To Save a Love - Alexa Aston Page 0,55

returned to the cottage and she went to lie down and rest while he sat at the desk and went over some paperwork which Coral had brought to him from Paul Lexington, whom Dez said was his estate manager.

She dozed for an hour and rose. Dez was still at work and she put on water to boil for tea. Coral had brought some raisin scones and Anna was determined to have one. She had always had a sweet tooth and would probably eat more than one scone.

When she had everything set out on the table, Dez joined her. He talked of a few incidents from their childhood and told her more about Dalinda’s boys, who were nine and eleven. They seemed like a handful, which meant they took after their mischievous mother, in her opinion. Dalinda had always led Anna and Dez on a merry chase, devising all kinds of schemes in childhood. If they landed in trouble, Dez was quick to take the blame for his twin, claiming their actions had been due to his prodding. Anna had always thought it so gallant of him.

She heard noise outside and Dez said, “It’s Coral returning. Come and see what he’s brought.”

When she stepped through the door, her heart began pounding. The valet had returned not only with the cart but two horses tied to it. She ran to them, excitement filling her.

Dez and Coral untied the horses, telling her which was his and which one she would ride. Anna stroked the horse, called Daisy, which was a deep brown in color and had a white blaze.

“Look in the cart bed, Miss Browning, and you’ll find a few apples to give the horses a treat.”

“Oh, thank you, Coral. That was very thoughtful of you.”

“I aim to please, Miss,” the valet said.

She took an apple and said to Daisy, “This is for you, my girl.”

The horse made short order of the fruit and she offered one to Dez’s horse, as well, not wanting his mount to feel left out.

“Shall I head to Lord Shelton’s now, my lord?” Coral asked.

“Yes. Tell him Miss Browning is now speaking. That we had a lovely walk around the lake today and that we are now riding.”

“What time should I say for him to call tomorrow?” Coral pressed.

Dez looked to her. “What do you think?”

She thought a moment. “I believe we should call on him,” she said firmly.

“Are you certain? It would lead to many questions, you turning up with me after so many years away.” He paused. “I am thinking of your reputation, Anna.”

“I suppose you are right. I know in time I will need to return to Shelton Park, though.” She thought a moment. “Shall we say ten o’clock?”

“Very good, Miss Browning,” Coral said. “I am off to make my report.” He looked to her. “Your cousin was very pleased at the news I brought him yesterday. He will be delighted at how much progress you have made in such a short time.”

“Thank you, Coral. I am beginning to feel like my old self,” she said.

The valet gave a jaunty wave and took up the reins, leaving the clearing.

“Are you ready to ride?” Dez asked.

Anna glanced at the gown she wore. “This would make it difficult to accomplish. Let me see if there is something else more appropriate.”

She retreated into the cottage and went to the bedchamber, combing through the clothing. Though no riding habit was present, she did find a gown with a wide skirt that wouldn’t restrict her movements much. She slipped from the simple gown she had worn today, not needing Dez’s assistance, and changed into the new gown.

Coming back outside, she asked if he would help in securing the back and he did so. Feeling his fingers along her spine gave her a delicious feeling, making her want to kiss him again. She refrained from doing so, not wanting to be so forward—and not wanting to give him hope where their future relationship was concerned. Kissing him would only encourage his interest in her, as well as sadden her in the end. She would keep Dez as her friend and no more.

He helped her to mount Daisy and she stroked the horse, telling her what a good girl she was and how much this ride meant to her.

They started off slowly, leaving the area since the forest was so dense, and working their way to more open land. Soon, they were cantering. Anna hadn’t felt this free in so long. She