“Nonsense,” he waved his hand dismissively. “Like I said, it is years old and Mother has no use for it any longer. In all honesty, I’m not sure that even Mrs. Kensington knows where it is stored, but it worth asking. It would be much more comfortable riding in that in this gown, lovely as it is though.”
She was still a bit confused, but instead of arguing with her, he walked over to her and gently pushed her out of the stables, taking the brush from her hand. “Come now. A ride in the fresh air will do us both some good. And I will get the chance to show you the part of the estate you have not seen yet.”
His eyes assured her that her hesitation was needless. “All right,” she finally agreed.
“You go on back, I shall ready the horses by the time you get back,” he suggested.
She nodded once again, and headed back to the house, wondering if she should have agreed with this or not. Her heart assured her that she had made the right decision.
CHAPTERTWENTY
When Phyllis returned, Alexander had to admit that he had not expected her to look so fetching. As she mounted the horse, Phyllis’ riding ensemble showcased both elegance and functionality.
A tailored riding habit adorned her figure, featuring a high-necked jacket with a fitted bodice and long, slim sleeves. The jacket, made from a rich fabric in a subdued earthy tone, accentuated Phyllis’ slender silhouette. Intricate detailing, such as delicate buttons and fine embroidery along the cuffs, added a touch of sophistication to the ensemble.
Beneath the jacket, she wore a matching riding skirt that fell gracefully to her ankles. The skirt allowed for ease of movement while maintaining a modest and fashionable appearance. A pair of sturdy leather riding boots, reaching just below her knees, provided both protection and a polished finish to her equestrian ensemble.
Completing her outfit was a coordinating riding hat adorned with a silk ribbon. Positioned securely atop her coiffed hair, the hat shielded her eyes from the sun and added a final note of refinement. A pair of well-fitted gloves graced her hands, offering a tactile grip on the reins while preserving the pristine condition of her elegant attire.
“Ready?” she asked, and only then did he realize that he had been caught staring at her in awe.
He shook his head, blinking heavily and pretending to shield his eyes. “Yes, the sun was in my eyes for a moment there.”
Several minutes later, under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy of ancient trees, Alexander and Phyllis embarked on a leisurely ride through the sprawling estate grounds. The two horses moved in synchronized harmony, their hooves creating a rhythmic melody against the soft earth.
As they rode, Alexander couldn’t help but steal glances at Phyllis. Atop the sturdy male horse, she displayed a natural grace in her riding. Her posture was upright, a testament to her equestrian skill, and she handled the reins with confident ease. The wind teased strands of her hair, setting them adrift like dark ribbons, and her eyes sparkled with the joy of the ride.
Alexander, astride the elegant mare, exuded a commanding presence. His form melded seamlessly with the horse’s rhythmic gait, and he guided her with subtle yet authoritative movements. The powerful muscles beneath the mare’s glossy coat rippled with each step, reflecting the synergy between rider and steed.
As they traversed the estate’s diverse landscape, the horses’ hooves trod upon emerald grass, cobblestone paths, and soft patches of earth. Towering trees arched overhead, casting intermittent shadows on the winding trail. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of a bubbling brook added a serene soundtrack to their journey.
When they halted by the serene lake, the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sounds of nature formed a tranquil symphony around them. Phyllis, gazing at the clear waters, couldn’t help but express her admiration for the beauty of the estate.
“What a beautiful estate you have,” she remarked, the reflection of the landscape dancing in her eyes.
Alexander, correcting her with a warm smile, gently responded, “You mean, what a beautiful estatewehave. It is ours now.”
She smiled back. “Ours,” she echoed, the words carrying a weight of shared responsibility, and he hoped, a glimpse of shared joy.
Something told him that this was a significant moment. “Indeed, Phyllis. I know you didn’t imagine things this way. I must admit, neither have I, but it seems that fates have merged our life paths. Perhaps our journey together does not have to be all that… unpleasant.”
“Is such a thing possible?” she wondered, as the sun cast a gentle glow on the water.
“Why not?” he shrugged. “Stranger things have happened.”
She chuckled without looking at him, but rather, chose to focus on the lake instead.
“You know, Leonard and I used to spend many a lazy afternoon here as boys,” he said, his voice carrying a soft tint of melancholy for those carefree days of which he had none left. “We would swim in this lake every chance we got.”
“Swim?” she asked, turning to him only now. “But the water looks freezing even now!”
He grinned. “It was, and it is now, I’m sure. Although I haven’t swam in it in years.”
“You seem to have had a blissful childhood,” she said in a voice he didn’t quite understand, a voice that carried a deep-rooted sadness in it.
“I did,” he affirmed. “My father was mostly gone on business, so that left a lot of time for Mother, Leonard and I spend together. She would read in the garden, and we would run about, play hide and seek, and generally, just create mischief for her.”
Phyllis smiled. “It really does seem blissful.”
