“What of it? This is the horse I’ve inquired about. Is she ill? Has she gone lame?”
“No, My Lord. That’s not it at all.” Jonathan tried to stifle a sob, but it only ended up causing him to cough through his crying.
Evan appraised him for a long moment, then his eyes narrowed. “I know you,” he whispered. Jonathan looked up in alarm.
“My Lord? I… I don’t know…”
“Yes, it’s you.” Evan snatched the wool cap off of Jonathan’s head so suddenly and violently that he cried out. “What are you—”
He stopped mid-sentence, staring at Marjorie. She tried in vain to cover her hair, but her efforts were futile.
“My Lord, I can explain…” she began, but too soon realized that she could not. There was nothing she could say that would justify any of this.
“You. It’s been you this whole time? The girl from the woods, the fine lady at my table, and now, a stable hand?” Evan laughed in confusion.
“Yes, it is. And no, I suddenly realize that I do not have an explanation after all, at least not one that would justify deceiving you like this.” Marjorie dropped her gaze, feeling the flame of embarrassment rising up in her cheeks.
“But that means… it was you who calmed my horse, and who put a skittish beast through her paces today? How did you manage to do that when you’re… you’re only a…” He looked at her again, still put off by her appearance.
“A what, My Lord?” Marjorie demanded, her ire rising. “Only a girl? A useless, delicate lady who cannot possibly know anything about such frightening beasts as this?”
“Well, obviously! It’s not only unseemly to be riding this way—and dressed like that, no doubt—but altogether inappropriate and dangerous! It’s a hazard to your very health!” Evan retorted, but Marjorie only smirked.
She crossed her arms in front of her and pinned him back with a fierce look of reproach. “Are you quite finished worrying about my health? I’m far more concerned about how my mother’s horse has come to be standing in your stable!”
“Your mother? Lady Marjorie, I had no idea,” he stammered. “I swear to you, I only agreed to consider purchasing the animal, I never knew she did not rightfully belong to your father.”
“Ah, rightfully. That is a loaded word, is it not? Rightfully, I suppose she is my father’s property under the law… just as my mother was.” Marjorie all but spat the words, and Evan winced.
“It is not that way to me,” he replied quietly. “There is something about horses that transcends ownership papers and coins. If this was your mother’s horse, forever shall it remain.”
“My mother is dead, My Lord.”
“As I’m only now aware.” Evan looked out the doorway at the shadow of a passing bird, reminded that he was in a very tenuous position. Alone in his stable with a lady of the ton who was decidedly not dressed in an allowable manner. “I will send word to your father at once, cancelling our arrangement. You may take the horse with you when you go.”
Evan turned to leave, hoping to put distance between him and this situation immediately. It went without question that ‘Mr. Gregg’ was no longer his employee.
“Wait!” Marjorie called, and Evan turned at the apparent desperation in her voice. “Don’t go. Please reconsider and say you’ll keep your arrangement.”
“But I thought it was most displeasing to you,” he said, confused.
“Of course it is, but if my father has gone to these lengths to rid himself of a magnificent creature that holds such value in our hearts, then he will do so again. I’ve seen your stables and how important the horses are here… how important they are to you, too,” Marjorie said, looking away and lowering her voice as she remembered the Earl’s hasty departure from his mother’s dinner. “If anyone is to take this animal away from us, I need it to be you. I know you will treat her well and see that she is not abused.”
Marjorie’s voice cracked as she spoke, and fresh tears poured down her face. Giving permission to another—nay, begging someone to do it—to take her mother’s beloved Hermia felt like the worst kind of betrayal, but it had to be done. Father would only find another buyer, one who might be cruel or careless.
Evan watched Marjorie for a long time, then tentatively took several steps closer. “I’ve never met someone with such an affection for these creatures. I dare say, your sentiments match my own.”
“And how could they not? When these animals would willingly pull a mere baby’s carriage or a mighty soldier’s chariot into battle, expecting only a bucket of oats and a gentle pat in return? We do not deserve their affection or their loyalty, but they freely give it to anyone who treats them with the slightest kindness!”
Evan was quiet for a moment while Marjorie tried nearly in vain to stifle her tears. He looked down, and said softly, “I will follow through with the deal I made with your father. The mare can stay here and will be treated above all others. You’re… you’re welcome to visit her anytime you like.”
“Truly, My Lord?” Marjorie said weakly, a small smile brightening her face. “I thank you. That means a great deal to me.”
“You’re welcome,” he added with an awkward cough. “I’ll… I’ll just see to it that no one comes near the stables so you can make your way home.”
“Pardon me? I’m not leaving. I have a race this evening and I must prepare Copper,” she answered firmly. Evan stopped and stared at her, his eyes widening. Marjorie held up her hand in defiance. “Do not bother contradicting me, my mind is made up.”
“I won’t hear of it!” Evan stormed. “A young lady, a member of the peerage, racing a horse with that ruffian lot and putting her life in danger? Let alone her appearance and reputation? Impossible!”
