Page 61 of His Scarred Duchess

As they entered the stables, the rich scent of hay and horse filled the air. Edmund noticed Adeline stiffen slightly, her eyes darting nervously from stall to stall.

“Good morning, Your Graces,” the stable master, Mr. Greene, greeted them with a bow.

“Good morning, Greene,” Edmund replied. “We’ll be taking a gentle ride today. Perhaps you could show Her Grace some of our docile mounts?”

“Of course, Your Grace. Right this way.”

As they walked down the line of stalls, Edmund kept a reassuring hand on the small of Adeline’s back.

“Each horse has its personality,” he explained softly. “Much like people. The key is finding one that matches yours.”

Adeline nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the various horses. “They’re… larger than I remember,” she murmured.

Edmund chuckled. “I suppose they would seem so. Ah, here’s one I think you’ll like. This is Buttercup. She’s?—”

A loud snort and the sound of hooves pawing at the ground interrupted him. In the stall across from them, a magnificent black stallion tossed his head, rolling his eyes as he regarded them.

Adeline visibly paled, taking a step back. Edmund quickly moved to stand between her and the agitated horse.

“That’s Midnight,” he said, his tone gentle. “A bit too spirited for beginners. Best to give him a wide berth for now.”

Adeline nodded shakily. “N-noted.”

Seeing her distress, Edmund made a quick decision. “Greene, why don’t you bring out old Apple? I think she’d be perfect for Her Grace’s first ride.”

The stable master nodded, disappearing into a stall further down. Moments later, he emerged leading a plump, dappled grey mare. The horse’s gentle eyes and unhurried gait immediately put Adeline at ease.

“Hello there,” Adeline said softly, her voice wavering only slightly.

“Would you like to give her a treat?” Edmund asked, producing an apple from his pocket. “She’s rather fond of her namesake.”

Adeline hesitated for a moment before accepting the fruit. Edmund showed her how to hold her palm flat, and she offered the apple to the mare with trembling fingers.

Apple’s velvety lips tickled Adeline’s palm as she delicately took the treat. A small giggle escaped Adeline’s lips, surprising both of them.

She cautiously reached out to stroke Apple’s nose. As Adeline’s hand made contact with the soft muzzle, a fleeting memory surfaced—of younger, carefree days spent in the stables. She blinked, momentarily disoriented by the rush of long-buried recollections.

Edmund noticed her hesitation. “Are you all right?”

Adeline nodded, a mix of emotions playing across her face. “Yes, I… I just remembered something. From before.”

Understanding dawned in Edmund’s eyes. “Your riding lessons as a child?”

“Yes,” Adeline said softly. “I’d almost forgotten.”

“She’s so gentle,” she marveled.

Edmund felt a surge of pride at her bravery. “Indeed she is. Shall we see how you do in the saddle?”

Adeline’s nervousness returned, but she nodded resolutely. “I’m ready.”

Edmund positioned himself beside Apple, explaining each step as he helped Adeline mount. “Left foot in the stirrup, grab the pommel here, and swing your right leg over. There you go, nice and easy.”

Once Adeline was settled in the saddle, Edmund adjusted her posture and the length of her stirrups. He couldn’t help but notice how the rich fabric of her habit hugged her curves, how the morning sunlight brought out the honey tones in her hair.

“How does that feel?” he asked, his voice slightly husky.

Adeline looked down at him, her cheeks flushed with fear and exhilaration. “Strange. But… not unpleasant.”