Free Wild legacy by Copyright Paperback Collection (Library of Congress) DLC, Phoebe Conn

forget us."
    Dominique brushed that worry aside. "They're beauties because their reddish hides are kept glowing with constant grooming. Let's just toss a bit of dust on them as we ride along and tangle their manes so they don't look nearly so sleek and pampered. Besides, I thought you meant to guide us through the countryside rather than along the main roads. With luck, no one will see us after we take the ferry across the James River."
    It was easy to argue that they had been blessed with good luck from the day they were born, but Belle did not want to rely upon luck now. "Your idea's a good one," she said instead. "We'll just let Baby Dee and Ladybug get so sweaty and dirty they can pass without notice as easily as we."
    Dominique's lips formed a pretty pout. "That will be the real challenge, won't it? To pretend that we're humble serving girls on an errand rather than respectable young ladies who expect to have their commands obeyed. It will be like acting a part in a play," she enthused.
    "Hush, and saddle Baby Dee. At least we know how to care for our mounts ourselves, and that's a blessing. A sidesaddle may be fine for a jaunt into town, but for a trip this long, we'd be better off riding astride."
    As they were growing up, Byron Barclay had been a superb teacher who never excluded his daughters from the skills he taught his sons. If they showed no interest he excused them, but not until he was satisfied they need not be

    dependent on any man. Belle had been more appreciative of the lessons, but as they saddled their pets, Dominique handled the task just as effortlessly.
    It took careful planning to secure all they wished to bring to their mount's saddles, but with Dominique carrying the picnic basket and Belle the fishing gear they had found in the stable, they were at last ready to go. Belle doused the lantern, and leaving it behind, the sisters rode their horses down the soft dirt path to the river. The sky had just begun to lighten with a faint blush, and they could find their way along the familiar path without mishap, but each sent a longing glance toward home when she thought the other wasn't looking.
    At noon, Arielle went out the front door and looked down toward the river. It was a lovely day, warm and clear. A perfect day for a picnic, and yet by midmorning she had begun to feel uneasy.
    Byron walked up behind his wife and slipped his arms around her waist to pull her close. "Pretty day," he murmured as he nuzzled her throat.
    Arielle slid her hands over his. "Yes, it is, but I didn't really expect the girls to be away so long."
    Byron drank in his wife's subtle perfume. A delicious blend of wildflowers, it was among her most effective potions and never failed to stir his desire. "Why not? Belle has always been happiest with a fishing pole in her hands."
    Arielle relaxed against him, but she was worried still. "Perhaps it was only Falcon's company which made fishing such a pleasant pastime. I've seen her standing alone on the docks, gazing out at the river so often these last few years. I should have guessed her thoughts were of him. I don't think he knew how much she missed him."
    "Surely he must now."
    Comforted by her husband's embrace, Arielle remer

    bered the strained beginning of their own romance. Adversaries in Acadia, neither his British friends nor her dear Acadian neighbors had approved of their friendship; but regardless of the dire opinions of others, they could not have ignored the joy love offered them. She had lost everything she had once held dear, but did not regret her choice. She and Byron had been happy together for more than twenty years and she prayed they would have at least another twenty to celebrate their love.
    "Perhaps I'm more upset about Falcon's visit than I thought," she murmured, "but I do wish the girls would hurry home."
    "They are high-spirited creatures, but what possible harm could befall them, Arielle? They know the riverbank as well as this porch, and ride as