Page 51 of Beyond Her Manner

Viola hummed her agreement.

“They force you to be patient and regulate your emotions,” Gillian continued. “Dudley was always my calm amongst the storm of an often-hectic life. We are patient with each other; we have an unbreakable bond.”

“I can see that,” Viola replied, a pang of jealousy hitting her.

“When we ride, I forget everything except the powerful rhythm of his hooves beneath me, pounding against the earth as the cool wind blows through my hair. The sense of freedom is exhilarating when we move together as one, both perfectly attuned to each other’s slightest cue.”

“It sounds magical. I’ve long admired those people in the movies, cantering across a field, hair blowing in the wind. How long would it take to teach someone to canter?”

“Quite a lot of lessons. Going off how well you’ve done today, I think you could pick it up sooner. It’s not only about knowing how to make the horse canter; you need to build a relationship with it and be prepared to deal with any problems at that speed.”

Viola nodded, knowing it would take patience.

“I could take you for a ride if you like. Let the wind blow against your face if that’s what you’re looking for,” Gillian suggested as they stopped outside the stables.

Viola’s face lit up. “You could?”

“Yes,” Gillian said, stroking Dudley’s nose and wiping some dirt away from his eye.

“Now?”

Gillian laughed. “You are keen. How about I take you on one of my regular routes around the estate? Before I sold it, I mean.”

Viola narrowed her eyes and grinned. “The recent horseshoe prints would have nothing to do with you then?”

“They would not,” Gillian replied, hiding her grinning lips behind her hand. “Jump down and I’ll remove the saddle.”

Viola dismounted, stumbling as her feet hit the ground. Before she could right herself, Gillian’s arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

“Careful,” Gillian murmured, her voice low and close, the grip of her hand firm against the rough fabric of Viola’s tweed jacket. Even through the layers, the warmth of her touch seemed to burn straight through to Viola’s skin, leaving her breathless.

“Thanks,” she gasped, managing a shaky smile as Gillian released her. She stepped back with an almost reluctant slowness.

With the saddle removed, Viola recovered as Gillian busied herself in the stable. She emerged with a riding hat perched on her head and a small set of steps in hand.

“We’ll have you up front; you’re a little smaller than me.” She placed the steps beside Dudley. “Here. I wouldn’t like your chances of mounting this time without the stirrup to help you.”

Viola thought she was probably right as she climbed the steps.

“How do I…”

“Take hold of his mane to balance and lift your leg over,” Gillian instructed.

Viola did as she was told, gripping Dudley’s mane and swinging her leg over his back. She could feel the warmth from the horse beneath her as she adjusted her posture. Seconds later, Gillian was sat behind, her legs pressed against her, holding her firmly in place. The sudden closeness took Viola by surprise;she hadn’t fully appreciated how much intimacy the ride would bring.

“Are you okay?”

“A little nervous,” Viola admitted.

Gillian chuckled softly, the sound soothing Viola’s nerves.

“Relax. Let Dudley and me do the work.”

Viola took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She could feel Gillian’s arms around her as she gripped the reins. The warmth of her body radiating against her back felt comforting yet exhilarating.

“Hold on tight.”

With a gentle nudge from Gillian, Dudley started moving, the rhythm of his gait quickly setting in. Viola focused on the motion, matching her movements to Dudley’s. Every movement of the horse amplified her awareness of Gillian’s body against her. The proximity was intoxicating, heightening every sensation in her body as they moved as one.