Page 77 of A Misguided Devotion

“I feared you had nothing appropriate in your wardrobe,” he whispered.

“It is too late to wonder when you have already committed me to a ride. But as you see, my habit is in better condition than most of my other dresses because I haven’t worn it for years.”

“Why not? You’re not afraid of horses, are you?”

“No, but it is not possible to ride when you have no mount.”

The groom walked toward them, leading a grey mare. “Are you an experienced rider, madam?”

“That depends on your definition of experienced. I have ridden a lot in the past, but not at all in the last few years.”

“Then I’m sure you’ll be able to handle Dover. Not such an easy horse to manage as Miss Barrington’s, but if you get on with him, you could try Calypso next time. She’s a more satisfying ride, but rather jumpy, and I wouldn’t risk it if you are out of practice.”

“Dover it is.”

William restrained himself from helping Kitty mount while Mr Barrington looked on. He had no wish to draw that man’s enmity. Instead, he nodded to the groom to aid her.

They rode along the clifftop toward Portland Bill. Of the two women riding ahead of him, Kitty had a far better seat. Miss Barrington did not look at all comfortable on the back of a horse. That being the case, why had she suggested they ride rather than drive out in the carriage? Was she trying to avoid having a conversation with him? Rather odd behaviour if she wanted him to court her.

As the track opened out onto the grassy headland, William urged his mount forward to join the ladies, leaving the groom trailing behind.

“You seem to have remembered how to ride,” he said as he came alongside Kitty.

“I don’t think it’s something you ever forget. And where better to become reacquainted with my love of riding? I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful view. Whichever way I look, I see the sea, the waves like big fluffy white carpets being unrolled across the blue. Wouldn’t you agree, Laura?”

“I suppose.”

Kitty glanced at William and shrugged. She seemed as confused by Miss Barrington’s behaviour as he was.

As they neared the cliff edge, they drew their horses to a standstill so they could better admire the view.

“Shall we ride over to the lighthouses and continue around the island?” asked Kitty. “I’ve never seen the other side of Portland.”

Miss Barrington turned her horse to face the way they’d come. “Go ahead. I want to return home.” She rode off without looking back to see if they were following.

William’s hackles rose at the woman’s selfishness. She knew her friend could not leave her. Did she ever think of anyone other than herself?

“Never mind,” said Kitty. “It will wait until another day.”

William nodded to the groom to go after his mistress, but motioned to Kitty to hold back.

“I must go with Laura. Hugh expects it of me.”

“Mr Barrington expects it of me too—but I need some respite. We can canter to catch up with her soon, I promise. But first, stay a moment and talk to me.” He implored her with sad, wide eyes. “Please.”

Kitty’s mouth twitched, as if she were fighting a grin. She lost. “It is hard to see how I could refuse when you look at me like that.”

Her smile flooded William with a warmth that flirting never produced. Was he flirting, or was it more than that? Had something grown between them without him noticing? Was he being as blind as his mother had predicted?

“What did you make of Mr Jenkin’s visit this morning?” she asked, drawing her mount closer to his. “Apart from observing that the man was so jealous that he tried to skewer you with false accusations.”

“It doesn’t make sense. We know Mr Barrington sent word. We were witnesses. Either Blake let him down or Jenkin was lying. My money is on the butler.”

“That’s what I deduced. Do you think we should share our concerns with Hugh?”

His brow furrowed. “On no account are you to say anything about Blake. Mr Barrington has the same facts as us. We must trust him to draw the same conclusion.”

“I suppose he would be sorry to lose his butler if the madman in the basement truly exists.”