“And what are those thoughts?”
“Azure is one of the finest horses I’ve ever beheld. For you to have ridden him here alone, makes him a very special horse. You have a special rapport with him,” Gerald said, gazing into her lovely eyes. “Connery was right, you have an uncanny ability to understand animals, I was planning to ask for your assistance in helping me expand my stable of racehorses.”
“You mean help you train them?”
“Yes, that is what I mean.”
“Oh, I would love to. I know I have a lot to learn—”
“My love, while there is much, I can teach you about the industry of horse racing, I believe you have all the inherent talent you need when it comes to training horses. I’ve seen the way you communicate with Azure and the other horses and Dutch. You are extraordinary.”
“Thank you,” she said, a lovely blush tinting her cheeks.
“I want you by my side, helping me expand this venture and making our stable of racehorses the best in the country.”
“Gerald, I am—I don’t know what to say. That you would ask me to work with you, I am so touched and honored.”
“Nay, it is I am honored by having you in my life and by my side.”
“My sister, Diana, is a very accomplished horsewoman. Have you introduced her to Azure? He chuckled. “I feel certain Gabby will be just like her. She’s already asked about riding Aphrodite.”
“Gabby has been begging me to let her ride Aphrodite,” Gerald said with a groan.
“Oh, goodness! You don’t plan to allow…” she stopped. “I sound like my mother did when my father brought me Azure.”
His laughter filled the air. “No, not until Aphrodite is much calmer. You have nothing to worry about there. And I’d welcome your help with her. She’s still a bit wild. The race at Newcastle will be in May. I’d like to race Hermes and Aphrodite. And possibly one more. I will be hiring jockeys to train with them, shortly. But in the interim, your help would be invaluable.” Selena’s interests were so closely aligned with his own.If only I’d spent time with her, her sooner.Instead, he had neglected their engagement for all those years until disaster almost took her away from him.
“I’ve had some thoughts on things along those lines, too,” he said.
“I truly enjoy spending time around horses. I would love to ride with Diana, but her time has largely been taken with the children, so we aren’t able to spend much time together. And …”
Gerald gently placed his finger over her lips. “My darling, you don’t have to feel bad about that. With Mother and Gabby here, she’s had plenty of help.”
Gerald wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re safe and back here with me.”
“Oh Gerald, I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to Anna and take a footman with me when I came out here the day Vern snuck into the stable.” Selena nodded in the direction of Dutch, who was dozing on the soft hay about ten feet away. “I almost cost that sweet dog his life with my foolish behavior.” Selena shivered and Gerald held her closer. “It’s really over? That evil man is out of our lives?”
“It is my darling. You won’t have to worry about Vern Stiles ever again. You have nothing to fear from that blackguardfor the rest of our lives. Both my father and Banbury along with Percival will be speaking to the magistrates and with Prinny himself to make sure they know the extent of his crimes, including the kidnapping of those poor girls. And Prinny was livid about that, not to mention the fact that Stiles tried to kill a peer of the realm. Stiles will be tried and hanged for his crimes, you have my word.”
“What a vile and evil man. What about Grom? Is he also going to hang?”
Gerald let out a deep sigh. “I don’t think so. Percival and Wright have offered to speak on his behalf. Because of the extenuating circumstances with Stiles coercing Grom, I think they will be lenient. Percival also mentioned that he wants to take Grom under his wing, promising the magistrate that he will offer Grom employment and will maintain contact with the authorities on Grom’s behalf.”
“That is very good of Percival,” Selena said. “I think he is a good man. My father told us he had every faith in Percival before he passed away. And that evil imposter will be punished as he should be.”
Azure gave a resounding whinny as though in agreement.
“Yes, Azure, I know how you feel about that horrid man.” She smiled as she petted his mane.
“Now, for the final item on my list of things to ask you.”
“Oh my, is it last but not least?”
“It is definitely not least.”
“Very well, I am all ears.”
Gerald reached into his waistcoat pocket, withdrew a small box, and dropped to his knee in front of her.
