The Muse Read Free

and peerage have passed to his nephew, her cousin, Timothy Wilton, who will take it all when he reaches his majority next year.  Though for now, he is still at university, Cambridge.”
    “And what is her age?” Graham wanted to know more.  “Has she come out?”  He knew he was showing himself to be a pathetic fool but could not find it in him to be very concerned.
    “I do not think she has yet attained her twentieth year from what Jocelyn has said.  She did have a London season last winter, but limited due to her mother’s illness.”
    “And she rides often?” he asked recklessly.
    His cousin, Julian Everley, who up to this point had remained quiet during the conversation, finally spoke up.  “Christ in heaven, Graham, this is a certain surprise.  Yes, she rides often.”  Jules bore a confident smirk as he doled out a little more information.  “We have encountered her several times whilst riding out.  She appears very confident and experienced, but clearly prefers her solitude to the company of other riders.”
    Hargreave chimed in next.  “Yes, she’s a practiced rider as Jules says.  Always very polite and modest, everything a young lady should be.  Her uncle, Sir Oliver Wilton, approached me soon after her arrival to Shelburne.  I was given to understand that riding is her one true comfort, and he indulges her wishes to be allowed the freedom to ride out solitary.  Her horse was brought here from her home in Essex.  Upon our first meeting, I was happy to grant her access to Kenilbrooke, as Sir Oliver felt should she ride within the boundaries of the estate where her safety could be better secured.  My manager, Jacks, arranged everything and absolutely dotes on her like a daughter.  He sees to it that she can enjoy her riding in peace under the protection Kenilbrooke offers her.”
    Graham responded decidedly.  “I see.  Well then, Hargreave, I shall require an introduction to Miss Byron-Cole at the ball this evening.”
    Hargreave pursed his lips in amusement, ready to start in on the mockery.  “Really.  I was under the impression you were only showing the merest passing interest.”
    Graham narrowed his eyes and thought all manner of retorts he would never speak in the presence of ladies.  How about a passing interest in my Hessians up your arse?  Hargreave knew it, too, and seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.
    “Consider it done, my friend.  But please remember she is a young lady of good standing, and not a person to be trifled with.  She has many protectors.”  Hargreave spoke the last cautiously.
    Feeling his hackles rise, he fixed his eyes upon Hargreave with the authority and assertion that came easily to man of his station, his words firm and precise.  “You know me.  I am a gentleman, am I not?  I do not trifle with young ladies… ever .”  He must have looked a menace because Hargreave leaned back, putting a wide space between them.
    “Never in doubt, Graham, I know that,” Hargreave assured him.
    Attempting to shake off the defensiveness, he made an effort to soften his tone.  “I think I will take my leave for now, locate my brother, and get settled.  Until later, then?  Mrs. Hargreave, Miss Mina, Jules, Henry.”  He bowed to them before quitting the room, knowing gossip would fly the minute he was gone.  His cousin and friends would speculate on him.  More ribbing and teasing would follow that.  He could be sure to expect a thorough lampooning about his interest in the lovely Miss Imogene Byron-Cole before, during, and after the ball tonight.  And there was nothing to be done about it now.
    Imogene...an Irish name.  Can she be real?  I’ve been run through with a broadsword, it feels like.  If I am dreaming...do I want to awaken?
    His response to the sight of her had been visceral.  He tried to get his head wrapped around the idea, his body reacting independently with no regard for the rational at all.  As Graham walked to the stables,