurt if he gits a mind to take the bit in his teeth and run.”
Laughing lightly, she waved his remarks aside. “I’ll be fine, Thomas. I’ve been riding since I was ten years old.” Just not recently.
The young groom expelled his breath before turning and walking toward the stable, as if the pace of his departure might change her mind. A few moments later, he led the prancing steed from the barn. It appeared Thomas intended to tie the horse to the hitching post farthest away from the pasture of brood mares, but the strong-willed stud had other plans. While arching his noble neck and raising his tail proudly, he trotted toward the pasture, dragging Thomas along like a ribbon in the wind. The young man finally regained his footing enough to give an irritated yank on the lead, abruptly gaining the stallion’s attention.
“Whoa, there, Sham!” he said in an annoyed tone.
The mares paused from grazing as the stallion paraded by. Keelan sucked in her breath. Even on this overcast day, Sham’s chestnut coat rippled like liquid copper.
Thomas tied the horse to the hitching post and moved to help Keelan mount.
“Sometimes I think the devil hisself sired this cantankerous, mule-headed horse,” he muttered.
Biting back a smile, she cautiously walked to the stallion and reached up to caress the velvety nose. “Now, Sham, my good man, do be a gentleman today and provide a well-mannered seat for me.”
The stallion nuzzled her empty hand then stomped a long foreleg in irritation.
Pausing near the stirrup, she tilted her head up to Sham’s back, two hands taller than the top of her head. Once astride the horse, the ground seemed to be very far away. Swallowing hard, she tried to ignore the butterflies flapping wildly in the hollow of her stomach.
The slave sto
od rigid as Keelan adjusted her feet in the stirrups. Taking the reins in her hands, she exhaled.
Thomas said, soft and hesitant, “Miss Keelan?”
He held a riding crop high, out of Sham’s sight and moved it toward her.
She shook her head. “I’ll not need that, Thomas, thank you.” Daniel had taught her skill and trust control a steed, not whips.
A slight raising of his eyebrows warned Keelan the stable hand didn’t agree with her assessment as he lowered the crop and hid it against his leg.
She carefully reined the horse toward the lane. The stallion’s muscles quivered beneath her. The opportunity to stretch his long legs was near at hand, and he broke into an impatient trot then a restless, short-gaited canter. Keelan tightened the reins and spoke in a low, authoritative tone. “Whoa, sir! Allow me to prepare my seat and hands.”
The horse complied, showing his eagerness to fly only by swishing his tail in short, quick swings.
Keelan fidgeted in her seat. She wanted to go for a good gallop. Did she possess the strength to slow the stallion if he became stubborn to her hands on the reins? She allowed him to trot again then pulled him back to a walk. He was well trained, for sure. Repeating the exercise a few more times had her more relaxed and confident.
As they approached the main house, she glanced at the upper windows, noticing the curtains at Doreen’s chamber window flutter briefly.
“You will not have satisfaction today, cousin,” She vowed.
Seconds later, Doreen burst out of the front door, startling Keelan and sending Sham into a jerky sidestep that almost unseated her. It took every bit of her concentration to prevent the horse from bolting. An angry admonition on her lips, she turned toward her foolish cousin, only to notice that Doreen’s attention focused on a lone rider approaching from the main road. Keelan didn’t have to wait for the horseman to get closer to identify him. From the broad shoulders and straight back to the shiny black boots, it was obvious to Keelan the rider was that arrogant rake, Captain Hart.
What brought the man to Twin Pines? Although she could probably accurately guess his reasons. He had said he would collect his due another day…
“Good morning!” Doreen’s voice cut through the humid air. “Welcome to Twin Pines.” She waved and smiled as he approached.
Landon Hart nodded and tipped his hat politely at Doreen. “A fine morning it is, Miss. And thank you for the kind welcome. Landon Hart, at your service.” He turned his attention to Keelan. “Miss Grey you look radiant today. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Doreen’s smile faded. The glare she threw at Keelan could have burned a hole through a rock. Landon appeared not to notice as he focused his attention solely on the horse and lady rider. Keelan fought to keep her expression neutral as Hart moved his gaze from her perky green hat down to her ankles and back up again. The urge to turn her heel into Sham’s side and flee almost overpowered her sense of decorum. Instead, she returned the greeting as politely as she could manage.
“Good morning, Captain Hart. What brings you back to Twin Pines so soon?” Dare she hope it was simply business?
“Back?” Doreen said, confused.
“I’m afraid there’s been a theft of some of our cargo, and I’ve come to seek your uncle's advice.” Landon dismounted and loosened the saddle’s girth strap to allow his horse to cool down.
Keelan stiffened. “Are you accusing my uncle of stealing your cargo?” she asked. Was he that audacious?
Landon shook his head, “Not at all. Our cargo was being moved to one of your uncle's warehouses farther from the waterfront. At some point, on the journey from my ship to the warehouse, some of the wagons disappeared, and a young boy is now missing. I merely need to take advantage of your uncle’s knowledge of the area, so our search has a better chance of yielding satisfactory results.”
Landon walked over and ran a hand along Sham’s neck and shoulder appreciatively. “A very handsome steed.”
“He’s my father’s,” Doreen announced from the porch. “The plantation might belong to Keelan’s father, but the horses belong to mine—Keelan’s uncle. The man to whom you wish to speak.” She raised her chin and gave him a condescending smile.
