Read Online Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed) by Mary Jo Putney - Free Book Online

that sounded very personal. “Was he fostered out somewhere distant?”
    “When my father returned from London, he wanted to do something like that, but I wouldn’t allow it. I liked Mac and had him moved into the nursery with me.” It had been wonderful to find he had a brother. He’d never forgotten his first sight of Mac, who was terrified, grief-stricken, and trying gallantly not to show it. “I was a well-behaved, rather boring child. Mac was a wonderful companion. Outgoing and full of fun. So I insisted on keeping him.”
    “Like a puppy?” Athena asked with amusement.
    “Exactly.” Will’s glance was rueful. “I might have been boring, but I was also rather stubborn. When I refused to let Mac be sent away, my father abandoned plans to have me educated at Eton. Instead, he packed us both off to a small new school for boys of good birth and bad behavior so the illegitimate son wouldn’t be obvious.”
    As they entered the stables, Athena asked, “Did that work out well?”
    “Yes, we both got excellent educations and made friends for life.” Will glanced around the stables and saw several good horses. “My horse could probably use a rest. Do you have any other mounts that would be up to my weight?”
    Athena pointed to a large bay gelding. “Herculano is the strongest horse here and has a placid disposition.” She glanced at Will mischievously. “He should suit you well.”
    He chuckled as he went for his saddle and tack. “Is he also stubborn?”
    “When he feels the need.” Athena collected her own saddle and entered a stall with a tall, handsome chestnut. “Where is your brother now?”
    “Running a very fashionable gaming club in London. Though he’s spending less time at the club since he married last year.” Will entered Herculano’s stall and started to make the horse’s acquaintance. “I look forward to seeing him again. I’ve been enlisted as godfather for a baby that’s on the way.”
    “That sounds lovely.” Deftly Athena saddled the chestnut and led it into the aisle between the rows of stalls. As she added saddlebags, she said, “After we visit Señora da Silva, we’ll have a long day’s ride ahead if you want to see most of the valley. Earlier I packed food, but it will be another very simple meal. Is that acceptable?”
    “That sounds perfect.” Will smiled to himself as he saddled his horse. A long day with Athena Markham was just what he wanted.

Chapter 7
    A s Athena expected, Will rode like a man who spent half his days on horseback, which he probably had. The rain and mist of the previous day had burned off, leaving sunshine and an intensely blue sky. San Gabriel was at its best.
    She was glad he asked no more personal questions. As they rode through the town, all his attention was on his surroundings as he quietly absorbed every detail. The weathered stone houses topped with red tile were typical of this part of the world, but in places there were bullet scars or the marks of fire.
    Will attracted attention for both his size and his uniform. Children stared as if he were a being from another planet. He smiled at them amiably. The smallest shrank back shyly, but one bolder boy said loudly, “Why is he here?”
    Will replied in Gabrileño, “Visiting your beautiful country. Why are you here?”
    The boy’s jaw dropped before he rallied and called back, “I was born here!”
    “Good reason!” Will waved at the children as Athena guided them around a corner into the next street.
    “Within an hour, everyone in town will know that we’re being visited by a British officer who speaks the language. Unheard of! You’ll be regarded as a lucky bird of spring.” When Will gave her an inquiring glance, she explained, “It’s a local expression for when the first songbirds return. A lucky, happy time, since winter is over.”
    “I probably look more like a song bear,” he said with amusement. “San Gabriel has had a bad year, so I imagine all signs of good luck