Kathryn swallowed the lump in her throat at his compliment. “Well, my first experience with a horse happened when I was five years old.”
As she told the story, they walked along the stalls. She loved being around horses and felt such a connection with them. Having Mr. Clifford by her side, listening to her recount an incident from her childhood, was a joy she’d never thought to feel.
“Lady Kathryn, look at me!” Mia shouted.
Kathryn and Mr. Clifford walked to the last stall. “Oh my goodness! Mia, you look marvelous,” she said, watching as Mia sat tall in the saddle on a sweet bay mare.
“Mr. Swifton thinks I’ll be a good rider with practice.”
“I’m so very pleased to hear that.”
The mare whinnied, startling Mia. “I want to get down now,” she pleaded.
“Of course, Miss Mia,” Mr. Swifton said, helping her dismount. “Don’t be alarmed. Horses whinny all the time; it doesn’t mean she dislikes you.”
“Oh, that’s good to hear. Perhaps I’ll come back soon and try again,” Mia said.
“Of course. Anytime you’d like more lessons, I’ll be happy to provide them,” Mr. Swifton said.
“Thank you, Mr. Swifton.” Mia looked at Kathryn. “Are you ready to return to the house?”
“Of course.” Kathryn turned to Mr. Clifford. “Good day, Mr. Clifford, and to you, Mr. Swifton. Thank you for Mia’s lesson today.”
Both men nodded and said their goodbyes.
As Kathryn and Mia walked back to the house, all Kathryn could think about was how nice it was to talk with Mr. Clifford. He was genuinely interested in what she had to say, and shedidn’t feel like she was being a burden, which was how she usually felt in London. Mr. Clifford was so easy to talk to.
She would be sad when it came time to return to London. Being in the country and interacting with Mr. Clifford had quickly become a safe haven for her, and she didn’t want to leave.