Page 46 of Beyond Her Manner

Viola took the carrot Gillian offered and watched as she fed hers to Dudley.

“Keep a flat palm as much as you can. If you offer up fingers, they’ll likely be eaten. Not on purpose, I might add.” Gillian placed an arm under the horse’s neck and pressed herself tothe side of his head. “Dudley wouldn’t hurt a fly intentionally. Would you, boy?”

The horse spotted the carrot in Viola’s hand and pushed forward, making her take a step back.

“It’s okay,” Gillian assured her, stepping behind her.

She could feel Gillian’s hands press lightly onto her shoulders and encourage her forward.

“Lay your palm flat and offer it to him.” Gillian was so close it sounded as if she was whispering into her ear, making Viola almost forget to breathe.

Gillian gently guided her arm towards Dudley, who leaned down and pulled the carrot into his mouth with his soft, furry lips. It tickled Viola’s hand, causing her to smile.

“Is Dudley safe, or is the stable liable to fall down and injure him?” she asked as Gillian stepped back from her and around to Dudley’s side. “I wouldn’t want to find myself in court for being neglectful.”

“He’s fine. I wouldn’t home him in an unsafe environment for convenience.”

“Of course, sorry,” Viola replied sheepishly, realising too late what she must have insinuated.

Gillian looked down and scuffed her shoes against the cobbles. “I don’t think I’ve properly expressed how grateful I am that you’ve let me keep Dudley here.”

“You could repay me with lessons,” Viola suggested cheekily.

“Riding lessons?” Gillian glanced up, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

“Yes. I’ve always wanted to learn to ride, and as you can see, I need to become a little more comfortable around horses.”

“I’m sure I can help you with that.”

Their eyes met across Dudley, and a shared smile formed between them. Viola wondered if she was the only one who could feel a spark of excitement in her core.

“I should get back. Before the heavens open again,” Viola nodded at a dark cloud moving overhead. She stroked Dudley’s nose. “It was nice to meet you, Dudley. I hope we see more of each other.”

As Viola walked away, Gillian’s voice called out.

“I’ll be in touch soon… about arrangements for the ball. And your lessons.”

Viola turned and walked backwards slowly. “I look forward to it.”

Very much so.

CHAPTER 12

Gillian checked her watch.

“Am I keeping you from something?” Bridget asked from the sofa with a teasing smirk.

Time was passing more quickly than she realised. Bridget’s arrival at the lodge two hours prior to finalise the plans for the flower show on Saturday felt like it had only been five minutes ago.

“Oh no… I… yes, I do have an appointment.”

“You should have said,” Bridget replied. “We can finish this up tomorrow.”

“It completely slipped my mind.” That was a tiny lie. It was all she’d thought about that morning until Bridget had arrived and she became distracted.

The doorbell echoed from the hall. Viola was early. Again. Gillian scooped up her paperwork, pleased that Bridget was doing the same.

“Who is it?” Bridget asked.