Episode 7

Tabitha heard the clinking of dishes and cutlery and buried her head in the pillow, stifling a yawn. The chambermaid pulled back the heavy curtains, and a beam of light pierced the room's shadows.

It's already past eleven, my lady, she said, holding a breakfast tray that another maid had brought in.

Tabitha jumped up, startled. Was it really past eleven? It couldn’t be, she thought, glancing at the small clock on the nightstand, shaking her head in disbelief. She must have slept like a log, and she couldn't remember ever sleeping so deeply. She stayed under the covers until the maids left, then looked around and blushed deeply as she remembered the previous night—what had almost happened between her and Ethan. Now she could say his name without hesitation. She blushed again, thinking of what had transpired. She should hate him, but she couldn’t. He had told her he wouldn't force her to surrender, and that’s how it had been. She got up, put on a robe, and went to sit down for breakfast, feeling strangely happy and famished. She opened it curiously, and Ethan invited her for a horseback ride. Oh my God, what would she wear? And how would she behave? She jumped up in distress and pulled the bell cord to summon the maid. A moment later, the maid arrived and started showing her the dresses stored in the trunks inside the dressing room.

Tabitha felt curious and asked whose clothes they were, and the maid replied that they belonged to Lord Granger's daughter, who was currently in London. She looked at the beautiful dresses the maid was pulling out of the trunk, and suddenly, she saw a deep green velvet gown. Grabbing it, she held the deep green velvet gown up in front of her, excited.

Which one will you wear, my lady? The maid asked, picking up a lovely violet-coloured floral gown with long, narrow sleeves and rows of ruffles at the hem.

Not this one, I’ll wear this, Tabitha said decisively, holding up an equestrian outfit. I’m going horseback riding with Lord Devereux.

A little while later, she descended the grand staircase toward the door. Upon reaching it, she inhaled the salty sea air drifting in from the ocean, whose powerful waves she had glimpsed as she headed toward the stables. As she approached the stables, she heard the neighing of horses beyond the wide stable doors, which made her quicken her step. She entered the stables and stood watching the bustling stable boys as she waited for someone to approach her.

Ethan was in a stall checking the horse he was going to ride, a magnificent Arabian stallion, when he saw her. He stood frozen, staring. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He hadn’t expected to be overwhelmed by a feeling of fierce possessiveness when he first saw her. But now, all he could think was “mine”. He called to the stable boy tending to the horse that Tabitha would ride and instructed him to saddle that one. Tabitha had her back to him, so she didn’t notice when he approached her, but she felt his presence. When he came up behind her and embraced her, pressing his body against hers, she wasn’t surprised, but what made her flush was feeling how aroused he was.

Good morning, wife. Did you sleep well? He said, kissing her neck. Tabitha felt the blood rush to her cheeks.

Good morning, Ethan. Yes, I slept quite well, but… please don’t do that, everyone’s watching us, she said, her voice trembling. He took pity on her and pulled back slightly.

I chose that mare for you, but now that I think about it, I didn’t ask if you knew how to ride. If not, it’s no problem—I’ll take you with me, he said, smiling at her, and she returned the smile.

It’s not necessary, I learned to ride, she replied.

Then let’s go? He said, taking the mare's reins and leaving the stables.

They stopped briefly so Devereux could help her mount, and then he climbed onto the stallion, and they trotted off. Ethan led them down a path that led to the beach, where they began a race. Tabitha felt the salty wind in her face as she urged the mare to match Ethan’s pace. Ethan’s Arabian stallion seemed made of pure power and elegance, moving with fierce grace, while Tabitha, though not as experienced, found herself surprisingly comfortable. It was as if the energy of the race liberated her from her worries and uncertainties. Ethan turned to look at her.

The sight of Tabitha, her hair flying behind her riding hat, her eyes shining with excitement, was more than he could bear. He felt his chest tighten with a mixture of pride and desire. When they reached the beach, he slowed down, pulling the reins of the stallion, and Tabitha did the same. They stopped near the breakers, where the waves gently lapped the sand. The sound of the ocean filled the silence between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. On the contrary, it was as though the sea spoke for them, echoing the tumult of emotions they shared. Ethan dismounted first, then approached Tabitha’s mare, extending his arms to help her down. She hesitated for a moment, her heart racing, but accepted. As soon as her feet touched the ground, he didn’t immediately release her.

I confess I didn’t expect to see someone ride so confidently, he said, his voice low, almost hoarse. You’re a box of surprises, Tabitha.

She looked away, but a smile tugged at her lips. Ethan leaned in slightly, as if to kiss her, but Tabitha took a step back, a faint blush colouring her cheeks.

I think we should walk for a bit. The mare needs to rest, she said, trying to sound practical, but her voice came out hesitant.