Realistic or Modern The Bronze Locket

[BoneBrain]

Hugh found the dinner to be quiet enjoyable. He had settled into the idea of a party now and took part in the planning discussion during the first course. The thought of it made him feel rather excited, the idea of perhaps asking Adelaide for a dance was more than enough encouragement. His thoughts were jerked back to the present when Elizabeth began her tale about dear old Aunt Lydia. The idea of Aunt Lydia hurling a teacup at Harold brought Duncan to joyous laughter. He smacked Hugh on the back sending a piece of food down his throat wrong. Hugh coughed for a few moments and managed to get the fit under control with a healthy gulp of wine.

"Ah Aunt Lydia bless her soul. I must hear more about this teatime suitor." Duncan wiped a tear from his eye and he shook his head at the idea. "She still is such a character he told the group. Lydia has retired to London for her health. She went through a nurse each week until we found her match naught but a month ago. Lydia has thrown many a teacup at her current nurse Hannah, but Hannah just goes on as if nothing has happened. It's made Lydia rather sour, but in a most delightful way. I was just with her before I journeyed here. But she does send her well wishes." Duncan said.

"Aunt Lydia does indeed enjoy meddling." Hugh agreed, though he spoke it adoringly. "She was so against us joining the regimen that she wrote so many letters to our commanding officers demanding we come home and take up our fathers business."

"Father owns a rather large fleet of ships" Duncan supplied for those that did not know. "Aunt Lydia did get her way a few years ago, we returned home and after our father passed we spent some time getting the business in order, but now it seems we have things handled and have nothing but time on our hands." Duncan leaned back after his tale. His plate was finished and looked quite content. It was no secret the Montgomery's had lost their father some five years ago. Hugh remembered the talk and the tears, but had never shed any tears of his own.

"This was a most excellent meal." Hugh said after talk of Lydia.

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide and her cousins laughed along with their story. After the plates were cleared away and the group was well into a new bottle of wine, Elizabeth prodded Adelaide to speak.

"If you don't tell them about that tea party, I will!" Adelaide laughed, placing her fan down before her and waving off the maid as she came round again to fill cups. She sighed, and fingered her choker again.

"Well, Miss Lydia had a standing teatime with Lizzy and I every Tuesday afternoon. She'd catch us up on the town gossip and teach us to play chess afterwards. The week after my father refused a debut, we went over and there was young man at the tea table! He was large but sipped his tea carefully, like a child. Miss Lydia looked so terribly smug! She kept pushing his chair closer to mine, and even made him lose to me in chess!" She laughed, and Elizabeth cut in.

"The next day he came to our estate with flowers! And he came every day after until Addy agreed to see him! It turns out he'd been orphaned recently, and uncle Harold actually agreed to take him in! He became The Lovelocke ward, actually." Lionel laughed.

"How is old Ed anyway? I know he left for London, but he could never stay away from Adelaide long." Adelaide tensed, and rubbed her choker again, holding her neck gently. She looked away, her golden curls falling down her shoulders and across her neck.

 

[BoneBrain]

Hearing that it had been his dear Aunt Lydia who had set Redstone upon Adelaide put a sour taste in Hugh's mouth. His eyes immediately went to find Miss. Lovelocke only to see her face hidden by her hair. Lionel asked after Edward and Hugh could feel the small bubbles of anger boil within him. Duncan caught his attention with a look and what passed between them was a conversation that only brothers could have silently.

Was he the one earlier?

Yes.

"Well I do understand wishing to return her as often as possible with fine food, music and company." Duncan cut in.
"Quite so." Hugh agreed. Hugh made a reach for his wine glass but ended up tipping over the nearly full glass onto the table soaking it into the while linen. Hugh made a strangled noise and went to use his napkin to try and mop up the mess. "Apologies." He said gruffly, also taking Duncan's napkin just a maid came over to assist with the mess.

"Well!" Duncan said. "I do believe it is time for us to to retire from this meal." He rested a hand on Hugh's shoulder and squeezed in a friendly motion. Duncan stood and offered his hand to Adelaide. "Terribly sorry for my brother, grace has never been his friend. May I make up our mess to you by playing you a tune on the piano?" Hugh stood as well and moved next to his brother.

