“I have a confession to make,” Mia said, kicking the dirt.
“Oh?”
“I didn’t want to visit the neighbors. I’ve been on social calls before, and I find them boring and awkward, so when you offered to go riding with me, I was overjoyed at the prospect, since it meant I didn’t have to go on the visit. But…”
“Mia, what is it? You can tell me. Whatever’s on your mind, I’ll be happy to listen without judgment.”
“I actually don’t know how to ride a horse. We could never afford one when Papa was alive, and the mere thought of being around them terrifies me. I’m very sorry I misled you.”
Kathryn chuckled. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. How about if we go to the stables so you can get to know some of the horses? Perhaps in time, you’ll feel more comfortable around them and then the stablemaster can give you lessons on riding.”
“You’re not upset with me?”
“Not at all. It’ll be fine. Come. Let’s go meet some of the horses,” Kathryn said, walking to the stables.
When they entered the barn, Kathryn was surprised to see Mr. Clifford there talking with the stablemaster. She shouldn’t have been because they were cousins after all, but she hadn’t expected to see him down here at the barn. Her breath caught a little when she looked at his handsome form. Working outside had given his skin a bronzed glow and enhanced his hazel eyes. Even his brown hair had been kissed by the sun, and she found it hard to look away.
“Lady Kathryn,” Mr. Swifton said. “How may I help you today?”
“Good day, Mr. Swifton, Mr. Clifford. I wanted to introduce Miss Mia to the horses. She’s not had a chance to meet any of them yet.”
“Of course. I’d be delighted to introduce her to them,” Mr. Swifton said. “Miss Mia, let me tell you about our horses,” he said, walking farther into the barn with the young lady.
“Were you hoping to ride today?” Mr. Clifford asked Kathryn.
“Yes, until I realized Miss Mia has no experience with horses. She’ll need to be comfortable around them before we attempt a ride. I wouldn’t want to scare her needlessly.”
“Of course, Lady Kathryn.”
Kathryn looked into Mr. Clifford’s beautiful eyes and saw nothing but sincere interest. In the background, she could hear the stablemaster talking with Mia and explaining how to approach a horse. “Well, I remember the first time I ever saw a horse.”
“Will you tell me about it?”
“Mr. Clifford, I doubt very much that you want to hear the story of a frightened little girl and her first encounter with a horse,” she said with downcast eyes, afraid she was making a fool of herself.
“I would very much like to hear that story or any story you wish to tell me.”
Kathryn looked up, startled at his response. She wasn’t sure what to say to that. Mr. Clifford had always been kind to her, tipping his hat to her in London while he tended the neighbor’s garden, but she had no illusions that his kindness was anything more than that. Now he was showing interest in her, asking to know more about her, not her family, not her large dowry, just her. That had never happened before. No gentleman in London had ever asked her anything personal.
It was a rare occurrence, and it left her rather breathless.
“Lady Kathryn, are you feeling faint? Would you care to sit down?”
“No. I’m fine. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
“Why are you surprised?”
“I’ve never conversed with a gentleman who was interested in anything but my dowry.”
“Well, I’m not interested in knowing about your dowry, but I would very much like to know you better if you’ll allow it.”
“You would?”
“I would indeed.”
“Well then, I certainly don’t want to disappoint you,” she said with a chuckle. “You may regret your interest.”
“I could never regret spending time with such a lovely lady.”