The Perfect Lover by Stephanie Laurens

Author:Stephanie Laurens
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub

“Can we go riding this morning, do you think?” Cecily Hammond looked around the breakfast table, her blue eyes hopeful.

All those present knew exactly what she hoped—that by organizing such an impromptu event now, in Kitty’s absence, they could avoid her presence for the morning at least.

James looked at Simon. “I can’t see why not.”

“A sensible idea,” Charlie pronounced. He looked at the others—at Portia, Lucy, Annabelle, Desmond, Winifred, Oswald, and Swanston. “Where should we go?”

Numerous suggestions were made; while discussion raged, Portia looked down at her plate. At the mound of food she was steadily consuming. She normally had an excellent appetite; this morning, however, she felt hungry enough to eat a horse.

She didn’t, however, think she could sit one. Not for any length of time.

Quite aside from the discomfort—the twinges and aches she’d ignored at first but which had progressively made themselves felt—if going riding were to worsen her condition such that her recovery was postponed beyond tonight . . . she’d rather not ride than forgo tonight’s lesson.

Tonight’s opportunity to investigate further—something she was determined to do.

The others settled on riding south down the old Roman road to the Badbury Rings, to view the ancient Iron Age fort. Chasing a forkful of kedgeree around her plate, she wondered what excuse she could give.

“I want to give my pair another run.” Simon spoke to James. “They’re eating their heads off, and after the last months, idleness doesn’t suit their temperaments.” He looked across the table at Portia, caught her eye. “I could take you up with me if you’d prefer?”

She blinked at him, then realized—as he already had—that no one there, bar Lady O who wasn’t about to hear, knew of her love of riding. No one would think it odd if she elected to be driven instead.

“Thank you.” She shifted slightly on her chair, realized he must have some inkling of her state . . . looked down before she blushed. “I would rather sit and watch the scenery.”

She didn’t look up to see if his lips quirked. A moment later, she felt his gaze leave her, and he spoke to James.

Fifteen minutes later, they all gathered in the garden hall, then set out for the stables. Sorting out horses and saddles took some time; Portia consoled the little chestnut mare while Simon’s bays were harnessed.

He came to fetch her, one brow rising as he walked down the aisle to her side. “Ready?”

She met his gaze, read the watchful concern in his eyes, smiled lightly and gave him her hand. “Yes.”

He led her out, handed her up, then climbed up beside her.

“We’ll see you along the road,” he called to James, still supervising the ladies’ mounts. James waved. The groom holding the bays’ heads leapt back. With a flourish of his whip, Simon sent the pair sweeping out into the drive.

They didn’t talk, didn’t need to. She looked around eagerly, keen to see a part of the country she hadn’t before explored. After they left the tall

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