“Janine? What is this?” I picked up a beautiful yellow rose from my nightstand.

The lady’s maid snickered under her breath. “Well, Your Grace wanted to give you a little present, but you were still fast asleep,” she leaned closer to me, whispering in a hushed conspiratorial tone. “I think he was relieved you haven’t woken up yet since he looked awfully embarrassed.”

“He was in here?” I questioned, suddenly very conscious of the bird’s nest on top of my head. I sloppily fixed a few disobedient strands and tucked them behind my ear.

Her eyes glinted when she dismissively waved her hand. It was quite indisputable she revelled in Baxter’s every puzzling action. “He only brought the flower. I swear he ran out like his boots were on fire.”

Her words expelled the last of the sleepiness that hung upon me like a thick mist. “Did he say anything more, Janine?”

“Yes, he instructed for you to join him in the stables.”

“Horses,” I stated dryly. “Not such a good idea.”

“But you said you missed horses, Miss,” Janine’s brows snapped together. “Especially now when you know all about them,” she dragged out innocently.

I moaned, burring my head into the feathery soft pillow. “I do! But I swear I’ll let them stomp me to death if he starts to lecture me again,” my voice was so muffled it was a wonder Janine heard me.

“Now, now Miss,” she chuckled. “I am sure it won’t be that bad.”

I dragged myself out of the comfort of my warm bed and let Janine help me with my riding attire.

“Is there a chance I could ride in breeches?” I looked at her out of the corner of my eye.

“Miss, are you trying to give me a heart attack? What would His Grace say? Or the whole London for that matter?” Her eyes bulged out with sheer horror.

“Well, the truth is... I am awful in sidesaddle riding. People scream murder when I gallop past them.”

“Is that so?” Janine’s eyes sparkled mischievously. The woman was certain I was only jesting. “Then, let’s hope you gallop straight into Lord Tinley.”

The mental picture caused a fit of uncontrolled giggles. “Or the Crone clique.”

“Crone clique?” She asked with confusion. “What in God’s name might that be?”

“Lady Wyatt and my aunt,” I stated as I positioned a small, black velvet hat on top of my head.

Janine let out a loud unladylike snort. “Just don’t let them hear that,” she warned with evident traces of amusement on her face.

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“You’re right. I’d be condemned to wander the wicked nine circles of aunt Abby’s personally tailored hell.”

Baxter peeked through the door, curiously listening in on our banter.

“G-Good morning l-ladies, w-what are y-you smiling a-about?” He inquired, his eyes suspiciously travelling between me and my lady’s maid.

“Good morning, Baxter. I was just asking Janine if I could ride in bre-”

Janine was beside me in an instant, covering my mouth with her hand. “-Hush, dear child! Don’t mind her, Your Grace. She seems not to be herself this morning.”

Baxter’s head tilted to the side. “A-Actually, I was a-about to say how d-delighted she a-appears,” he studied me intently, trying to find a reason behind my sudden bubbliness.

“She’s simply excited to hear more about your horses, Your Grace. The thought of riding puts her in good spirits,” Janine added while smiling with angelic innocence.

She yelped softly as I stomped her foot.

I will get you for this! I mouthed as our eyes briefly met in the mirror’s reflection.

“Baxter!” I turned toward the poor gentleman’s puzzled face. “Thank you for the rose. It’s beautiful.”

“Y-yellow rose r-represents our f-friendship, Ashlyn.”

He was still unaccustomed to hearing my name on his lips. He always used a stiff tone when he pronounced it, as though he was embarrassed to say it out loud.

“Are we going for a ride, Baxter?

“Yes, I’ve h-heard you’re q-quite an e-excellent rider, My L-Lady,” he winced. “I m-meant, A-Ashlyn.”

I exchanged a worried look with Janine, seeing it finally downed on her that I in fact was not trying to be humorous. It was correct - I was an exceptional rider – however in a man’s saddle. I was terrible at riding astride and I will most certainly break my neck while doing it.

“You heard right, Baxter,” I gulped, avoiding Janine’s shaking head. I stepped closer to him, looping my hand under his arm. “We mustn’t waste any time then. Lead your way, Your Grace.”

I followed him out of the house and into the stables. It was so good being able to walk again without feeling the pain pinching at my ankle. I truly hoped the feeling would last.

“I-I have the p-perfect mare f-for you. N-Nyx is swift a-and sometimes s-stubborn, but I b-believe you w-won’t have problems w-with her.”

“Nyx – goddess of the night. Perfect,” I forced myself to smile, widening my eyes in panic the second he turned around to face his stallion.

This will most definitely be my funeral. I studied the sidesaddle like it was louse-ridden not knowing how to properly mount it. My eyes anxiously twitched as I discreetly tried to hoist myself into the saddle, hoping Baxter wouldn’t notice my ill attempts of climbing onto the nervous horse.

At last, I succeeded and proudly straightened my posture. Never before I had a problem controlling a horse, but sitting in this manner - it was virtually impossible.

“R-Ready?” Baxter inquired, completely oblivious to my struggle.

“Born ready,” I lied as I grasped the leathery reins between my fingers. I followed right behind him, trying my best to hold the proper balance as I swayed left and right.

My teeth chattered loudly as Nyx raced along the meadow and my body wobbled with every step she took. If someone watched my riding skills from afar, I am sure I must’ve blessed their day with this tragicomic spectacle.

Panic overrode my insides as I suddenly started slipping off the saddle. I tried to readjust myself only to accidentally nudge the horse and command it to move faster.

I cursed under my breath as Nyx started to gallop as though a horde of wild hogs were hot on her heels. My body helplessly trashed in every direction and I could only pray I will somehow survive this dire circumstance I pushed myself into. Branches mercilessly snapped at my face and leaves tangled into my hair while I raced straight into the woods. Now, without a doubt I knew I would be thrown off the saddle if I didn’t do something.

“Baxter!” I screamed loudly while I barely held myself upward. “Baxter! Help me!”