Lady X

Swit turned around in his saddle and laughed before picking up his pace.

His lordship watched him for a long moment before he turned and walked back toward the Towers. He had something to do while both Swit and Jacob were away!

* * *

Exerilla shifted in her ladies’ side saddle. The only time she had ever used one was in a show some years ago. She had practiced and was determined to take a ribbon. Once she had won the ribbon, she had laid the side-saddle on its rack and promptly forgotten about it.

She much preferred riding astride, feeling the horse soundly between her legs. It just felt safer and the connection with her steed became stronger.

Women of this century really had a whole lot to overcome, she thought as she walked her horse along. She sure was going to be sore later on.

Less than a ten minute ride and with Mary Horwich’s directions, she found herself at a pair of black wrought iron gates which handsomely sported the gold lettering designating it as “Cressly Towers”.

A small, quaintly styled cottage flanked the right gate. An older, stout and baldish man appeared in its doorway. The gatekeeper wore a plaid waistcoat, and loose fitting breeches and he smiled as he said, “Aye then, ye must be Miss Radley. Sir Jacob, ‘e told me to send ye up to the stables. They ‘ave the mare all groomed and waiting on ye, they do.”

Exerilla smiled and thanked him before she proceeded to urge her horse through the wide opened gate.

She rode past a few men working the lawn along the driveway, apparently grooming the estate. Up ahead the Cressly Towers loomed impressively. Mary had told her it dated back to the Norman days. She wondered if any of the three gentlemen presently residing there were at home. Suddenly she felt a strong sensation, as though someone was watching her and she looked around. No one about, and yet…she felt as though she were in a glass bowl. What did that mean? Her mother had taught her so many things that she said she might experience one day, but she just couldn’t put a finger on it.

She put her hand out and without her wand spoke in soft but insistent terms, “Show me.”

Nothing presented itself. Okay, it was clear that simple magic wasn’t going to work. She would need her wand, but she couldn’t risk it.

She shrugged and continued up to the large barn, where she dismounted. At that moment, she saw a groom walking a lovely bay mare. The mare was already fully tacked and X almost squealed with delight. Princess Tat was a beauty!

She smiled at the groom as they greeted one another and exchanged horses. “Oh, thank you,” she said and patted the saddle. She had hoped she would be able to train, riding astride, this was perfect.

He tipped his hat to her and led her horse off. Exerilla patted the mare as she walked her the short distance to the training paddock, speaking to her, letting the mare get used to her voice and her touch.

The mare stood quietly while she mounted and adjusted her stirrup leathers. She quietly asked her to walk a wide circle for a few moments.

X spoke to the mare in soothing tones gentling her, conveying to her that she would not be abused.

The mare was fidgety, unused to X’s hands though they were gentle, unused to her legs which were strong and ready to show her spirit.

Exerilla smiled as she watched the mare’s ears twitching while she spoke. Good, Princess Tat was listening, curious and paying attention. She continued to simply walk her, asking nothing more of the horse as they became accustomed to one another.

* * *

Hunter MacTorry had been rummaging through old documents, looking for the plans for the original construction of Cressly Towers. He had just found an old scroll and perused it briefly when something caught his eye outdoors.

From the attic window he had a full view of the riding paddock, there he watched as Exerilla put the mare through her paces.

The lass was enchanting.

She made him feel like a bletherin’ fool. He always had this overwhelming urge to touch her when she came into view. He wanted to hear her voice and that very odd accent of hers. He marveled how her voice sent shivers up his spine. He wanted to look into her green eyes and get lost. What the bloody hell was wrong with him?

What he did know was that everything about her was lovely and unique. He wanted to know her, be with her and keep Jerry Swit away from her.

He was not familiar with all things American, for he had spent the last two centuries traveling different dimensions and knew very little about Americans. Tracking Baudali had not brought him to the colonies.

She was an outspoken little beauty and he found he liked that, very much. Aye, Exerilla Radley spoke right up, yet she withheld something. She was hiding something about herself, of that he was certain.

He needed some air, he told himself, but knew it was more than that. Without his jacket, and with his white shirtsleeves rolled up to his elbows, he made his way out of the house and down the drive to the stables.

Suddenly, he sensed something. All his immortal powers centered on one thing, magic was in the air. He was being watched.

Baudali! The damned bastard was using his orb!