One Night with an Earl by Tina Gabrielle

Author:Tina Gabrielle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency; historical romance; Arabia; Lebanon; Persia; London; mistaken identity; forced proximity; enemies to lovers; one night stand; virgin heroine; steamy; sexy
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2021-09-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

They rode back together. After their afternoon sojourn, there was an easy camaraderie between them. Perhaps it was the lovely blue sky and pleasant weather. Or perhaps it was him. Either way, Ana felt happy.

Suddenly, she had an impish urge to race, like when she was a girl riding over these same fields. She eyed him beneath lowered lashes. “What do you think about a race, my lord?”

He cocked a brow. “A competition?”

“First to make it to the large oak around the bend wins.”

Without waiting for his reply, she accelerated to a gallop, flashing him a challenging smile as she passed. She heard his shout but didn’t look back.

Too soon, with the sleek power of his stallion, he easily passed her. Her mare followed. He was an expert rider, and she enjoyed watching him as much as she enjoyed the thrill of the race.

She hadn’t felt this alive since…since her venture to the Silver Chalice. By the time she slowed, she was panting.

“It wasn’t a fair race with that stallion of yours,” she said.

He chuckled. “Perhaps. But you are an excellent horsewoman. What other secrets are you hiding?”

Too many. Her smile faded a bit. Growing up riding Rosedown’s prized horses was just one part of her past. The secrets that had kept her safe for years sprang to mind. Tell him just enough of the truth, nothing more.

She shrugged. “I grew up near a horse farm.”

His dark eyes watched her. “In Hertfordshire?”

He was prying. “Close by but not near.” It was the vaguest answer she could think of. From the flash in his gaze, she knew he wanted to inquire, but they were near the stables now.

Ana urged her horse down a slope and into the yard. A stableboy ran out to take their mounts. Once more, Oliver helped her dismount, then offered his arm. Ana rested her fingers on his sleeve. Even through her gloves, she could feel the strength and warmth in his forearm.

“Will you tell me how Minerva fares?” she asked.

“I spoke with her father and Benjamin. I offered both men compensation to release Minerva of her betrothal to Benjamin.”

“May I ask what compensation?”

“Three cows to each of them, Benjamin and Minerva’s father.”

“You didn’t!”

“It is a simple solution.”

She laughed. “You bribed both men for her freedom?”

“I don’t think of it as a bribe. Not if Minerva and Aidan are free to be together.”

Unexpected warmth surged through her. “You are a romantic at heart?”

“I never thought so. It is my duty to solve tenant disputes.”

“You could have forced Minerva to marry Benjamin. As the lord of the manor, Aidan would have had to accept your decision.”

His gaze darkened. “Then maybe you are right. I believe two lovers should be together.”

Her heart fluttered wildly in her breast. Was he speaking of his tenants or themselves?

Impossible. They could never be together. She may have been the daughter of a baron, but the gap between them now was as far and wide as the river that ran through Rosedown.

A herd of cows would not be sufficient to bridge their differences.

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