Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

A lex sat up in bed with a groan, bringing his hand to his head. The pressure behind his eyes had started building the night before, but it had blossomed into a raging headache overnight, keeping him tossing and turning in his sleep. It was a familiar pain, similar to what he'd endured as a child, though he prayed it would not escalate any further.

The day before had been a productive one. His steward, Mr. Finch, had led him across the estate to evaluate the property and the pending purchase of the decided acreage. While out, they had visited with tenants, inspected where money needed to be spent, things that he knew would require his approval and should occupy his attention during his stay. Alex knew his steward took good care of the estate in his absence, so there was no neglect on Alex's part, but he did not want to appear the ignorant landlord either. He had good staff here, and they deserved as much as they gave. But already being back at the estate had left him feeling ragged. He had intended to spend the evening with his wife, ask her how she liked the estate, establish some semblance for familiarity and camaraderie in their home here, but he was too exhausted for any of it. And this headache was evidence that his haunting illness had undoubtedly returned.

A knock sounded at Alex's door, and he looked up sharply. The sun had barely started to lighten the windows behind the curtains, so his valet was not expected for some time.

He gingerly stood and moved toward the door, opening it to find Nielson.

"Please forgive the intrusion, sir."

"Is there something wrong?"

The butler shook his head, a small smile peeking at the corners of his lips. "No sir. Madam's horse has just arrived."

Alex's shoulders lightened with relief. "Ah, excellent news."

"She had asked that she be informed immediately. Should I wake her?"

"No." His hands shot up perhaps too quickly. "That is, allow me. See that the horse is brought to the stables. I will see her down myself."

Nielson bowed. "Very good, sir."

Alex closed the door and moved toward the other connecting door but paused in raising his hand to knock. She had said she would never open this door between them. Would she assume he sought her for other purposes? But he knew she would want to know.

Squaring his shoulders, he gave the door three firm knocks. "Mrs. Westcott, are you awake? Might I have a word?"

He listened carefully, and eventually heard bustling in her room, followed by footsteps. The door slowly creaked open, half of her face appearing with a candle in the gap. "Yes?"

Her disheveled blonde hair and sleepy eyes presented quite a vulnerable image that nearly made Alex forget his purpose at the door. He cleared his throat. "I wanted to inform you that your horse has arrived. "

Her eyes widened, and eyebrows lifted. "Truly?"

Alex nodded. "I'm having her brought to the stables. You can see her as soon as you're ready."

"Yes, just allow me some time to call the maid and dress." The excitement dancing in her eyes was unmistakable. "Shall I wear my riding habit?"

He had expected nothing less. "Yes, of course."

She moved to close the door, but then paused. "And will you accompany me?"

Alex hoped he veiled his grimace, for he did not feel up to galivanting across the countryside with his strong-willed wife. But perhaps that was the very reason he needed to go with her. In proving his loyalty, he would win her trust, resulting in the better outcome. The sacrifice would be worth it in the end.

"If you wish."

She nodded and pulled the door closed.

Alex sighed, then rang for his valet. He took his time dressing, thinking he would wait for his wife downstairs, but when he walked past her door, it burst open, and Mrs. Westcott appeared. He startled at the blur of blue fabric that now stood beside him, but the maid lifted a candle from behind, and the vision cleared. Mrs. Westcott wore a dark blue riding habit, trimmed with ruffles and braids and buttons, and donned a simple cap with matching décor. Any sleepiness was gone from her eyes, despite the darkness of early morning still clinging to the world around them. Now she stood eager and ready before him, and Alex could not remember ever finding her more endearing.

"Shall we go now, then?" she asked in a hurry, the light aroma of jasmine surrounding her.

He could not resist a smile. "Yes, I will take you there directly."

She nodded and fell into step beside him as they descended the stairs. They walked in silence, and when he caught a glance of her gloved fingers wringing together, he could almost feel the excitement emanating from her.

He led her through the house, out the door into the cool morning air where morning dew still lingered, and the sunlight shone over the distant horizon in a blazing greeting. His wife's footsteps grew more agitated as they neared the stables, and Alex almost told her to go ahead of them. Then the stablemaster appeared in the doorway and smiled.

"Just through here, madam."

She rushed in a rather unladylike manner into the stable, leaving Alex to chuckle behind her. He rounded the corner of the doorway just as she spotted her animal. She rushed to its side, and the horse immediately responded in little whinnies and whimpers of recognition.

"There you are, my dear sweet girl," Mrs. Westcott cooed. "There you are, my darling."

Alex watched as the horse nuzzled her neck, and she kissed her cheek, petting the long pretty mane in return.

"Can we have her saddled, please?" she asked of the stablemaster, and the man went to work right away.

"And please ready Hector as well," Alex added, as his wife turned to wait by his side.

"Hector?" she asked.

Alex nodded. "It was my mother's horse, but there is also Hercules, who is the stud horse. My father had decided to look into horse breeding before he died." When she did not respond, he went on. "And what was yours? Morgana, was it?"

She looked up at him, as if surprised he would remember such a detail. "Yes."

"How did you come across the name?"

"I believe it belonged to a water fairy or a witch of the sea. My horse has a particular temperament, rather feisty at times."

"I see." The next words formed on Alex's tongue before he could stop them. "Then she is much like her mistress in that regard."

Alex held his breath, waiting for his wife's reaction. After a moment, she erupted in laughter, a delightful sound that meant his attempt at teasing was safe. "Indeed," she replied.

The saddled horse emerged from the stables, and Alex finally got a good look at the animal. A beautiful mare, strong and lean. Morgana did have a very ethereal appearance, her body a muted tanned color with a white mane and tail. The stablemaster brought the mounting steps, allowing Mrs. Westcott to climb up and arrange herself on the sidesaddle. She sat tall and proud, patting the horse's neck when she looked up and met Alex's gaze.

The brightness of her eyes, the wide set of her grin, nothing could outshine her current state of happiness. Alex felt the fringes of his heart begin to flitter away, and if he wasn't careful, the beating thing in his chest wouldn't belong to himself for very long. That smile had been hard won, and he found a thrilling sensation take over him. He would have little choice in the matter now; his purpose for the rest of his life would be making that woman smile just like that, as often as possible.

"Come along, Alex," she said. "We've only got all day."

Her words made him chuckle as he pulled himself up onto his own horse. Alex took a deep breath, getting settled. The sun was barely peeking over the trees now, and he wondered just how long he would be able to keep up with her.

"Off we go, then."