“Is it any wonder why the girl has no suitors?” Keelan muttered under her breath as she adjusted the reins. She caught an amused glance from Hart. She couldn’t help but smile back. His responding wink made her stomach tighten, reminding her of the power he held over her. And the secrets he kept for her.
“Have you ridden this stallion often?” The captain’s tone was casual, but the humor had left his eyes. “He seems quite spirited for a lady.”
“Although this is our first outing together,” Keelan replied, patting Sham’s neck, “I have complete confidence that we will get along fine.” Her last few words came out sharper than she intended. But the captain didn’t seem to notice, continuing to question her equestrian skills.
“Don’t you think you might better enjoy riding a more gentle mount? One that would offer you a more relaxed experience?” The captain’s deep blue eyes reflected the concern she heard in his voice.
“Unfortunately, there are none nearby, and I didn’t wish to wait for one to be brought up from the lower pasture.” Keelan gave Doreen a pointed stare, which she returned with a sly smile. She nodded toward the bank of clouds in the distance. “I believe we might have some rain later, and I’d like to be back before it begins. I don’t plan to be gone long.”
“If you wait until my business with Mr. Grey is concluded, I would be happy to escort you.” Landon ran his long fingers through Sham’s coppery mane as he talked. Keelan followed the movement, remembering the touch of his hands in her hair not too many days ago.
“I’m sure Keelan is eager to be on her way,” Doreen said.
It appeared only Keelan heard the snide undertone, as Landon continued to gaze at her while absently stroking Sham’s mane.
Doreen continued, “Why don’t you come inside, Captain Hart, and I’ll have Ruth make you some tea while I have Simon fetch my father.”
Keelan wasn’t sure why it irked her that Doreen did her best to pull the captain’s attention away, but she found herself wanting to stifle the attempt. “You can escort me as far as the mill,” she said to Landon. “The stable boy told me my uncle rode his gelding there earlier. You’ll be able to discuss your business with Uncle Jared sooner than if you await him here. You said there’s a young boy missing, so it appears your need to see him is most urgent.”
Hart flashed her a quick grin and returned to his mount. In a few seconds, he’d retightened the girth strap. He tipped his hat to Doreen after he settled into the saddle. “Thank you for the hospitality, Miss. A pleasant afternoon to you.”
Doreen’s jaw clenched through the stiff smile she gave to the captain. “I hope to see you again soon, Captain.” She gave Keelan a stony glance before she twirled, snatched the door open, and went inside the house.
Sham pranced sideways. Keelan spoke to the horse in what hopefully was an authoritative tone to quiet him. He settled down a bit, but still snorted his impatience in response to her tightening the reins. She chanced a quick glance toward Landon. Perhaps her handling of her mount eased his concerns of her ability to control Sham. Or perhaps he had the same question as she… How fast could such a beast run?
They walked toward the mill. A tangy scent of pine and earth wafted from the wood. The lane meandered through the entire plantation, connecting the main homestead to the fields, mill, slave cabins, and farmland. It was wide enough for Twin Pine’s lumber wagons to haul timber from the surrounding forests to the mill, making a ride through the countryside free of strange wagons and riders, as well as peaceful.
Stern gray clouds mottled the bright blue sky, giving them some respite from the hot June sun. Landon glanced up. “It appears we will indeed have some foul weather before the day is done.”
She followed his gaze. “At breakfast, Ruth predicted rain and Uncle Jar
ed concurred. He originally planned to go into Charleston but decided to wait another day or so, to avoid miring the carriage in the mud near the low river crossing again.” She shifted in her seat to balance her weight a bit better. “That’s why he decided to work at the mill office today.”
“Tis my good fortune then,” Landon said.
At Keelan’s curious look, he elaborated, “Otherwise I wouldn’t have the opportunity to enjoy such pleasant sights.”
He was flirting with her. She was sure of it even though he had a completely bland expression as he looked down the lane lined with Live oaks, Spanish moss dripping off their branches like a tattered veils.
No quirking eyebrow, no wink, no ornery grin.
What was he up to?
Keelan loosened the reins, and Sham quickly stepped up to a perky trot.
“I’m in no hurry,” Landon said, keeping his mount next to hers. “In fact, a slower pace allows me to enjoy your company longer.”
She laughed. “Has it occurred to you I might not wish to extend our time together? It seems to me the more we interact, the more trouble I seem to encounter.”
“You wound me deeply.” Landon’s smile was anything but wounded.
Keelan was still not accustomed to the extreme heat and humidity of the region, even though she had been here for several months. She became increasingly aware of the warmth and restrictiveness of her riding habit. If only she were riding alone, she would have traded comfort for propriety and removed her hat and jacket and tied them to the back of her sidesaddle.
Perhaps later.
She couldn’t bite back the smile as she imagined how refreshing it would be to have the wind comb her hair. In fact, now that she’d considered it, the more appealing a gallop became. She chanced a sly glance at Captain Hart.
“What is your horse’s name, Captain?”
He reached down and gave his mount a firm pat on the side of the neck. “This is Orion.”
“He’s beautiful. Is he very fast?”
Landon gave her a humble shrug. “He’s swift enough. According to your uncle, Orion’s from good stock. I bought him at Mr. Grey's suggestion. He said he was as fine as any he owned.”
Hart's Desire (Pirates & Petticoats Book 1) Page 10