Page 28 of A Spinster’s Folly (Courting the Unconventional #2)

E ugenie lay still in her bed as the morning sun streamed through the tall windows. She squeezed her eyes shut, as if doing so could banish the one thought that had consumed her since waking.

Charles.

No matter how hard she tried to push him from her mind, he kept creeping back in.

She thought of last night, of the way his deep laughter had filled the room as they played card games, his sharp wit making even the most mundane of moments entertaining. Charles had a rare talent—he could always make her laugh, no matter the circumstance. And that was precisely the problem.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Before she could respond, Alice stepped inside. “Good morning, my lady,” she greeted.

Eugenie groaned dramatically and grabbed a pillow, covering her face. “I am sleeping.”

“That is unfortunate because Lord Bedford has arrived and is waiting for you at the stables. ”

The pillow was yanked away in an instant. Eugenie sat up, blinking at Alice in confusion. “Why is he at the stables?”

Alice shrugged. “He didn’t say.”

Curiosity stirred in Eugenie’s chest. It had been years since she had set foot in the stables.

Not since her accident. Her fingers drifted to the back of her head, the place where she had struck the ground so violently that day.

The scar had long since healed, but the memory of waking in a haze, unable to recall how she had fallen, still haunted her.

Alice’s expression softened. “Perhaps it is time, my lady. You used to love visiting the stables.”

“That was before I almost died, Alice. It feels like a lifetime ago.”

Alice stepped closer, offering her a kind smile. “It was a long time ago. But going to the stables doesn’t mean you have to ride.”

Eugenie hesitated. The idea of returning to the stables sent a nervous flutter through her chest. “I suppose there’s no harm in a visit,” she murmured. “But I won’t ride.”

“I don’t think Lord Bedford would push you into anything you aren’t ready for,” Alice assured her as she moved towards the wardrobe, pulling out a gown of soft blue. “But you don’t want to keep him waiting too long.”

Eugenie rose from the bed, making her way to the dressing table. She reached for the brush and pulled it through her long blonde hair.

Alice approached and held out a hand. “Allow me, my lady.”

Eugenie relinquished the brush and let Alice take over, watching her reflection as her maid worked the strands into an elegant chignon.

“What do you think of Lord Bedford?” Eugenie asked.

Alice gave her a knowing look in the looking glass. “From what you’ve told me, he sounds like an honorable gentleman. ”

“He is . Which is the only reason he offered for me.”

Alice pinned the final strand of hair in place. “Would you have accepted his offer under different circumstances?”

“No,” she said firmly. “I am content with my life.”

“And you don’t think there is room for Lord Bedford in it?”

Eugenie fell silent. Charles had already found a way into her heart. But that isn’t what scared her the most. She didn’t want to feel anything for him, but he made her feel everything. When had her life become so complicated?

Alice stepped back and studied her handiwork. “Do you like your hair, my lady?”

Eugenie turned her head slightly, admiring the intricate coiffure. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Then let’s get you dressed,” Alice said as she went to retrieve the gown.

Eugenie slipped out of her dressing gown and into the morning gown, standing patiently as Alice fastened the buttons at her back.

As Alice secured the last one, Eugenie found herself asking, “Do you think I was too quick to dismiss Lord Bedford’s marriage offer?”

Alice’s hands stilled. “It doesn’t matter what I think,” she said. “Do you think you made a mistake?”

Eugenie’s lips parted, but no words came. She had to admit that the thought of marriage to Charles did hold some appeal.

Alice stepped back. “I do believe that you have your answer,” she said. “But I will support you, no matter what you do.”

Eugenie swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “Thank you.” She turned towards the door before she could second-guess herself.

She hurried down the corridors until she arrived at the back door. The morning air was refreshing as Eugenie made her way across the grounds. The path to the stables was familiar but strangely foreign after so many years.

When she reached the stables, Charles was already there, standing near the entrance. He caught sight of her and lifted his hand in greeting. “Good morning, my lady.”

Eugenie stopped in front of him. “Good morning, my lord.” She eyed him suspiciously. “Dare I ask why you are waiting for me at the stables?”

Charles’s easy smile dimmed slightly. “Your brother told me about your accident. And how you no longer ride, despite your love for horses.”

Eugenie’s stomach tightened. She had known someone would tell him eventually, but hearing him say it aloud felt like a reopened wound.

