Pride of the Courtneys Read Online Free PDF Page A

her angry outburst, but her anger was now coldly sarcastic, which she made plain by criticising my clothes.
    â€˜I can see, Louella, we shall have to acquire you some different gowns. That one lacks taste, to say the least.’
    Immediately, I felt Bassett’s eyes upon me. His face was expressionless and he made no comment, but I was sure his mother had succeeded in making me appear small in his eyes, which now I was convinced was her only desire.
    I was pleased to escape immediately after the meal and because, for some reason I could not understand myself, I wanted nothing to prevent my afternoon with Bassett, I changed into my riding habit, left the house quickly and somehow found my way to the stables to wait for Bassett.
    I did not have long to wait, and I watched him approach from a distance before he saw me.
    He looked a worried man, and I felt sorry for him, for, although I feared him, to have the responsibility of a great estate like this on his young shoulders, it must indeed be very worrying at times.
    When he saw me, he smiled, and as he reached me, he said:
    â€˜That’s one outfit I don’t think dear mama will have to change. It becomes you admirably, madam,’ and he gave a mock bow of courtesy.
    I blushed for I thought he was laughing at me, and automatically my chin went higher.
    â€˜I am perfectly satisfied with the contents of my wardrobe,’ I replied stiffly, ‘they have always sufficed, and I see no reason to waste money on me.’
    Bassett’s eyes grew stern and suddenly I was afraid. Had I said too much and angered him.
    â€˜It would not be a waste of money spent on you, Louella, I assure you.’
    The compliment, if it was one, was lost by his angry tone, and again I was annoyed that he should be considering providing my clothing, but I held my tongue—already I had spoilt what could have been a pleasant afternoon.
    But no, suddenly Bassett smiled, took me by the arm and led me towards the stables.
    â€˜Come, Louella, let us not argue on such a beautiful afternoon. Forget our differences and let’s enjoy ourselves.’
    I was eager to do so and smiled warmly, the incident forgotten—for the moment.
    We cantered steadily over the moors, Bassett matching his pace to mine, being slower than his usual I imagined.
    â€˜We’ll let the horses rest at the stream.’ His words came bouncing over the breeze to me. I merely nodded, I had not the strength of voice to reply.
    We reined in and Bassett dismounted, and came to lift me down. I slid from the saddle into his arms.
    For a brief moment he held me and as I looked up into his frowning face, I was at a loss to understand his expression. One of mingled anger and sorrow, was it? I could not be sure.
    He released me and turned away.
    â€˜Come Louella, we’ll walk to the rise whilst the horses drink.’
    Meekly, I followed Bassett’s long strides and soon we stood, breathless, at the top of the hill, gazing on the countryside around us.
    Green fields patterned with hedges and copses rolled away to the blue hills in the far distance. The sun sparkled on the rich grass and the water of the stream, which widened into the river and then the lake before Courtney Hall, rippled and sang happily.
    A sigh of sheer happiness and contentment escaped my lips. It was not often I felt so completely at ease or happy with the world.
    The silence between us deepened, but it was not an uncomfortable one, although we hardly knew each other. How little I knew of this man, I thought. I believed I knew or understood the other inmates of the house, even though I had known them such a short time. But of this man, all I knew had been gained from other people’s voiced opinions of him.
    We returned from the hillside and remounted. Downhill we rode over the fields, through wooded slopes, down to the river.
    The water lazily rolled its way from the hills above us down to Courtney village and away to the sea. It