Since returning to London, Thalia had been swept up in a whirlwind of social activities with Victoria
Darwin and Charlotte–shopping, dining, catching up on lost time.
Her plans to apply to Sinclair & Klein were temporarily set aside.
Today, the girls were sharing afternoon tea at their favorite patisserie.
Charlotte, who’d been out clubbing until the early hours, looked rather worse for wear.
“I’m tired of shopping and clubs,” she groaned, then perked up. “It’s such a lovely day–why don’t we go riding at the Darwin estate?”
The Darwin family owned one of England’s most prestigious equestrian centers, where all three had
taken riding lessons in their youth.
“Sobered up enough?” Thalia teased. “Wouldn’t want you charged with drunk riding.”
“Completely sober,” Charlotte grinned wickedly. “Though I did vomit all over Sebastian Darwin last night.
His face went absolutely green.”
Victoria smiled serenely. “Did my brother not mind?”
“Actually, he was rather sweet about it. After cleaning up, he even made me his special hangover
remedy.”
Sebastian and Charlotte were step–siblings. Sebastian’s mother had passed when he was young, and Charlotte’s parents had divorced when she was seven.
Sebastian’s father had then married Charlotte’s mother, bringing the families together.
Charlotte was nine when she first met fourteen–year–old Sebastian. He was going through his rebellious phase and resented both his stepmother and new sister.
Their first meeting ended with him pulling her pigtails and telling her to get lost.
Charlotte, never one to be bullied, had bitten his wrist so hard it left a scar he still bore.
Thalia stirred her tea, amused. “You must be his karmic punishment.”
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Charlotte smirked. “Serves him right for being such a beast back then.”
After catching up, Charlotte returned to her idea. “So, riding? I haven’t been in ages.”
“I’d love to,” Thalia agreed. “It’s been three years since I’ve been on a horse. I miss our races.”
Victoria smiled warmly. “Count me in.”
Charlotte’s eyes gleamed mischievously as she reached for her phone. “I’ll call Sebastian, have him bring
Asher along.”
At the stables, Thalia changed into her riding attire.
The perfectly tailored grey hunting jacket paired with white jodhpurs and black riding boots showcased her elegant figure. Her hair was swept into a neat bun, giving her a striking, athletic appearance.
When she emerged, the waiting group looked suitably impressed.
“Looking rather splendid, Thalia,” Sebastian remarked with his usual cheek.
Charlotte jabbed his ribs. “Do shut up. Asher hasn’t even commented yet, you prat.”
“Ow! Easy there, you savage!”
“You look lovely, Lia,” Asher said softly, himself impeccable in matching grey riding attire.
Whether by coincidence or design, they were perfectly coordinated.
His tall, athletic frame was perfectly suited to riding wear, making him stand out naturally.
Beside him stood Grace.
Thalia was surprised to see her–she hadn’t known Grace would join them.
“Grace wanted to try riding,” Asher explained. “I thought it might be nice.”
He hoped more time together might help his sister and future wife bond.
Thalia nodded, greeting Grace warmly: “Hello there.”
As they spoke, Asher’s horse was led out.
It was a magnificent Hanoverian warmblood. Thalia, who’d never been riding with Asher before, was
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seeing his mount for the first time.
The horse was stunning–tall, powerful, clearly of excellent breeding.
“What breed is it, brother?” Grace asked sweetly.
“Hanoverian,” Asher replied simply.
Sebastian added helpfully, “And quite valuable, Grace. One of the finest breeds.”
Grace clutched Asher’s arm. “Brother, I’d love to learn to ride. Won’t you teach me?”
Thalia noticed Grace’s grip on Asher’s arm.
The sight sparked an unexpected twinge of discomfort.
She quickly looked away.
Asher smoothly extracted his arm. “I can arrange proper lessons for you.”
Charlotte jumped in: “I can recommend my instructor, Grace.”
“But I want you to teach me, brother,” Grace persisted.
An odd emotion stirred in Thalia’s chest.
Unable to name it, and unwilling to watch Grace’s cloying behavior, she went to fetch her own horse.
Her mount was a striking Akhal–Teke, pure white–a seventeenth birthday gift from Victoria.
The horse’s coat gleamed like silk in the sunlight, ethereal and majestic.
Victoria smiled. “I’ve taken good care of Snow while you were away, Lia.”
“Snow” was Thalia’s name for the horse–both for its color and as a nod to Victoria.
“Thank you, Vicky.” Thalia stroked the horse’s face, and it nuzzled her palm affectionately.
“She still remembers me!” Thalia exclaimed delightedly.
“Of course,” Victoria said. “Horses never forget.”
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Thalia led Snow outside,
Eager to ride, she prepared to mount.
Asher stepped forward to assist, his hand steady at her waist as she swung into the saddle.
“Thanks.”
She urged Snow forward, unaware of Grace’s dark, jealous gaze behind her.
The estate’s grounds stretched endlessly, perfect for riding.
Thalia gave Snow her head, reveling in the wind rushing past.
This was freedom.
Her form was perfect, movements graceful and assured, radiating natural elegance.
Everyone watched, captivated.
Even Grace had to admit Thalia was dazzling.
As she watched Asher’s eyes follow Thalia’s disappearing figure before spurring his horse to follow, Grace felt jealousy consume her.
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