ASTRID wasn't herself for the rest of the night, and it bothered me to no end. She tried her best to mask her feelings, but I saw right through the facade. Was she upset because of something I did? I couldn't shake the aching feeling.

My mind ran circles around the possibility. So after dinner, I decided to talk to her. I saw her lady maid walking toward her door with a teacup on a saucer in her hand.

"I will take it to her Charlotte," I whispered.

"Are you sure, Miss?"

"Yes," I nodded, taking cup of hot chocolate from her hands. She smiled in return and walked back down the corridor. I gave a gentle knock on the door.

"Who is it?" The shake of her voice sounded so foreign. The confidence she always had in it had vanished.

"It is Della."

"Come in," She answered weakly. Upon entering, I saw her laying atop of her bed. She wore her cream colored night dress, and her blonde glory was swept on one side.

"Charlotte brought you a cup of chocolate," I placed it down on her bedside table.

She sat up and swiped a finger under nose with a sniffle, "When will you learn that this is simply her duty, little cousin?"

I didn't know what to say, "Um . . ."

She broke into a smile and patted a seat on her bed.

"Are you well?" I asked as I sat next to her, "Is it something I said at dinner?"

"No," She shook her head, "Christopher could gush about that futile book to a tree."

"Oh," I frowned.

"We talked before dinner time," She began, "He said that he had thought about me often, while he was abroad."

"Well that's wo-"

"But he said he would like to take things slow, and get to know me again," Her face was struck with distraught. "I don't want to take things slow, Della."

"Because you know in your heart that you love him?" I tried my best to understand her bursting emotions.

"Because we have been intended for each other since we were children!" She laughed as if that was something I should've known. "Christopher and I are the perfect match. The Duke of Brent's only son and Earl of Stratford's eldest daughter."

I nodded slowly.

"I know that you may not understand. But it is my duty to ensure a beneficial future, and the Arlington's are very plump in the pocket. So I must secure Christopher during his stay here. Going riding tomorrow shall be a magnificent start."

"I agree," I gave a smile. It still did not sit right with me how love was such a secondary component in marrying. Was it wrong that Papa did not intend for me to marry me off soon as possible?

"Well I only wish for you to be happy. So please let me know if I can be of any assistance with . . your endeavors," I offered.

Astrid smiled ear to ear, ". . . . Thank you, Della."

• ~ •

We agreed to meet at the stables an hour passed noon. My stomach has been tied in knots all throughout the morning, hindering my appetite. I had seen horses plenty of times in my life, but the thought of riding one gave me chills.

Kitty helped me get dressed into my riding habit a bit early, so I walked to the stables and decided to filter out my nerves amongst the company of the horses. Midnight's dark, mysterious beauty had me drawn to her. I could see why Lord Arlington wanted to entrust her care with someone so important to him.

"Do I look foolish?" I touched the rim of my black top hat. The silence that followed, invoked a free feeling. Nothing but the horses and occasional whisper of the wind.

"I have never worn one of these before. I suppose I am a bit eager for this experience. After all, it is a proper lady's duty to know how to ride," I stroked her forehead absentmindedly as I continued to ramble.

"Do you wish to take my horse as well Ms. Andrews?" A gasp escaped my lips at the sudden appearance of Lord Arlington.

"Forgive me my lord," I stepped away from Midnight as he ambled further into the stable. Did he hear me speaking to his horse?

"She's a beauty isn't she," He petted her with a smile. Perhaps he didn't, I presumed. He would surely have something to say to that immense embarrassment. At that moment, a rushing wave of relief washed over me.

"She absolutely is," I agreed.

He walked to the opposite side of the stables, retrieving a brown bucket. It was filled to the brim with carrots. He set it down at his feet and grabbed one by it's long, vibrant green stalk.

"Would you like to feed her?"

I gave a skeptical stare, "N-no thank you my lord."

"Ah do not fear," He held out the carrot for me to take. But trepidation had my hands clasped together tightly. I shook my head with vigor. I had just grown comfortable with touching a horse, and now he wants me to feed one?

