Free The Hellion and The Heartbreaker by Jennifer McNare Page B

since his youth, and he knew them well.  There
was no mistaking that Scarlett’s interest in him went beyond friendship, and
despite the desire to do just the opposite, he knew better than to encourage
her.  He was a little surprised at how very disappointing the thought of
that was.  How ironic he mused, that he could have any woman he wanted,
and to be honest he had, but now the one he wanted more than any other he’d had
before was hopelessly out of his reach. 
     
     
    When they arrived back at the stable, they encountered an
older gentleman with a balding pate and a friendly smile, just exiting the
building.    
    “Good morning, Mr. Dutton,” Scarlett greeted him cheerfully.
    “Mornin’ Miss,” he said, returning her pleasant
greeting.  “I noticed the empty stalls.  I should ‘ave known it was
you up and about this early in the mornin.” 
    His wrinkled face and what was left of his snowy white hair,
reflected his advanced years, but he was still hale and hearty and one of the
hardest workers at Grey Oaks.  Scarlett had known him since she was an
infant.  “Mr. Dutton, this is His Grace, the Duke of Worthe,” she said,
gesturing toward Alec.  “Mr. Dutton is one of Grey Oaks’ most valued
assets,” she told Alec, with utmost sincerity.
    Mr. Dutton’s chin rose up just a tad, exhibiting his pride at
the compliment.  With a slight bow, he addressed Alec.  “It’s an
honor to meet you, Your Grace.”
    “And you, Mr. Dutton.”
    “Shall I take the horses, Miss?”
    “You most certainly will not,” Scarlett told him
firmly.  “His Grace and I are perfectly capable of tending to our own
mounts.”  Glancing toward Alec, she was pleased to see his nod of
agreement.  “You go and enjoy the day with your family, and please tell
Mrs. Dutton how much I enjoyed the wonderful pumpkin bread she sent over the
other day.”
    The aged groom obviously knew there was no sense in arguing
with her.  “Thank you, Miss.  I’ll be sure t’pass the message on t’my
wife.”  With a polite nod, he left Scarlett and Alec to their own devices.
    As they dismounted, Alec remarked on her kindness to the
older man.  Most people of his acquaintance wouldn’t think twice about
inconveniencing a servant.  Scarlett seemed genuinely surprised however,
that he would think she would have done anything else.  Once again, he was
reminded that she wasn’t just another one of the pampered and spoiled young
women he so often encountered.  It was a refreshing change, and if
possible his admiration of her grew even more.
    “Thank you for letting me ride Brutus,” she told him, as she
removed her saddle from the huge horse. 
    “It was my pleasure,” Alec assured her.  He watched,
somewhat bemused, as she led the stallion into his stall.  His
high-spirited mount had been as docile as a lamb for Scarlett.  Shaking
his head, he led Rory’s mount into his stall and began rubbing him down. 
He could hear Scarlett talking sweetly to Brutus a few stalls down.  He
envisioned her running her hands along the horse’s smooth coat and couldn’t
help wondering what would it be like to feel her hands upon his own skin, and
then cursed himself for the traitorous thought.  Damn, he needed to be
careful he reminded himself, extremely careful where Scarlett McPhearson was
concerned.
    Once Rory’s horse had been taken care of, Alec walked over to
Brutus’ stall.  Scarlett stood outside the closed gate, feeding Brutus a
handful of oats from her bare hand.  She turned at his approach.
    “I had a wonderful time, Alec.”  Scarlett told him, scarcely
able to keep the exaltation from her voice.  “Can we ride again tomorrow?”
    The look of hopeful anticipation on her face was impossible
to deny.  “If you would like.” 
    Scarlett beamed. 
    Would he ever get used to that dazzling smile, he wondered?
    Scarlett knew she had only a few more minutes left with Alec
before they returned to the awakening household,