The Duke’s Sinful Bride (Vows of Sin #5)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

W hen morning arrived, a cold breeze swept through the open window, causing Yvette to stir in her bed. She groaned softly, her body still heavy with the lingering thoughts of the night before.

Despite returning to her bed and tightening her eyes, she had failed to sleep until the early hours of the morning.

Unease gripped her thoughts, but the need for fresh air and space pushed her to move. Yvette threw back the covers and swung her legs to the side of the bed, feeling the chill of the floor beneath her feet.

She called on her maid, and in an instant, Daisy arrived, her face bright with morning cheer.

“I’m going for a ride this morning. Could you help me with my riding gear?” Yvette asked, her tone carrying a quiet determination.

Daisy nodded and hurried to assist, pulling the old day dress from the wardrobe that Yvette had always worn when she had snuck out of the nunnery for her secret rides. It was a simple dress, practical for horseback riding, but Yvette felt a sense of nostalgia as she put it on—those moments of fleeting freedom she had stolen back then were not lost to her.

Once dressed and ready, Yvette made her way out into the crisp morning air. She inhaled deeply, the coolness filling her lungs, and took in the landscape before her.

This was exactly what she needed.

The estate of Braemore castle stretched out magnificently, the fields glistening under the soft light of the early sun. She felt the stillness of the morning settle in her bones, the weight of the tension momentarily slipping away as she took in the view.

As she approached the stables, Yvette was met with a little commotion.

A pony was stomping around nervously, two stable hands, a man Yvette had never seen, and Maisie and her governess were all speaking to the animal at the same time, desperately trying to calm it down.

As Yvette approached them, she noticed that Maisie was also dressed in her riding gear, as was the man she’d never met.

Maisie, however, seemed to be struggling, fidgeting uncomfortably whenever she got close to the beast.

Yvette hesitated, observing the scene, and then, unable to ignore the opportunity to help, she stepped forward.

“Perhaps I could assist?” Yvette offered, her voice calm yet confident.

The governess gave her a surprised glance, but the instructor, an agile young man with a strong presence, looked at Yvette for a moment before nodding reluctantly.

“Do you have experience with children, ma’am?” he asked, his tone polite, though laced with skepticism.

“Not quite,” Yvette replied with a faint smile, “but I’ve been around horses since I was young. Let’s see if we can make him more comfortable.”

Yvette approached Maisie, who looked up at her with wide, uncertain eyes. The girl’s small hands shook as she clutched the reins. Yvette knelt down beside her and spoke softly.

“It’s all right, Maisie. You don’t have to be afraid. Just take a deep breath and trust the horse. Does he have a name?” she asked the little girl who nodded excitedly.

“Flash,” she said with a cheeky smile that Yvette returned.

“All right, from now on you only call him Flash, okay?” Yvette said and Maisie nodded, though her body was still stiff with nervousness.

Yvette offered her hand to the little girl, guiding her gently, her tone soothing. She helped Maisie shift onto the saddle, teaching her how to balance properly without overwhelming the horse.

After a few more moments of adjustment, Yvette guided Maisie’s small hands to the reins, and slowly, the girl mounted the horse with more ease than before.

The instructor, who had been watching with narrowed eyes, let out a slow breath.

“Well done,” he said, his voice a little more approving. “Perhaps you should join us with the lesson?”

Maisie’s governess shook her head instantly.

“I’m sure Her Grace has other duties to attend to,” she said and Yvette shook her head.

The instructor’s eyes widened in shock as he bowed his head.

“Forgive me, Your Grace. I was not aware?—”

“It’s no problem. I didn’t introduce myself when I came. However I’d be delighted to join you for the lesson. I’d wanted to ride anyway, but Maisie comes first,” she said the last bit staring at the little girl who seemed oblivious to their exchange.

As the morning progressed, Maisie’s confidence grew. With Yvette’s help, the young girl began to understand the rhythm of riding, her nerves melting away with each small success.

Soon, Yvette and Maisie were laughing together as they rode their horses around the field, the tension between them easing as they both enjoyed the simple pleasure of the ride.

The sun was higher in the sky now, casting a warm glow over the land, and the sounds of the horses’ hooves beating against the earth seemed to lift their spirits.

However, in the midst of their fun, Maisie’s enthusiasm got the best of her.

“Faster, Flash!” she called, her voice ringing with delight, as she urged her pony forward with a gentle nudge of her heels.

But in her eagerness, she kicked the pony’s side a bit too firmly. Flash’s ears twitched back, and with a sharp, startled cry, he reared up on his hind legs.

Maisie’s eyes widened in terror.

“Whoa! No! Flash, stop!” she cried, clutching the reins tightly as her knuckles turned white.

The pony, spooked beyond reason, came crashing back down and bolted across the field, galloping in uneven circles. Maisie’s small frame bounced in the saddle, her terrified cries echoing across the open space.

“Help! Please! I can’t stop him!” she sobbed, her fingers slipping on the leather reins as panic overwhelmed her.

Yvette’s heart stopped for a moment as she watched Maisie scream in terror. Without thinking, she moved her horse towards them, her body moving with precision as she rushed towards the girl.

The instructor was also quick on their heels, and together, they reached the frightened animal.

Yvette was the first to reach Maisie’s pony, pulling at the reins to calm the animal. The instructor helped her steady the horse, his hands firm as they both worked to soothe the animal’s frenzied movements.

“Maisie,” Yvette breathed out, her voice sharp but gentle as she reached for the little girl, helping her dismount from the horse.

Maisie trembled in her arms, her body shaking, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps.

“It’s all right,” Yvette murmured, holding Maisie close, “You’re safe. The pony is safe.”

Maisie’s small body wracked with sobs, and Yvette held her tightly, rocking her back and forth.

“You were so brave,” Yvette whispered, her hand stroking Maisie’s hair. “Don’t you worry. Even the best riders have moments like this.”

Maisie clung to her, her sobs slowing as she felt the warmth and reassurance of Yvette’s embrace.

As they stood there, Yvette still comforting the girl, she heard a voice from behind her.

“What in the devil’s name were you thinking?”