He chuckled and gently took my wrist in his hand. He carefully placed the carrot in my hand, his magnetizing gaze never leaving mine. I wanted to look away. I begged myself to avert my eyes to observe the needles of hay strewn on the ground - anything.

Anything!

"Here," He whispered lowly, inching my hand toward Midnight.

Soon as she wildly nibbled on the carrot, I bursted out in laughter and backed away. However, my steps were too eager and I tripped backward on my skirts. Lord Arlington acted in haste and caught me in his firm grip.

I quickly pulled from his hold and picked up my top hat from the ground. As I swiped off the excess dirt, my hands slowed when I realized I was being watched. Lord Arlington wore an amused grin on his face.

"That was quite embarrassing," I cleared my throat nervously.

"Good afternoon Christopher!" Astrid's chipper voice sounded. There she and Abigail walked toward us, with Uncle George close behind. Abigail gave an enthusiastic waved and Lord Arlington began to walk toward them.

"Greetings, darling. You look lovely," He greeted pleasantly.

"Oh thank you," Astrid swatted the air with a lazy hand, "I love this riding habit dress as well! Mamma is very on trend these days."

"And it suites you well," He nodded. I wasn't able to see how he looked at her, but the way Astrid stared up at him - like he was all she wanted - gave me a warm feeling. I thought back to our conversation last night.

Maybe she was a little overbearing, but only because her ambition was strong. Some part of me admired that ambition. However, I questioned if her desire sprouted more from love or from love of money.

"I didn't know you were joining us Uncle George," I smiled as he walked toward me.

"Yes. I shall teach you how to ride today."

"Oh," I frowned at the change of plans.

"Greetings, little cousin!" Astrid slapped her hands together as she and Abigail sauntered in my direction.

"Good afternoon," I had to admit I was not fond of that sort of pet name. After all, we are only one year apart!

"Papa will be teaching you how to ride today," Abigail said.

"I thought Astrid and I were going to teach her, no?" Lord Arlington questioned. So he wasn't even informed on these change of plans either.

"Yes but I thought Papa could teach you. While we indulge in conversation about your travels and such," Astrid went on to explain, "Abigail will be our chaperone."

"Ah. Very well then. I have many amusing stories to tell. Shall we ride now?"

"Yes!" Abigail jumped with joy. Lord Arlington went to open Midnight's stall and lead her onto the blanket of grass by the reins.

"You are welcome to continue your conversation later," He said as he walked past me. My mouth fell ajar. So he had heard! I made sure to close my mouth, to mask my shock.

Astrid and Abigail lead their horses as Lord Arlington did. The horse that Abigail mounted onto, resembled the color of sand. Sandy - I recall her name is.

As Uncle George prepared my horse, I watched as Lord Arlington assisted Astrid onto her horse. He placed his hands on her waist and she saddled on with such ease.

"Are you ready dear?" Uncle George pulled my eyes from the scene. I walked onto the grass, toward Biscuit. It was a clever name to match his cream colored fur coat.

"I hope so," I giggled.

"Come," I took his warm hand that he extended out to me. He instructed me to put one foot in the little loop that dangled beside Biscuit. "Now. Step up and swing your other leg to the other side of the horse."

I swiveled my other leg, but I was certain I did not execute it with Astrid's perfect grace.

"See! There you are!"

I laughed breathily at the high view. I felt like I could reach the wispy clouds that dotted the blue sky. Something about it made me feel so invigorated.

I took the black reins loosely in my hands, I had seen plenty of coachmen do it. But to use them would be a different story.

Uncle George wore an endearing smile, "You look as if you were meant for this."

"I am certain that I look the absolute opposite," I laughed.

"Not at all," He shook his head, "Let me fetch a horse for myself and we shall ride."

I was a ball of nerves at the fact that in a few moments, Biscuit would have to start moving. But I knew with Uncle George beside me, they would soon fade away.

He reminded me of Papa. A brief spell of melancholy struck me at the thought. I missed him dearly. I wonder if he received my letter yet.

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A/N - hope you guys enjoyed! I LOVED writing the scene with Chris & Del 😭.

Votes/Comments, are much appreciated!

~ kya h.