Captives' Charade Read Online Free PDF Page B

near the door. “Shall we go?” Seeing his fair features straining to remain even, she asked, “I am so sorry to have kept you waiting. Have you been here long?”
    “Longenough,”hegroundoutunderhis breath, but aloud he added, “It is all right, Sarah. I had Silas saddle your horse for you already, so we will still be able to get in a good ride before noon.”
    Hearing Juliana’s happy chatter and the deep resonance of Stewart’s voice behind her, Sarah was deeply relieved that Jack had not mentioned a picnic today, which is what the three of them usually enjoyed on these outings. Sarah knew she could not bear to be in Stewart’s company too long, for his very presence was taunting her with thoughts of how eager she had been to see him again – before Juliana’s revelation the night before.
    If he were a gentleman, she thought angrily to herself, he would never think of courting two sisters at the same time! But it was obvious that Stewart Chamberlain had his own rules of conduct and Sarah was immensely relieved that Juliana was doing her best to keep him occupied – even if Jack was the one having to suffer for it.
    As the four stepped down the marble stairs of the entrance to the mansion, they noticed immediately that Silas, the stable master and trainer, was having his troubles trying to control Nubian. The coal black skittered, bumping into causing them to fret.
stallion whinnied and the other horses and
    Stewart quickly broke from the group and crossed the cobbled drive to where the horse was tethered. Taking Nubian’s reins from Silas, he firmly led the stallion away from the others, patting the horse’s neck while he spoke soothingly. Even as Jack helped her mount her own chestnut mare, Serena, Sarah could not keep her eyes from Stewart and the stallion. She almost wished the fiery black beast would rear, but after a few minutes, Stewart, with his firm but gentle actions, was settling the horse, causing the mount to pause and gaze at him with wary respect.
    “Why Stewart,” Juliana addressed him boldly, “I do believe Nubian has finally met his match. Look at the way you have quieted him.” She grinned as Jack passed up the reins to her dappled mare, Fancy.
    “I think your words are a bit premature,” Sarah cut in. “Mr. Chamberlain has not yet mounted. That is the real test.”
    “Quite right, Lady Sarah,” Stewart agreed, without looking up. Freeing one hand, he dug into his coat pocket and came up with a piece of carrot which he held before Nubian’s dark muzzle.
    The horse readily took the treat and as he chewed, Stewart placed his boot in the stirrup and swung his long leg over the saddle. Nubian reared slightly but Stewart’s hands and knees were firmly in control. After only a moment of angry snorting and a few impatient stamps of his huge hooves, Nubian conceded to the large rider atop his back.
    “Well done, sir,” Jack called to Chamberlain, finding this man difficult to scorn, especially since he had witnessed Nubian besting nearly all his would-be riders.
    Sarah turned her head away to hide the disappointment in her deep blue eyes as Juliana gushed over Mr. Chamberlain’s success. Lord Harrington, trying to ignore her, nudged his tan gelding forward meadow beyond followed.
in the direction of the green
the mansion and the others
    Once in the open meadow, the group rode four abreast, with Jack and Stewart on the ends, slightly ahead. Sarah could not help noticing how well Stewart rode, keeping the troublesome stallion under perfect control. He seems to have his way with every creature, she thought, her full lips pursing in a tight line. It was also apparent that while he was attentive to Juliana’s chatter, he was not overwhelmed, as most men were, by her flirtations. In fact, he seemed to accept it as his due. This Sarah found strangely comforting, though she could not guess why.
    In time the party came to a ridge from where they could view miles of rolling countryside basking