Shev by Tracey Devlyn

Author:Tracey Devlyn [Devlyn, Tracey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781940677064
Google: GaG9CQAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 25636276
Publisher: TDC Creations, Inc.
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Anne’s insides roiled like boiling water in a kettle. One moment she stood strong in her conviction not to give in to her inappropriate feelings for Lord Shevington, and in the next second, she hovered over an abyss of indecision.

If only he weren’t so handsome, intelligent, amusing, and heartbreakingly considerate of his daughter’s feelings, she could overcome her attraction. Push it away to the farthest reaches of her mind and simply admire him for having the qualities of a good man.

But he was all those things and more. The barrier her mind had erected—the one that guided her along the jagged path of right and wrong—had begun to tremble and crack, allowing bands of brilliant, invigorating light to shine through.

She was drawn to those bands in the same way a ship’s crew who had dwelled at sea for far too long sought out a speck of land.

A gasp rent the air, forcing Anne’s inner struggle to the background. She paused behind Lord Shevington, Jacqueline, and the stable master. The trio observed something inside a large stall.

Anne moved to see what had drawn their attention when Jacqueline turned to her suddenly and exclaimed, “A pony!”

All Anne’s wariness, concern, and self-recrimination vanished at the sight of one beaming smile from a troubled little girl. Without thought, she stepped forward and gathered Jacqueline’s long, wavy hair and draped it down her back before settling her hands on the girl’s shoulders.

Inside the massive stall, a mare and her newborn stood with their noses together. The baby’s coat was a deep, impenetrable black but for the adorable white patch above its left knee.

Lord Shevington peered down at his daughter. “He needs a name.”

“He doesn’t have one yet?”

Before the marquess could answer, Finn jumped in. “His lordship wouldn’t hear of it. Informed us all that he was bringing someone special to Fenmore to do the honors.” He winked at Jacqueline and received a scowl from her father. “You’re a lucky young lady. His lordship doesn’t allow just anyone to name his prized horseflesh, and this young buck is going to be a champion. Mark my words.” Finn lowered his voice. “Make it a strong name, Miss Jacqueline.”

The girl’s face puckered in concentration. Anne could almost feel the girl’s desire to pick the perfect name. It was obvious she’d never been entrusted with such a task before, and she wanted to get it right.

Curious, the newborn tiptoed to where Jacqueline stood with her face pressed between two wooden slats. The closer he came, the broader the girl’s grin grew.

Remembering what she’d been taught, Jacqueline smoothed her small hand down the newborn’s narrow black nose. When he made to shy away from her touch, she coaxed him forward with melodic words in her native tongue.

He stepped closer again, and Jacqueline rewarded him with a smile. “Petit courageux.”

Brave little one.

Pride wedged itself in Anne’s throat. Only a short while ago, Jacqueline balked at going near the horses for fear of scaring them. And now, she praised a newborn for being courageous.

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