“That’s right,” Marion agreed, sending Ella a reassuring look before adding. “Besides, we’re not done with the tour yet. There’s one last stop to make.”
Agnes was surprised to hear that, quite certain, they had been to every important part of the house, and the less-than-significant spaces had been merely pointed out to her before they moved on elsewhere. Still, she diligently followed them as they led her through the vast corridors, down a smaller hallway that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, which led to a room that looked like a study that was no longer used.
It housed a few pieces of furniture, along with some boxes, but none of that was apparently why they had brought her there because at the end of the room was a glass door that led to a terrace.
“Please be careful, my lady,” Marion urged as she guided them up the stairs at the corner of the terrace, leading them to the rooftop.
For a moment, Agnes’ mind could not decipher what it was she was seeing, but after a moment, she understood where they were.
“Is this… a garden?” she gasped, staring at the array of vibrant, colorful flowers and green plants.
“It is the Dowager Duchess’ pride and joy. She and the Duke grew it together. They would spend hours here, tending to the plants, nurturing them, and caring for them. She still does it – tends to them. The Duke was always the one who was upset whenever a plant died, or a flower failed to bloom, and she said she did not want to break his heart as he watched over her, soshe kept at it.” Marion told her, watching as Agnes lightly ran the tips of her fingers over a rose.
The garden was truly wonderful. Agnes could tell just by looking at how carefully placed each potted plant was, the way the petals of flowers seemed to grow, and how void the surrounding was of any weeds, just how much time and love had been dedicated to the space.
And the view… oh, the view.
Slowly, she approached the edge and looked over the property, taking in the vast greenery the mansion sat atop, realizing once more how grand her new home was. The place felt… almost magical and promising that her singular dream would be brought to reality – a notion she wished she could believe without question.
“Magnificent… This place is truly magnificent,” she sighed, resting her arms on a railing that surrounded the rooftop, relishing in the cool breeze that was blowing as she looked over the property again.
It was then she noticed the stables next to the mansion, just as grand as any other thing within the property. Her excitement grew when she spotted a beautiful horse grazing peacefully next to it, and a familiar rush coursed through her veins.
Without thinking too much, she reached out and pointed at the horse, announcing.
“I want to ride that horse.”
Chapter Six
Marion took a look at where Agnes was pointing and paled.
“My lady, you cannot ride that horse. Do not worry; we have many other fine ones in the stables if you would just –”
“Why not? Why can't I ride that one? He seems quite fine to me. I would even say he is very majestic.” Agnes stated in confusion.
From the rooftop, she could tell just how great the horse was. Its brown coat gleamed brilliantly beneath the sun, and it stood strongly, moving around the grounds as it continued to eat grass. Agnes had spent enough time around horses to be able to tell the strong and weak apart from a single glance, and her eyes told her that the beast down there was too special for her to miss the chance of riding it.
“My lady, I understand, but you really cannot ride that one. He is the Duke’s favorite and most prized horse. No one else exceptthe Duke himself and the stable boy are permitted to touch it. In fact, we are advised not to, as it is really unfriendly around other people.” Marion said, her gaze pleading with Agnes to relent and shift her attention elsewhere.
Unfortunately, she was too captivated by the creature to listen.
“I am sure it will be fine,” she muttered, leaving the rooftop garden.
She could hear Marion calling for her, along with Ella and Beatrice, but she paid them no mind, heading outside straight to the stable. They eventually caught up with her just before she arrived at the stable, somehow managing to stand between her and the building.
“My lady, you should really listen to them,” Beatrice pleaded, sounding out of breath.
“Mrs. Safield, I appreciate the concern for my well-being, but I assure you, I can handle myself. My father loved horses, and he made sure each of his girls was given the best lessons on horse riding. Granted, my sisters did not enjoy it very much – even though we were all taught to ride exceptionally – but I did. Every moment I spent with a horse – tending or riding – helped me escape reality and find peace within myself. It felt like… like the only part of myself that belonged to me.
“I’ve always dreamed of entering horse competitions, but I could not – even though I had secretly trained for them.” She paused and inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself. “What I am trying tosay is that I love horses, and I know how to handle them. If you are worried that I will get hurt or the horse will let me assure you that we will be fine.”
She moved past them, smiling when she noticed a boy walking towards them, bowing as he got close enough to address Agnes.
“Good morning, my lady.” He looked past her and greeted the others behind her before shifting his attention back to her. “What can I do for you, my lady?”
She gestured to the horse on the left side of the stable that was still grazing, unaware of what Agnes had planned.
“I want to ride that horse.”