Page 39 of Managing the Major

“I’m extremely pleased with our Thor. He was a bit lazy at first, but went forward with the stick, and has extremely comfortable gaits. It’s better that he’d rather go slow until told differently. What do you think?”

“Actually, I spent far too much attention on the fine figure you present and completely forgot the horse.”

She poked him with the crop, her blue-gray eyes alight with laughter. “Be serious, Alastair.”

“Very well. I think Thor is the quintessential gentleman’s mount—substantial enough, but not clumsy or heavy. Does he respond well to the bit? When you rated him, I saw some resistance.”

“I found him uneducated rather than hard-mouthed. But he is most docile and should be easy to train. Would you like to try him?”

Alastair ached to ride such a fine horse. Was he strong enough yet? Perhaps not—but he was determined, and that was usually enough to get the job done.

“Yes, I would. Let’s bring him inside and switch saddles.”

After they had accomplished the change of tack, Ned led Thor alongside the mounting block and held him steady.

Even using the handrail they added, it took Alastair some effort to climb the stairs. Once level with the horse, he easily threw his good leg over Thor’s broad back and lowered himself into the saddle. Although placing his left foot in his stirrup had taken some effort, it felt surprisingly right to sit on a horse once more.

Octavia suggested riding with the stirrups longer than usual to ease the pressure on his damaged knee. Even with that, he found the lightest contact with his left leg was difficult. Perhaps the strong seat and balance he hoped were still there would compensate.

Holding a rifle or saber while riding was common practice in the army, so he easily turned Thor with one hand. Octavia walked with him through the gate and into the field and stood with Freya as he walked in a circle around her and put Thor through some simple maneuvers. After a few circles and changes of direction, he tried halting and backing.

Genevieve had joined Ned at the rail. The last thing Alastair wanted was people watching his mistakes, but he told himself that the possibility of riding again was worth the discomfort to his ego. No doubt his body would have some nasty things to say in retaliation as well.

“It’s easier to steer than I expected,” he said. “As you said, he’s lazy—but right now that’s not a bad thing. Later, I might need spurs.”

“Very good. I like him more and more, and you look wonderful together. Take a turn around the perimeter and get to know each other.”

After walking the field twice, he was exhausted and covered in sweat. His left leg was burning, and the knee throbbed painfully, but the journey back to recovering his skills was within reach, thank God.

Octavia waved him over. “That’s enough for today. I want you to be able to ride tomorrow.”

Back at the barn, he dismounted, easing to the ground with his good leg first. Octavia took the reins from him and patted the horse’s neck. “That was well done, Alastair.” Her pride in his accomplishment made him feel as though he’d conquered Bandula again.

Ned had his walking stick in hand. “Miss Merrick thought you might be needing it after your ride. Let me take Thor and give him a good rubdown. You handled him fine, sir.”

“Indeed, well done,” Genevieve agreed. “He is an impressive horse, and you’re the stylish pair.”

“Aren’t they?” Octavia beamed. “They’ll set the ton on their ears soon enough. How will it feel to ride in Hyde Park again, Major Alastair?”

He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Thank you, Octavia. Not just for Thor, but for your persistence. It’s been five years since I sat on a horse, and I never realized how much I missed it until today.”

“Five years? You’re lucky to have survived your injuries, I think.” Genevieve exclaimed. “Did they happen in India?” She quickly covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry…I didn’t mean to pry.”

“You aren’t prying. The accident happened at Danubyu in twenty-five. If you wish to hear it, I’ll tell you the story of our victory in Burma later this evening.” The words slipped out without thinking; he had never discussed the details of that day with anyone but Rafe.

“How glad we are you made it back.” Octavia gave a misty smile. “Well done for that, too.”

Back at the house, she issued orders just like one of his sergeants. “Go upstairs immediately, Alastair. You must soak your leg at once before any aches or swelling set in, and if Mrs. Carter has eucalyptus oil, that will help immensely. Be sure to stretch well before and after.”

He saluted smartly. “Should I order a luncheon first?”

“Thank you, but no. I’ll wait for dinner. Genevieve?”

“Some tea in the drawing room would be excellent. Actually, I might recline on the sofa for a bit. I’m exhausted.”

Octavia looked at her in amazement. “Really, Genevieve?”

He leaned against the doorway, watching with amusement until she stamped her foot in his direction. “Why are you still here? Go, Alastair! We can entertain ourselves for an hour or two.”