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“It’s no problem. I didn’t introduce myself when I came. However I’d be delighted to join you for the lesson. I’d wanted toride anyway, but Maisie comes first,” she said the last bit staring at the little girl who seemed oblivious to their exchange.

As the morning progressed, Maisie’s confidence grew. With Yvette’s help, the young girl began to understand the rhythm of riding, her nerves melting away with each small success.

Soon, Yvette and Maisie were laughing together as they rode their horses around the field, the tension between them easing as they both enjoyed the simple pleasure of the ride.

The sun was higher in the sky now, casting a warm glow over the land, and the sounds of the horses’ hooves beating against the earth seemed to lift their spirits.

However, in the midst of their fun, Maisie’s enthusiasm got the best of her.

“Faster, Flash!” she called, her voice ringing with delight, as she urged her pony forward with a gentle nudge of her heels.

But in her eagerness, she kicked the pony’s side a bit too firmly. Flash’s ears twitched back, and with a sharp, startled cry, he reared up on his hind legs.

Maisie’s eyes widened in terror.

“Whoa! No! Flash, stop!” she cried, clutching the reins tightly as her knuckles turned white.

The pony, spooked beyond reason, came crashing back down and bolted across the field, galloping in uneven circles. Maisie’s small frame bounced in the saddle, her terrified cries echoing across the open space.

“Help! Please! I can’t stop him!” she sobbed, her fingers slipping on the leather reins as panic overwhelmed her.

Yvette’s heart stopped for a moment as she watched Maisie scream in terror. Without thinking, she moved her horse towards them, her body moving with precision as she rushed towards the girl.

The instructor was also quick on their heels, and together, they reached the frightened animal.

Yvette was the first to reach Maisie’s pony, pulling at the reins to calm the animal. The instructor helped her steady the horse, his hands firm as they both worked to soothe the animal’s frenzied movements.

“Maisie,” Yvette breathed out, her voice sharp but gentle as she reached for the little girl, helping her dismount from the horse.

Maisie trembled in her arms, her body shaking, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps.

“It’s all right,” Yvette murmured, holding Maisie close, “You’re safe. The pony is safe.”

Maisie’s small body wracked with sobs, and Yvette held her tightly, rocking her back and forth.

“You were so brave,” Yvette whispered, her hand stroking Maisie’s hair. “Don’t you worry. Even the best riders have moments like this.”

Maisie clung to her, her sobs slowing as she felt the warmth and reassurance of Yvette’s embrace.

As they stood there, Yvette still comforting the girl, she heard a voice from behind her.

“What in the devil’s name were you thinking?”

CHAPTER 9

“What has happened here?” Killian growled.

Killian had been watching from the window in his study, his steely gaze never leaving Yvette and Maisie.

His frustration had built steadily as he observed, unable to make out the exact cause of the commotion at first. But when the sight of Maisie’s frightened face and her frantic horse became clear, his temper flared.

Yvette parted her lips to speak, but before she could muster the words, Killian turned his attention to the riding instructor, berating him with a voice filled with thunderous authority.

“Do ye not know how to do the work ye’re paid to do?” he yelled at the younger man, who lowered his head, unable to say anything back.

“I asked ye a question.”

The instructor stammered his apologies, but Killian was unmoved. The man had let his charge, a young girl, ride unprepared, and now the consequences were painfully obvious.