Read Forsters 04 - Romancing the Runaway for Free Online Page A

much more like myself.”
    “It doesn’t do to go gallivanting about the countryside in such weather. No good can come out of it.”
    “No, ma’am. Indeed not.”
    “Mrs. Grantley is our neighbour and now also part of our family since my sister Flick is married to Darius Grantley.”
    Miss Cantrell blinked. “The famous barrister. I’ve heard of him.”
    Mrs. Grantley preened. “Well, his name does seem to appear in the newspapers quite frequently nowadays.”
    Gabe led his guests to the small table laid for three in an alcove by the window. Munford, the footman who waited on Gabe since Hal’s butler was in town with the family, sprang forward to help Mrs. Grantley with her chair. Gabe provided a similar service for Miss Cantrell.
    “We shall dine immediately, Munford,” Gabe said.
    “Very good, my lord.”
    “I don’t know about you, Miss Cantrell, but I’m sharp set, and I’m sure Tobias is too.”
    The smile that had threatened ever since she’d entered the room broke loose. “That I can guarantee.”
    She appeared to be conducting some sort of inner battle with herself, probably scared half out of her wits to find herself in such surroundings. That was why Gabe had ordered dinner to be served in the small sitting room.
    He entertained her with light conversation, never once asking for the explanation she must be aware was overdue. It immediately became apparent that she was familiar with dinner table etiquette, which implied a good family, or a good education. Gabe was curious to discover which, or both, applied to Miss Cantrell.
    “I’m anxious about my mare,” she said almost as soon as they sat down.
    “Ah yes, you’ve both sprained your fetlocks.”
    Her spontaneous smile hit Gabe squarely below the belt. “Yes, I suppose we have. How is Bianca?”
    “My manager’s taking good care of her. I suspect you’ll both heal at the same speed. You’re welcome to check her for yourself tomorrow, if you wish.”
    “Thank you, I do wish.”
    “She’s a fine mare.”
    Miss Cantrell’s eyes glowed. “Thank you. She’s pure Arabian.”
    “I thought as much. How old is she?”
    “Eight.”
    “A perfect age. Have you considered breeding her?”
    “Yes, I’ve been toying with that possibility.”
    “I have a Trakehner at stud here. It occurs to me that their respective lines might make for interesting progeny.”
    “Trakehners make elegant carriage horses,” she mused, her eyes alight with interest in a subject she clearly knew something about. “But mixed with Arabian lightness and speed, you could produce wonderful ladies’ saddle horses.”
    “My thought precisely.”
    “I hadn’t planned to crossbreed, but the idea has merit.”
    Gabe had known as soon as he looked at her mare that the beast was exceptional. Miss Cantrell was clearly aware of that, too, and he was gratified by the extent of her knowledge and enthusiasm. It gave them an interest in common that kept the conversation flowing while they ate. Miss Cantrell relaxed her guard as she enthused about her mare and seemed to forget where she was.
    And why.
    “If you’re so keen on horses, Miss Cantrell,” Mrs. Grantley remarked, “you and Lord Gabriel will have much to talk about. Horses are the only thing that’s interested him ever since he was in short coats.”
    Gabe smiled, even though he was annoyed by the remark. He hadn’t yet decided what to make of Miss Cantrell and didn’t wish to excite her expectations. He was slightly pacified when he saw from her expression that she was as embarrassed by Mrs. Grantley’s lack of tact as he was.
    “Have you owned Bianca for long?” Gabe asked.
    “Since she was a foal. She was a gift from my father.” She sent a defiant glance across the table. “I broke her myself.”
    “Good heavens!” Now she really had surprised him. “Forgive me, but if Bianca is eight then you must have been very young yourself when you broke her.”
    “Papa and I started backing her when she