Free UnexpectedChristmas by Jean Hart Stewart Page A

that she’d longed to find for three years.
    But those dreary clothes.
    She thought furiously even as she walked. She wanted to
dress Abby as she should be dressed, but how to do it without triggering an
explosive rejection? Sebastian was already intrigued. She wanted to dress Abby
as the lady she was, not the prim schoolmistress she’d tried to become. But
Abby had already demonstrated her prideful concerns. Lordy, dressed as she
should be Sebastian would lose his heart on the spot.
    But she thought he already had.
    And how to get that proud lady to agree?
    Marianne’s thoughts made her grin. She’d think of something.
She’d burn those dreary clothes if she had to.
    * * * * *
    Sebastian took Becky’s hand in his as they walked through
the stables. Extensive, immaculate and filled with prime horseflesh, they were
Sebastian’s pride. He resolved to bring Caro here as soon as possible. The
beautiful horses would please her and possibly help his cause. How beautiful
she’d look racing him across the fields of his country place, her hair flowing
down her back.
    A loud whicker came from the stall to his right. King
Thunder, his favorite stallion. A handsome horse of impeccable lineage, Thunder
was the prize of the stables, but he had a wicked temper. Sebastian was the
only rider he allowed on his back. Sebastian grinned at the thought of the battles
he’d had with his horse. He’d rebelled every time the grooms put a saddle on
him, until the grooms were afraid to come near him. But Sebastian had triumphed
with patience and a stern affection that brooked no quarter. Now Thunder knew
his master was near and welcomed him.
    “Oooh, he’s beautiful.”
    Becky stood spellbound as Thunder stuck his nose from his
stall.
    “Yes, he is, Becky, but he responds only to me. He can get
angry and be quite dangerous, so don’t try to even pet him. Not until I get him
to be more civilized.”
    He took an apple out of his pocket and held his palm
outstretched while Thunder nipped it from him. He patted his horse’s nose and
murmured to him and then turned away.
    “Come, Becky, let’s go find a mount for you.”
    “Don’t forget I’m a ‘sperienced rider.”
    Sebastian laughed and ruffled her hair. “Of course I’ll take
that into account.”
    He was as good as his word, stopping before a bay mare of
smaller stature than the others.
    “This is Dolly. She’s a sweetheart. She’s responsive and a
smooth ride. Would you like to try her?”
    Becky’s face lit and then darkened. “I don’t have any riding
clothes with me. I never could use them at that stupid school.”
    She started to say something else but then stopped. Probably
something interesting about the stupid school, Sebastian said to himself.
    He grinned at her. “Nobody’s looking but me. Why don’t you
just go ahead and ride. Tuck your skirts in your waistband.”
    Her little face lit like a shining star.
    “Oh can I? Now?”
    “Of course.”
    He stood by, ready to grab the reins if she had any trouble,
but soon relaxed. For her age Becky was a creditable horsewoman and Dolly
responded to her like the little lady she was.
    Summoning two grooms, he charged them with watching her and
bringing her to him after an hour. She’d be using muscles she hadn’t used for a
while and he didn’t want her too tired.
    He hurried to Caro’s room. As he paused outside he thought
Caro’s voice sounded distressed and he knocked and then entered.
    Marianne greeted him with a smile.
    “Seb, will you help me here? You shouldn’t be in Abby’s room
but I want Abby to borrow one of my dresses and look her best when our guests
come tonight. Some of them will be old friends and will be thrilled to see her
again. So why not look beautiful at the same time?”
    Sebastian shook his head at his sister.
    “I will not try to persuade her, Marianne. Caro is always
beautiful to me. She needs no adornment.”
    He fixed his eyes on his love and was pleased to see her
direct a small