Page 10 of Surrender Your Grace (Impromptu Brides #1)

Approaching carefully, she murmured low to the mare, offering her hand for a sniff before stroking her sleek coat. Having apparently gained acceptance, Cici produced a piece of apple she’d filched from the dining table before leaving the manor.

“Bribery will win the day, my dear,” he declared, as Daisy devoured it. “Now, let’s get you mounted up.”

His hands spanned her waist to lift her onto the horse, frowning with disapproval as his fingers traced the curve of her back and sides. “Is that a corset you’re wearing?”

She glanced at the stable hand, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. “That’s hardly a topic for public discourse, my lord,” she whispered.

“And we’re back to ‘my lord,’” he sighed. “William, walk Daisy for a bit,” he instructed. “And have Robbie hold before saddling Obsidian.”

He took her elbow, guiding her toward the tack room inside the stable. She stumbled once on the uneven threshold, and he steadied her immediately, his grip gentle but firm.

“You’re determined,” she muttered, half breathless, half flustered.

“When it concerns your safety, yes.”

Upon closing the door, he began unbuttoning her jacket.

Her hands flew up to stop him. “Whatever are you doing?”

“Removing this ridiculous contraption.” He brushed her hands aside and finished unbuttoning her riding jacket then pulled it off her shoulders and started on her blouse.

“You can’t mean to strip me of my clothes here in the stable where anyone could walk in and see,” she protested.

“I’ve no intention of stripping you naked, merely the cage.These cages contort you into unnatural shapes, and I won’t risk you being injured when the boning pokes through.”

“This isn’t the dark ages, Andrew. They no longer use bones, but metal!”

“Even worse,” he declared. “A fall, or even a sudden twist, could cause a fatal impalement by your undergarments.”

“That has never happened. I can assure you.”

“No, you cannot,” he insisted. “You said yourself you aren’t used to riding. I won’t have you galloping throughout the countryside trussed up like a Christmas goose.”

“But without it, people will think I’m loose.”

“If someone looks at you and sees scandal because of a missing corset, I’ll set them straight. Now hold still.” He worked through the buttons with more care than she expected then grimaced at the knotted laces. “Damn women’s trappings.”

She arched a brow.

With rising frustration, he pulled a knife from his boot and sliced the corset free. Linen and steel dropped to the straw-covered floor.

“That was one of my best corsets, I’ll have you know. It was quite expensive.” She huffed at him under her breath.

“Good, not wearing one will save me coins. Your waist is slender enough that you don’t need one, anyway.”

“Not near enough to be fashionable. You’ll have me looking provincial! All the ladies will talk.”

“Let them. I care not.”

“But isn’t that why we married? To prevent scandal?”

“There’s scandal and then there’s nonsense,” he muttered. Then his voice lowered a fraction. “Now, stop grumbling, or I’ll take you over my knee right now.”

“I’d suggest you wouldn’t dare, but I know you would,” she muttered as she glanced around the tack room at the straps and riding crops hanging like sentinels on the walls.

Her mouth snapped shut.

“Smart girl,” Andrew said, approving. He tied and buttoned her riding costume with practiced ease, adjusting the jacket and skirt before placing his hands gently on her waist.

“There. I can easily span your waist without it.”

“You have large hands, my lo—uh, Andrew. I will be mortified if we come across a neighbor or acquaintance.”

His earlier pique evaporated, and he observed in a lighter tone, “We are riding the grounds of our estate, not the fashionable hour in Hyde Park.”

“But in London…”

“I suppose you must,” he conceded, although from his put-upon expression, not liking it. “I would never subject you to gossip or ridicule. Maybe I can propose the outlawing of those ridiculous garments next session in the Lords.”

“You jest. Surely!”

“Do I?” he countered. “Forgive me if I prefer you breathing freely.”

He caught her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm, leading her back to the yard.

Soon, she was mounted with Daisy held steady by a groom. Another led out Andrew’s stallion—Obsidian, midnight-black and high spirited. The massive horse tugged against the reins until Andrew murmured a low command. The beast stilled, shifting his weight like a poised dancer.

“He’s magnificent. Will Daisy and I be able to keep up?”

“It’s doubtful. Obsidian’s a thoroughbred. But William will accompany us and remain with you while I exercise him in the valley. Until then, I’ll ensure he behaves. Ready?”

As they rode out, Andrew’s mood lifted. He pointed out landmarks, shared boyhood stories, and smiled more easily than she’d ever seen. She could easily grow enamored with this side of her husband.

Daisy was energetic but gentle, responsive to even soft commands. Obsidian, in contrast, danced to be free of Andrew’s steady hand.

When they reached the valley, Andrew signaled William to come forward.

“With all the rain lately, he hasn’t had a proper run. I’ll let him burn off steam. Rest or walk your mare but stay in this general area.” He looked at the groom who nodded in silent male communication.

He then turned the black beauty, and they vanished across the field, a blur of power and grace. She watched, awestruck. “Does his lordship race him, William?”

“That he does, my lady.He is undefeated in over twenty races.He is a powerful animal.Only his lordship, Old Robbie the stable master, and his jockey who has years of experience can handle him.”

William chatted warmly as they walked their horses—sharing stories of his bride-to-be, the estate, and his family's long ties to the manor. The admiration he held for Andrew shone in every word.

Thirty minutes later, her husband returned. Obsidian was lathered but steady, and Andrew glowed with satisfaction. He dismounted, lifted Cici down gently—careful as she wobbled—and led his stallion to water. Both horses drank deeply.

Once both horses had their fill, the men tied them to a nearby tree.

“You may head back, William.Tell Cook we will be on time for the evening meal.”

“Yes, my lord,” he answered then nodded to his mistress.

Alone now, Andrew turned to her with a quiet smile.

“Shall we continue our tour?”

“Please. What I’ve seen is beautiful.”

“And I’ve yet to show you my favorite spots,” He lifted her back into the saddle, his hands lingering at her waist as he looked up at her, wind-touched and radiant.

“I cannot wait to see them,” she said—and meant it.