“It’s true,” she admitted, catching the familiar scent of hay drifting from the stable doors.

Once, it had been a comforting scent. Now, it only served as a reminder of what she had lost.

Charles took a step closer, though he was careful to maintain a proper distance. “I want to help you get back in the saddle.”

She shook her head. “That is kind of you, but my riding days are over.”

His blue eyes searched hers. “Are you saying that because you want them to be over?” He let the question hang between them before adding, “Or because of fear?”

Eugenie bristled at his words. “I almost died , Charles,” she responded firmly. “I don’t think I will ever be ready to sit atop a horse again.”

Charles studied her, his expression giving nothing away. “So you’ve given up,” he said finally. “Letting fear win?”

She drew in a sharp breath, her hands clenching at her sides. “I am not giving up,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Then prove it. ”

Eugenie narrowed her eyes. “And how do you suggest I do that?”

His smile returned. “Take a walk with me through the stables.” He gestured towards the open doors. “Just that. Nothing more.”

Eugenie glanced towards the shadowed interior, her heart pounding. It was just a walk. She could do that, couldn’t she?

After a long pause, she squared her shoulders. “Very well, my lord,” she said. “Lead the way.”

Charles extended his arm to her, and she placed her gloved hand atop his.

As they stepped inside, the scent of leather, hay, and horses enveloped her, stirring old memories.

And, for the first time in years, Eugenie wondered if maybe—just maybe—she wasn’t as ready to close this chapter of her life as she had once believed.

“I must admit, I have a surprise for you,” Charles said. His voice held a quiet excitement, as if he had been anticipating this moment for some time. He gestured towards the row of stalls lining the stables. “It’s in the first stall.”

Eugenie didn’t dare to guess what the surprise could be, but Charles’s expression was enough to send a thrill of curiosity through her. Without hesitation, she hurried to the first stall, her boots clicking against the wooden floor.

As she peered inside, her breath caught.

Standing there, nestled in a bed of fresh straw, was the smallest foal she had ever laid eyes on.

Its coat was a rich, warm brown, speckled with delicate white spots, as if someone had scattered flecks of snow across its fur.

Its dark eyes, round and filled with innocence, gazed up at her.

Charles came to stand next to her. “I thought a miniature horse might help ease you back into your love of horses,” he said.

Eugenie quickly unlatched the stall door and slipped inside, moving cautiously so as not to startle the young creature. Extending her hand, she let it hover in the space between them, allowing the foal to approach on its own terms.

To her delight, the foal showed no hesitation. It took a bold step forward, its velvety muzzle brushing against her fingertips. A smile spread across her face as she ran her hand down the foal’s neck, feeling the fine, silky hair beneath her palm.

“I love it,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. She turned towards Charles. “Thank you. Truly.”

“I’m glad,” he said simply.

Eugenie felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This wasn’t just a gift. It was a gesture of understanding, of care. “This is the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me. How can I ever repay you?”

Charles held her gaze. “All I want is for you to be happy, Eugenie.”

“I am happy.”

He grinned. “Then my work here is done.”

But she wasn’t ready for him to step away just yet. A boldness she hadn’t expected surged through her, and she took a step closer, placing a hand against his chest. “I do think a kiss is in order,” she murmured, tilting her head up to meet his gaze.

“I have no objections.”

She leaned in and could feel the warmth of his breath against her lips. Her heart pounded so loudly she feared he might hear it, but she didn’t pull away. Just a few inches more…

When their lips met, it was like everything stilled. It wasn’t their first kiss, but it was the kiss that made her realize she didn’t want to kiss anyone else.

Then the sudden creak of the stable door jolted them apart. Charles immediately took a step back, his posture straightening as though preparing for the interruption.

A moment later, Elsbeth appeared, her eyes flicking between the two of them with thinly veiled amusement. “I do hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said with a knowing look.

Eugenie, still slightly breathless, gestured towards the foal. “Look what Charles gave me.”

Elsbeth’s eyes widened with delight as she stepped closer. “What an adorable foal!” she gushed.

“It is, isn’t it?” Eugenie agreed, crouching down and wrapping her arms around the tiny creature’s neck. The foal let out a soft neigh, nudging her affectionately.

“Have you decided what to name him?” Elsbeth asked.