Lady X

Ferrell could not be allowed to survive the Battle of Waterloo.

He paused his frenzied pacing. He was so uncertain, timing was everything.

Something about Exerilla had him disturbed. He sensed that she was more than what she seemed, but that was ridiculous. She was human. He had already put out his feelers for magic, and she had none.

He needed to use her to lure Hunter into his trap.

Yet, she was a mystery.

When he observed her, it was as though he could almost see a thin veil around her, as though someone had enacted a shield over her.. When he tested for a shield, he could find none.

His mind raced. His thoughts bumped into one another. What was it then?

Had Hunter enacted something around her? To what end, protect her?

That didn’t make sense because the veil he could almost see was no more than a mask. Such a thing could never stop him. Hunter would know that.

If Exerilla was human, he needed to find out who her connections were, and if she were hiding something. It was impossible to know.

He would have to watch a bit longer before he made his move. Using caution was ever wise, and he needed to make certain his plan succeeded.

* * *

Hunter took Mary for a stroll while Exerilla worked Princess Tat. She worked patiently with the mare, reminding her of what the pressure of her leg meant, pleased to find the mare willing.

She took her out of the training paddock and down the drive to the gate. The mare was slightly skittish as she bent to open the gate; she settled down and calmly went through the opening.

The mare needed a run, as she did. She put her into a steady canter, felt the breeze against her cheeks and laughed out loud. She wanted to spread out her hands and scream, look ma—no hands.

She missed her mother. She could feel the mare gaining speed, ready to open up and she gave Princess her head.

They dove forward, in unison, and the mare kicked up her rear with joy at the anticipated speed. They approached a fence lin

e and although Exerilla wished she could just point the mare and take it flying, she knew better.

She brought her under her, quieted her, spoke to her. Princess objected to the restraint with a shake of her head. X laughed, but told her firmly to behave.

Princess snorted, but quieted as she slowed and took the post and rail, tucking her fores perfectly, landing beautifully and slowly came to a stop, just as X asked of her.

Exerilla patted her neck affectionately and loudly pronounced her a most excellent mare and Princess seemed to understand that she had done a very good thing.

She turned her around and headed back, taking the fence line one more time, in perfect style.

Satisfied with the day’s work, Exerilla arrived at the Towers stables. A wide smile crossed her face as she swung her leg over and got ready to dismount.

“Well done,” said his lordship.

Her back was to him but his hands had her waist from behind as he easily, deftly lifted her the remaining distance to the ground and lightly steadied her.

“I could dismount on my own,” X said amiably enough.

“I am quite certain ye can, lass, but ye see, whether ye count yerself a lady or not I doona care. I mean to be a gentleman when I can.”

She scowled at him, “That was not a very nice thing to say; as the implication is that I am not a lady, simply because I wish to do something for myself. That is ridiculous.”

He eyed her thoughtfully, “Is it, lass?” He handed the horse off to the groom and turned back to her, “Ye have very modern ideas, much like the Godwin girls.”

“Oh,” she brightened. “I know about them.”