Brash by Margo Maguire

Author:Margo Maguire
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: Romance, short story, novella, Historical
Publisher: Margo Maguire
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

Tilly liked a good run in the mornings, and Stella could only imagine how it felt to let fly the way her great beast of a dog could do, tearing up the landscape with her long legs and huge feet as she raced across it.

The fields were losing the brown of winter and gradually taking on the green of spring. Soon the fields would be planted, and the wild flowers would come into bloom. Stella was going to miss it this year, but she was determined not to long for home while she was away in Town.

The sound of a horse’s gallop came to her and she turned, expecting to see Robert on his way back from wherever he’d ridden that morning. But it was James Norris coming toward her, hatless, though wearing his warm greatcoat.

He slowed as he approached her and dismounted. “Good morning!”

“My, don’t you look rested, Lieutenant Norris.”

“Aye. I feel more rested than I have in weeks.” He gazed out over the vast fields where Tillie was loping back toward them. “I see your large friend wants to ascertain your safety.”

Stella laughed, enjoying these few moments with James. “Yes, I think she does. She would know Robert, but you are still a stranger to her.”

James stepped closer. “I would rather not be a stranger, Lady Stella.”

Stella turned away, biting down on her lower lip. She needed to keep things light and amicable, just as he, no doubt, intended. “Tillie likes her run in the morning.”

“And you like your walk?” he fell into step behind her, leading his horse.

“Yes.” Drat. She sounded breathless, and that would never do. “But I always wished I could fly like the wind the way Tillie does.”

“Do you ever ride, Lady Stella?”

She looked at him then, to determine whether or not he was jesting. But he looked completely serious. A few wisps of his golden hair brushed across his forehead and Stella wished she had the right to sweep them back with her fingers. She faced forward and swallowed. “No, Lieutenant. I… never learned.”

She saw understanding dawn in his eyes. “Then you shall ride with me this morning.”

Her step faltered, but he steadied her. “What? I—”

“You shall ride with me. Just back to the house. Or… Or anywhere you please.”

* * *

If Stella had appeared the least bit frightened, James would not have pursued it. But she seemed more surprised than anything, and perhaps a bit curious.

“Allow me to lift you, Stella.” Using her Christian name felt absurdly intimate, considering that was how he’d addressed her during his youthful visits. But things had changed. He was a battle-tested man, and she was a woman. A lovely, intelligent, engaging woman who piqued his interest in a way few had done before.

Her cheeks flushed red at his casual use of her name. “I-I’m not sure. I don’t think I can.”

“Oh, aye, you can. And I’ll see that you stay safe,” he said, realizing he wanted to do more than keep her safe. He wanted to show her things that were far from her estate.

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