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leaned forward to stroke his proud neck, laying herself across his mane, all the while talking over her shoulder to Frieda. Her expression was happy and carefree, her hair escaping its constraints at her nape.
    A young woman of true diversity, he reflected. He’d first encountered her as a sensual creature, one who was unfettered by convention. Then she’d appeared before him as a rebellious youth eager for adventure. At dinner, he’d thought her the embodiment of elegant womanhood – a true beauty to behold, a lady with character and grace.
    When he’d inadvertently caught her on the landing, he’d been busy considering the dilemma he’d found himself in. He was mightily attracted to her, and she too was giving overtures of interest. He needed to be cautious for the sake of propriety. He reminded himself they were closely linked. He favored affairs with those with whom no close link could be forged. If he pursued Eleanor, the consequences would be many. Things between them would be changed, forever, and with the mutual link of Frieda they were likely to meet again, whether it be soon or in the distant future.
    He made a resolute decision to be more circumspect toward the young lady. He was busy strengthening his resolve when she flitted across the landing in front of him – a fey night creature cast in moonlight. In an instant, his resolve vanished.
    She’d looked vulnerable and unsure when he approached her, and yet he could do none other than follow his desire to be closer to her. The image of her standing by the window would stay with him always. Moonlight seemed to stroke the outline of her cheek as he wished he could. Her shimmering blue eyes and soft lips lured him. Her hair floated around her face, as if on the hot undercurrents that seemed to exude from her. Like some exotic cat that needed to be stroked, she seemed to demand a tactile response from him. It was all he could manage to keep his self-control, and he’d had to leave when the desire to crush her up against the wall with the force of his kiss became too overwhelming.
    A stable lad emerged from the stables to help the ladies dismount.
    Rivers shook off his meandering thoughts and walked toward them.
    Eleanor flushed when their eyes met and her eyelids lowered, as if she were embarrassed. Then her eyelids lifted and she greeted him with a fresh, innocent smile. Incredible, he thought. What of the moonlit siren he’d barely been able to keep his hands off, the night before?
    “Rivers,” she said, joining him. “Good morning. Have you met Jake, our stable manager?”  He dragged his attention from her, to look toward the man who was now leading the horses behind him. They shook hands and exchanged a few polite comments.
    “Jake knows everything there is to know about horseflesh,” Eleanor said, as the man disappeared into the stables.
    “And your knowledge and love of the animals is also obvious,” Rivers responded.
    “She’s a fine horse woman,” Frieda replied. “She has a real eye for grace in the animals and chose a mount perfect for me.” 
    Rivers fixed his attention on Eleanor. “Perhaps you will choose a suitable mount for me so I can look over your father’s estate, later in the week?” 
    “Why not today or tomorrow?” She eyed him from under her lashes.
    “I’m leaving this afternoon. I’m going to spend a few days touring the auctions in the neighboring counties.” He responded in a business like tone, trying not to make it known this was a sudden decision. He stared at Frieda, who glanced over at him with curiosity. Thankfully she didn’t comment on this new plan. He was hoping she would think he was bored, which was quite the opposite of the truth. He was far too interested.
    Eleanor looked closely at him, as if cautiously trying to gauge her position with him. “So soon?” she asked, and there was disappointment in her voice.
    He nodded. “I’ll be back by Friday.” 
    A morning ride before they took their