Chapter 19

The following morning after breakfast, Dominic's aunt excused herself with the obligation of needing to write to her friend, leaving Dominic and Catherine alone in the dining hall. He wondered what his aunt had been telling Catherine the evening prior, as she had been rather quiet that morning, something that was unlike her. She always had a comment to make, especially when she didn't like something.

A strange thought occurred to him. Was it possible that she actually enjoyed being there and had nothing to complain about? Strange, but possible. Then another thought occurred to him.

"It promises to be a wonderful day," he said, dabbing the corner of his mouth with his napkin, signaling that he had finished with his breakfast. Catherine's fork and knife were still next to her plate, instead of it in, so he couldn't tell if she herself was done or not.

"It does," she nodded, looking at him from across the dining table.

"I was thinking, maybe you would like to join me for a morning of horseback riding," he suggested. There were some lovely spots he could show her, maybe even spend some time alone with her, which was something he yearned for. He didn't know if she would agree, though. Perhaps if he offered her a specific activity, she would be more inclined to agree to spending time with him.

She tilted her head a little. "You wish to see who is the better rider?"

He immediately remembered the conversation they had had a while back, one that amused him immensely, focusing on women's skill of horseback riding.

He had to admit that he didn't have that in mind when he invited her, but that only seemed to add a bit of flair to what promised to be an amusing morning. If that would make her agree to his proposal, he was more than happy to add a competitive spark to their conversation and the subsequent activities.

"Maybe," he said with a smirk. Then he shrugged. "But unless you are afraid of a little bit of competition…"

"I most certainly am not," she snapped back, but he could see that she was taking it all good-humoredly. There was a smile dancing in the corner of her lips, but she was doing her best to keep it concealed.

"In that case, you shall join me?" he inquired politely, getting up.

She followed suit immediately. "Of course," she nodded. Then she looked down at her gown. "I just cannot be riding in this gown. I must change."

"Of course," he nodded. "You may ask one of the servants to find you something suitable. My aunt has clothes she isn't using anymore, just for these purposes. I'm sure you can find something to suit you." He cleared his throat a little before speaking. "I wouldn't want you to say that inappropriate clothing made you lose."

"You wish," she smirked. "Just wait and see. I shall make you eat those words."

He couldn't help but chuckle. "Very well, Catherine. I shall wait for you here."

"You don't have to," she shook her head. "We can meet up by the stables. That will give you some time to prepare yourself mentally for the sensation of losing to a woman."

This time, he didn't chuckle. He simply stared at her, at her blushing cheeks, at those luscious lips that seemed to beckon him to kiss her with their ferocity and fire. He had never seen a woman so unwilling to allow others to think of her as weak or incapable of something she could actually do.

That seemed to make her even more alluring, that passion, that fire that she carried within her. He wanted it all to herself. He wanted to see her burn in the throes of desire. He wanted to hear her moan his name, giving herself to him.

"Cat got your tongue?" she teased.

This time, he did chuckle. "Not yet, my dear."

She frowned. "You know how I feel about that pet name."

He shrugged mischievously. "I was hoping if I say it enough times, you might change your mind."

"That's not how that works," she pouted impishly, then started walking towards the door. She lingered there for just a moment. "I shall meet you by the stables then."

"Very well," he nodded, watching her disappear behind closed doors. Titillated by what just happened, he didn't know whether he wanted her to win or not. Still lost in thought, he headed towards the stables. About half an hour later, he saw Catherine arriving from the direction of the house. Her riding attire exuded both elegance and practicality, something he didn't doubt even for a single second.

Her riding habit fit her perfectly, as if it had been expertly tailored just for her slender frame, consisting of a fitted jacket and a matching skirt. The jacket featured a high collar and long sleeves, adorned with delicate buttons. For a moment, he wondered if his fingers would tremble while he undid them. More importantly, would she tremble to see him do it?

He quickly brought himself back to the present moment, gazing at Catherine. Her skirt flowered gracefully around her as she moved. Its length carefully measured to ensure it did not impede her movements while riding. Crafted from the same material as her jacket, the skirt was designed to accentuate modesty, while still giving her freedom of movement.

Beneath her jacket, she wore a lightweight blouse with a high neckline. Perched atop her head was a fashionable riding hat, adorned with ribbons and feathers that danced in the breeze as she moved. In her hands, she was holding leather riding gloves, which she still hadn't put on.

"I see you found just what you were looking for," he said, wondering if he should tell her that she looked ravishing, even more in her riding attire than in her morning gown. There was something about a boldly confident and unapologetic woman that made his body react, and he was unable to take his eyes off of her.

"Do you think so?" she wondered, sounding amused by his comment.

"I can see it with my own two eyes," he nodded.

"What is it you see with your own two eyes?" she asked again, more playfully than last time.

For a moment, he was confused. Was she flirting with him? However, before he could reply, she walked past him and entered the stables first. He followed immediately, and was greeted by the familiar scent of hay and leather, mingled with the soft nickers of the horses.

There were several of them, but he knew which one he would pick. The horse recognized him and neighed softly as Dominic approached him. It was a majestic steed with a glossy black coat, its intelligent eyes watching them both with curiosity.

"Is this one yours?" Catherine wondered, approaching the horse gently and caressing its muzzle. The horse reacted with another soft whinny.

"No," Dominic shook his head. "None of these are mine. But this beauty here is the one I always chose to ride when I spent time. We've had many a pleasant ride together, haven't we, old boy?" He smiled at the horse, and another whinny echoed around them.

"He knows you," Catherine smiled. Then, her smile became even more playful. "That's not fair."

"What isn't?" he wondered.

"You'll be riding a horse you know," she explained. "I won't."

"Oh," he pondered, nodding. "You're right. Well, in that case, I'll just—"

"Wait, wait, wait," she suddenly interrupted him, lifting her hand at him. "Wait."

"What is it?" he asked, flabbergasted. Had something happened? He had no idea, but obviously, it was something important.

She tilted her head a little, as if to take a closer look at him. "You don't expect me to just move past it so quickly, do you?"

He still didn't understand. Panic started to rise inside of him, panic he didn't understand, and that made him even more apprehensive. What on earth had he done?

"I don't understand, Catherine," he admitted. "Move past what?"

She paused a little, then she revealed the cause of all that commotion. "Move past the fact that you admitted I was right."

It took him a moment for these words to settle inside his mind. Then he burst into laughter. "Really? That is what you were referring to?"

She joined in, although she was a bit more restrained. "Yes," she nodded. "I think you don't usually admit to other people that they are right, and by default, that would make you… wrong."

He pretended to frown, but in fact, he was rather amused by her observation. Her humor was exactly the breath of fresh air he didn't even know he was missing in his life.

"Well, now you are just stretching my words into something I didn't say," he replied equally playfully.

"No, no, no," she shook her head, still smiling. "You admitted I was right. You didn't have to say aloud that you were wrong. It was implied."

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you always this difficult?"

"Only when someone really deserves it." Her response made him grin, although it left him speechless.

"All right then, do you want to ride him?" he inquired, gesturing at his favorite horse.

"As a matter of fact," she said victoriously, glancing at the horse, "I do. He wants me to, as well."

"Does he?" he chuckled again, incredulous that he was already having so much fun, and it wasn't even noon. A part of him wondered what the rest of the day would bring, being all alone with her, his wife.

"Mmm," she nodded. "You may choose any of the others you like. I don't mind."

"How gracious of you," he teased.

"That won't help, though," she said playfully, taking the reins and putting it on the horse. Then she gently led it out of the stable. "Because we will win, one way or another."

He watched her intently, wondering if she knew that he had already won, regardless of the race they were about to compete in.