Free Surrender Your Grace by Maddie Taylor Page A

control over the animal as they toured the extensive grounds, walking, galloping and even getting up to a brisk canter. As they approached the valley Andrew had spoken of, he signaled the groom to move forward. When he pulled abreast Andrew informed her, “This poor fellow hasn’t had a good run in days because of all the rain. I’ll wear him out then we can continue the tour. William will stay with you. Rest or walk your mare, but stay in this general area.” He looked at the groom who nodded in silent male communication. He was handing over the safety of his wife to the groom and the expectation was clear - don’t let her out of your sight.
    He then turned the black beauty and they sped across the small valley which was actually more of an open field among the rolling hills of the countryside. “Does his Lordship race him, William?”
    “That he does, My Lady. He is undefeated in over twenty races. He is truly a powerful and majestic animal. Only his lordship and Old Robbie can handle him.”
    “I think Daisy would prefer to walk, William.” As she moved her mare forward, William kept pace. While chatting with the young groom she found out his family had served the estate for over a century. He was a pleasant young man who spoke glowingly about his home, family and his responsibilities to the Manor and his lordship. The respect for her husband rang clearly in his voice.
    He had just started to chat about his young bride-to-be when Andrew came galloping back about thirty minutes later. His horse was winded and sweating, but not overly so. Andrew slowed him to a walk and signaled them to follow as he led them to a nearby lake. He dismounted and led his stallion to the water, only allowing the animal to drink when it was sufficiently cool. Once Obsidian had drunk his fill, he tied him to a nearby tree and returned to lift Cici down from her saddle. “You may head back, William. I’m certain Obsidian will be well behaved since I’ve let him run. Tell Cook we will be on time for the midday meal.”
    “Yes, My Lord,” he answered then nodded to his mistress before heading back toward the stables.
    “I thought you might like to stretch your legs since it's been a while since you rode.” He had seen a slight grimace as he pulled her from her saddle. “Are you too sore to continue?”
    Blushing furiously she chided, “You say the most outrageous things. I am in a constant state of embarrassment.” She opened her fan and began to work it in front of her face rapidly.
    “That wasn’t an answer. If you are too sore, I’ll take you up with me and we can head back and get you in a nice warm bath.”
    “There’s no need, although a ride with you on Obsidian sounds very appealing. I’m a little tender, but am fine to continue the tour. Everything I’ve seen about your home is splendid.”
    “It’s our home now, sweetheart.”
    She beamed up at him as if she had just realized that fact. As they approached the water, she spotted a punt tied to a small dock that reached about ten feet into the water. “Oh, you have a boat; can we take it out tomorrow? And the dock, it looks like a perfect fishing spot. Can we fish? I haven’t done so since I was a girl. Andrew, the estate is like a dream.”
    She practically bounced in her excitement like an eager young girl on her first outing. “We may do whatever you wish. This is our time, our honeymoon if you will. I spent the past few days after the wedding tying up loose ends just so we could spend this time together. I am at your command.” He said this with a courtly bow and a twinkle in his eye.
    Reaching out to touch his cheek she whispered earnestly, “I am so very happy here Andrew. Let’s never go back to town.”
    Laughing, he led her to a clearing where a stone bench had been placed. It was a tempting spot for folks to sit and enjoy the small lake while watching the swans, ducks and other wildlife as well as the beautiful scenery. Sitting beside her he held her