Miss Peterson & The Colonel Read Free Page B

left the yard before hurrying back. She always went out at this time and had no idea he would be there this morning with the same intention. She was tempted to forget, to return to her chamber and not risk a second confrontation. However, that would not be fair to Pegasus; her mare was in need of the exercise. Like her, the animal disliked being cooped up and preferred the freedom of the countryside to life in Town.
    How could anyone prefer the noise, the smell and restriction of the city? Even when Ellen and her family retreated to their country estate in Hertfordshire, her sister filled the house with guests. Such a frenetic life would not suit her. The tranquillity of her estate in Essex, where she was surrounded by horses, could dress in breeches and boots and ride astride, was heaven to her. Making inane small talk to overperfumed strangers was a pastime she abhorred.
    Billy grinned at her over the loose box. 'Take care this morning, miss. Them cobbles will be a mite slippery until the sun's up.' He'd obviously been keeping out of harm's way whilst her altercation with the colonel had been taking place. He gave her a leg up.
    'Thank you, Billy. I shall come to no harm. Peg's as surefooted as a mountain goat. I'll take it slowly through the streets and not allow her to trot until we're on the grass.'
    She guided the mare expertly through the archway that led to the street. Her sister would be horrified if she knew there was no groom accompanying her. But as Ellen never rose before noon, and avoided the stable yard at all times, she was unlikely to hear about her breach of etiquette.
    The railings outside the house were coated in frost and the trees similarly adorned. How beautiful everything looked in the early-morning sunlight. The pavements were empty apart from servants on errands. This area of London was mercifully free from street traders and hawkers, and none of the residents of these grand houses would dream of being seen abroad so early.
    Pegasus knew her way to the park; they took the same route every morning they were in Town. Lydia held her reins loosely, giving her mount the freedom to pick her own path. They entered without having met another rider. She paused on the grass, gazing in delight at the trees. Everything appeared as if covered in diamonds. What a beautiful morning; too good to be cooped up in London.
    Even in the park the air was tainted, the smell of coal smoke never far away. Imagine what the East End must be like, where poor folk teemed in dwellings she would not house an animal in. She stared across the empty landscape. How could there be anything wrong in this enchanted world?
    Her horse shifted beneath her, shaking her head impatiently, eager to be off. 'Yes, Peg, I know. You want to stretch your legs. However, sweetheart, we shall take it steady until I know how hard the ground is.'
    She touched the mare's flank with her heel, settled into the saddle, and enjoyed the smooth canter. She knew even the lightest touch would push her mount into a headlong gallop.              
    There was no sign of the colonel ahead. He must have ridden in the other direction. She cantered up the avenue of trees into the open land. She could not resist the temptation; the going was good, ideal for her purpose. She shortened the reins and gave her mare a signal.
    Tears whipped from her eyes; the speed was exhilarating and the way in front clear for another mile. Pegasus lived up to her name, flying across the ground, head outstretched, ears forward, enjoying the race as much as she.
    Lydia was aware the lake was just ahead. Time to slow down, her five minutes of freedom were over. She settled in the saddle, pulling gently on the reins to remind Peg to reduce her speed, when, from nowhere, a horse thundered alongside and an arm reached out and snatched her from the saddle.
    Good grief! She was being abducted. Ellen had warned her many times not to ride alone, that there were dangerous men lurking in