Patricia Veryan - [Sanguinet Saga 10] - Lanterns Read Online Free PDF Page A

youth and beauty.
    Coville turned eagerly as Marietta approached. Fanny turned
also and gave her sister a whimsically knowing glance, while saying
lightly that she thought it most kind of Mr. Coville to bring such a
dainty mare. "You cannot know, sir," she went on, "how my sister loves
a spirited horse. In Town scarce a morning passed but that she was up
and riding in the park with one beau or another long before the
household was awake."
    Coville grinned and bent to cup his hands and toss Marietta
into the saddle. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, walking around to
mount his own tall chestnut.
    Leaning to her sister, Marietta murmured, "You saucy little
rogue!"
    "I told you," teased Fanny, her eyes sparkling.
    Marietta reined the mare around and the pretty creature
frisked and curvetted, tossing her head eagerly. Briefly, Coville
looked anxious, but before he could speak, a shrill cry rang out.
    "Etta!"
    Marietta's gaze flashed to the upstairs window from which
Arthur leaned, his conical wizard's hat perched on his dark curls. "Oh,
my!" she exclaimed contritely.
    "You
promised!"
wailed the boy.
    "Dearest, I did! I am so sorry. But I'll just go for a short
ride and then come straight back."
    "You said I'd be Merlin an' you'd be the wicked witch when I
waked up and we'd go broomsticking an' find goblins in the wild wood!
You
promised,
Etta!"
    "Never mind," said Fanny quickly. "I'll be a witch for you,
Arthur."
    A shriek rang out from somewhere in the house. "Fanny! The
muffins!"
    Fanny gave a gasp, and flew.
    "You get ready, Arthur," called Marietta. "I'll be home quick
as quick!"
    The boy drew back from the window, looking rebellious.
    "Oh, dear," she said. "I did promise the little fellow.
Perhaps—"
    Coville said firmly, "No, ma'am. Arthur has you all day and
every day. We won't be long away, and it will not hurt him to wait a
little while. You need a rest from your labours, Miss Marietta. And I
need your kind and gentle company."
    He smiled at her blindingly, then led the way along the
drivepath. Hesitating, Marietta glanced back. Her aunt came to the
door and waved to her. Aunty Dova was so good with the child; she'd
soon restore his spirits, and, as Mr. Coville had said, they wouldn't
be out long. Marietta urged the mare to a canter and joined Coville,
her sense of guilt fading as they rode side-by-side through the golden
afternoon.
    He headed north into the Weald, maintaining a steady pace.
They skirted picturesque Cloud Village, passed thatched cottages and
occasional farms where labourers would pause to wave to them. And as
they went they chatted idly of Princess Charlotte's sad death, of the
scramble of the royal dukes to marry and produce a new heir, of London
and people they both knew. Time slid past, unnoticed. They were
following a lane shaded by great beeches when a big black stallion
galloped to the fence of his field, and cantered along beside them.
    "He wants to join us," said Coville.
    "Yes," agreed Marietta. "But not at this speed."
    He grinned. "I'd thought this was the rate at which you ladies
like to ride in Town."
    "It is the rate at which we are
obliged
to ride, rather. But we are not in Town, are we?"
    Coville had a glimpse of her laughing face, then she was away.
    "Hi!" he cried gaily, and was after her at the gallop.
    Neck and neck they rode; along a river-bank, thundering over a
rustic wooden bridge, up a rise, and down again, to follow a lush
shallow valley, the wind sending the ribbons of Marietta's hat flying
out behind her and rippling the skirts of her riding habit. They passed
a field of cows, brown and white, chewing placidly, great mild eyes
turning to them as they raced by. Marietta crouched lower, exhilarated
by their speed and by the smooth gait of the little mare, until at
length they approached a field bathed in sunlight where two haystacks
rose in golden dignity.
    Coville shouted for a halt.
    "Oh!" gasped Marietta buoyantly. "How grand that was! Thank
you so much!"
    He smiled at her,