Read Online Louise M. Gouge by A Proper Companion - Free Book Online Page B

lurched forward. Or so it seemed to Anna. She grabbed for the front edge of the saddle.
    “Easy.” The major walked along beside her, cane in one hand and his other hand stretched out toward her, should she need it. “If you must hold on, you can grip her mane. Try to sit straight and balance your spine over hers. Keep your eyes straight ahead.”
    Anna followed his instructions and soon was able to sit without holding on for a few seconds at a time. They walked around the circle drive in front of the manor house, and she found herself moving comfortably with Bella’s walking gait. Her confidence grew, probably because of Major Grenville’s presence. Well into the second time around, she ventured a sidelong glance at him.
    “Have you taught many people how to ride?”
    “A few young dragoons who’d not had the advantage of learning at home.” He grimaced, and she guessed his injured leg was giving him pain. Yet he made no complaint. “You’re doing very well.”
    Pleased at his compliment, she relaxed into the saddle. “If that is so, it is your doing.”
    “Nonsense.” He used his mother’s favorite word, but without the sharpness the viscountess employed. “Riding is in your blood. Newfield was the best rider of all my officers, some of whom had ridden all their lives.”
    “Peter has always been fearless.” Anna refused to speak of her brother as though he were dead, despite the shadow that passed over the major’s handsome face.
    “Indeed. Fearless describes him well.”
    They fell silent as they continued their walk, and Anna grew more and more comfortable on Bella’s back. She lost count of how many times they circled the great fountain in the center of the drive. She imagined the structure would be quite lovely in the spring and summer, when water flowed from the marble pitchers held by four dainty Grecian maidens in marble gowns. She prayed she would still reside at Greystone Lodge to see it. And although she wished the major a speedy recovery, she hoped he would still be here then, too. Like her father and brother, he made her believe she could do something that frightened her beyond reason. And he was right.
    * * *
    After spending the morning with Miss Newfield, Edmond experienced a satisfaction unlike any he could recall. She was nothing like the young ladies he had observed in London, the girls who simpered and giggled and posed in their pretty frocks while trying to ensnare some unattached peer or heir. The same young misses had turned their backs when he approached because he was a younger son lacking both title and fortune. He could not imagine any of those giddy girls facing a challenge as admirably as Miss Newfield. Although she had been afraid, she had not only faced her fears but done it with good humor, just as her heroic brother might have done. Her insistence upon giving him the credit for their successful lesson soothed a hidden wound in his soul.
    To his relief, he observed that Miss Newfield did not wilt under Mother’s scorching rule, which had been his concern from the moment he invited her to Greystone Lodge. Thus he could not regret bringing her here, for he felt certain she would do only good for the entire household. Still, he must remain on his guard against any display of admiration, especially in the presence of his mother and his bothersome eldest brother. While Mother seemed oblivious to Miss Newfield’s beauty, Greystone took entirely too much delight in teasing Edmond as if they were still boys and his joking could create no lasting damage.
    But indeed, it could utterly destroy a kind and innocent soul, should Mother decide the young lady had set her cap for him.

Chapter Eight
    A nna had no illusions that her good experience with the first riding lesson indicated she would become a skilled rider, for Major Grenville had kept Bella at a walk the entire time. Horses also trotted and galloped. What would the mare have done if the groom had released the halter? If