Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 01] by The Defiant Governess Read Free Book Online Page A

warm, yet other times Jane sensed there was a shadow over her and this house.
    Jane shook her head as she picked up the book she was currently reading. She would keep trying to figure it out.
    * * *
    The next day, after lessons, Peter asked if they might get carrots and sugar from the kitchen and visit the stables again. Jane quickly agreed, glad to see the boy had lost none of his enthusiasm from the previous day. Indeed, when they spotted the mare—in much the same place as before—Peter let go of her hand and ran to the fence all by himself. Climbing to the top rail, he patted the horse's nose with confidence while feeding it the treats.
    "Oh look, Miss Jane," he called as she approached. "She has eaten a whole carrot in one bite!"
    "I told you," replied Jane. "I see we shall have to bring more on our next visit."
    Peter was happily scratching at the horse's ears while it snuffled at his jacket. He grinned. "I think she smells the sugar in my pocket."
    "Clever animal!"
    Jane watched as the boy became engrossed in letting the animal gently mouth the lumps of sugar from his hand. All fear and wariness had disappeared and she saw only the buoyant enthusiasm that she felt an eight-year-old should have. She let him manage by himself for a few more minutes then went and leaned on the fence next to him, basking in the innocent delight radiating from his face.
    "All gone," he announced to the horse, holding up both hands for inspection. "I'll bring more tomorrow." He turned to Jane. "Can we, please?"
    "Of course." She gazed out past the paddock towards the copse of oak and pastures beyond. "You know, when I was little we had... horses around and I used to love to ride through the fields and woods. There must be any number of wonderful things to explore around Highwood. Would you like to do that?"
    Some of the light went out of Peter's face. "I can't ride," he answered, looking crestfallen, his hands clenched on the top rail. "I'm afraid."
    "Yes, and yesterday you couldn't feed a horse."
    She saw that he was mulling over her words and when he looked at her there was a touch of hope in his eyes.
    "You can't ride, not because you're afraid, but because someone didn't teach you properly," she continued. "We're all afraid when we start—after all, they are such big creatures. But we get over it and then it is great fun, I assure you. Just like feeding this mare."
    Peter hesitated. "Uncle Edward would be very pleased."
    She had been wrong on one thing, she noted. The boy didn't dislike his guardian. He was in awe of him and craved his regard. Again she felt a surge of dislike towards the man. Well, whether it made any difference to him or not, she was determined to help Peter overcome his fear.
    "Yes, I'm sure he would, but even more importantly, you would like it. Do you want me to teach you?"
    He nodded vigorously.
    "Alright then, let's go make arrangements with the head groom. We'll start tomorrow."
    Henry, the head groom, agreed enthusiastically when the plan was broached to him. "A very good idea, Miss. It's time for the lad to get himself on a horse. But begging your pardon Miss, can you... handle a mount?"
    "Oh yes indeed. I have been around horses all my life."
    "Well," said Henry slowly. "I'd best see how you hold your seat afore trusting the young master to your care."
    "That's an excellent idea. Shall we meet in the morning before breakfast and take a ride?" asked Jane, unable to keep the enthusiasm from her voice.
    "At seven, then."
    Jane presented herself at the stables at the appointed hour. Her pleasure at the idea of a bracing gallop soon waned when she saw the mount that Henry led out for her.
    "Are you sure you can't manage something with a little more... spirit?" she asked.
    "I don't want it on my head if you fall and hurt yourself," replied Henry as he regarded the lumbering old mare he had led out. "Bessie ain't so bad. Nice gait."
    "I'm sure," she remarked dryly. "Nonetheless, I assure you it would be best to try