Free An Unexpected Love by Barbara Cartland Page B

urged her mare forward.
    The two horses burst out of the woods and Sir Richard sighed in relief. The heavy-leafed trees and bushes hid too much from his gaze for his liking.
    He had not been joking when he mentioned hiding an army in the woods’ depths.
    But it was not an army of men he was worried about – but just one man! A very evil one at that.
    The smooth turf of the Downs spun up under the hooves in flying clods as Ravina urged her mare on faster and faster.
    This was what she loved doing – her hat had slipped down her back and her hair streamed free in the wind.
    And she felt free, too. It was a marvellous sensation, escaping from the confines of Society to gallop across this beautiful country.
    She could hear Galahad’s heavier hooves thundering behind her, next Sir Richard was alongside and she caught a glimpse of him grinning at her as he passed her.
    At the top of the hill he reined in, only seconds before she arrived.
    â€œWell ridden, Lady Ravina!” he called, circling a snorting Galahad who was tossing his head, obviously pleased to have had such a good run.
    â€œThere are not many young ladies who could stay ahead of this beast for so long. Your mare has a good turn of speed.”
    Ravina smiled and tried to tidy her hair, searching for clips that were long gone in the hectic ride. She finally found a piece of blue velvet ribbon in a pocket and tied her long blonde curls back severely from her face.
    â€œI would like to thank you, Sir Richard, for not letting me win,” she said. “Many men allow women to do so and I find it so annoying. It was a fair race and you won with the faster horse.”
    Sir Richard’s dark eyes gleamed briefly.
    â€œIt would never have crossed my mind to allow you to win,” he said. “That would have been patronizing in the extreme.”
    â€œI agree, but unfortunately, most men would find your attitude ungentlemanly. They would have let me win and praised me for my ability. I know women are not as physically strong as men, but that is no reason to treat us as if we are little children.”
    Sir Richard had managed to calm his horse and sat, gazing down the hillside at the panorama of the English countryside spread out before them.
    He loved this country with a depth of emotion that he could not put into words. Looking down at the patchwork of little fields, green, gold and brown, all neatly edged with hedges and trees, he knew he would do anything to protect it.
    â€œBut you must admit, Lady Ravina, that there are times when a young lady can find herself in a situation she cannot handle by speed and flight alone.”
    Ravina hesitated.
    It seemed to her that there was a double meaning in his words, but she had no idea what it could possibly be.
    â€œWe do have brains as well, Sir Richard. Hopefully, if it is a situation where physical prowess is not enough, then our ability to communicate will be useful and help us overcome whatever problems we face.”
    He smiled at her boundless optimism and, talking about a variety of subjects, they walked their horses slowly down the track towards the village.
    Sir Richard was keen to know about all the Dorset landmarks and Ravina was pleased that she could point with her crop and name all the hills and valleys in sight.
    In about half a mile a long stone wall marked the edge of the Priory estate, and very soon they reached the ornate black iron gates.
    â€œWell, here we must part. I trust your search for the perfect house will be successful,” Ravina said, feeling a sudden, unexpected pang of regret.
    She realised that she had thoroughly enjoyed her ride with Sir Richard.
    He was not the dour, critical man she had at first thought, but clever and interesting. He held views and opinions, but also listened to hers and did not insist that his were always right.
    Except for his ongoing belief that women were unable to look after themselves!
    Sir Richard leant across his saddle and