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide snapped out of her reverie at the slight commotion caused by Hugh's stumble. She took Duncan's hand and he pulled her up, she grabbed her fan off the table and smiled at his offer. "Oh, please, don't worry at all." She directed her words at Hugh, eyes softening as she met his. "But please, I would love to hear more of your music, Mr. Montgomery. You play beautifully."

The group vacated the dining room for the lavish parlor, lit now by candles and the fireplace. The grand piano dwelled in this room, polished in silver instead of black, with golden sharps. Oberon and Tatiana were lounging on the carpet near the hearth. Massive bookshelves stuffed with literature boarded the fireplace, all in white wood. The tipsy Elizabeth sat on the plush couch by her husband, and Adelaide left Duncan's arm to place a book back on the shelf; it seemed to have fallen on the floor. Once it was in its proper place, she stopped, feeling the cool breeze drift through the window with the song of the crickets below. She absently touched the locket around her neck, her thoughts still clouded with Edward as merriment commenced behind her.

Will I really be safe here? Is he truly going to stay away?

 

[BoneBrain]

Duncan settled himself onto the piano stool and spurred on the by the drunk giggles of Elizabeth he jumped into a lively tune. It was a song he had played during the regimen marches and on nights when all the men could use a smile.

Hugh knew in his heart that Miss. Lovelocke probably needed space, but he found he could not resist the temptation of moving to her side. He noted the necklace around her neck was once again in her hands.
"This was certainly an eventful day." He said catching her eye. "I do hope tomorrow brings you a more peaceful day." His hands were folded behind his back and he stood up straight. "I have plans to go for a ride around the estate tomorrow and get myself better acquainted with the holding. Do you ride Miss. Lovelocke?"

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide started as Hugh began to speak. She was so caught up in her storming thoughts that she didn't notice him approach. She turned to face him, leaning one hand on the windowsill as she spoke, the cool wood under her fingers anchoring her. "Indeed it was, for both of us, I think." Looking up at him from under her lashes, she gave a small smile. "I'm indebted to you for this afternoon, Mr. Montgomery, truly." Adelaide looked up at him properly, eyes moving from his broad shoulders to his tousled hair to his angular features. Her olive eyes lingered on the slight scar upon his upper lip, before snapping to meet Hugh's own blue, blue eyes.

"I do ride, yes." She responded thoughtfully, then gave a gentle laugh. "Though I admit that horses scare me a little."

 

[BoneBrain]

Hugh nodded in agreement with Adelaide. He was certainly ready for a good nights sleep and a fresh start. He watched as her olive eyes took him in and he wondered what thoughts flowed through her.
"It seems to me, Miss. Lovelocke, that your friends might do well to understand the true nature of Mr. Redstone. Why do you protect his honour when he has none?" Hugh realized the words left his mouth and he looked down to his feet apologetically. "Forgive me, that was not my place to say." He took a step back from her as Duncan ended his song.

"You would be most welcome any time at Westwoods." Hugh told her, "I have a gentle mare that might be suited to your riding. However I do believe it is time my brother and I retire." He said the last sentence a little louder for Duncan to hear. Duncan stood and the brothers moved about the room saying their proper goodbyes to Lionel and Elizabeth.

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide was taken aback by Hugh's words, visibly startled. She flared her fan out before her face to hide her expression as she calmed herself, though her eyes watched him steadily. Once she was righted, Adelaide lowered her fan and replied. "It's quite alright, Mr. Montgomery. I think we're all a little tired." Lionel and Elizabeth bid their farewells and began to trek up the front staircase to the guest room. Adelaide escorted the Montgomerys to the front door. In the low candlelight, her attire seemed to glint and sparkle like jewels on velvet. She curtseyed lowly and upon standing up said.

"I am absolutely delighted to have such fine neighbors. Thank you both so much for joining us this evening. I think this is the most fun I've had in quite some time." She held out her hand and presented them with her most gracious smile. "If you'll not be too bothered, I would love to join you at Westwood tomorrow."

 

[BoneBrain]

Hugh knew he had angered Adelaide and hope that he could earn her forgiveness. Hugh and Duncan entered the night air after assembling their coats and hats. They returned the curtsy with a bow. When she lifted her hand Hugh was the first to take it.
"I most look forward to your company Miss. Lovelocke." His eyes lingered on hers for a moment before his head dipped and lips pressed to her knuckles. Duncan followed suit with a bit more flourish and soon they were climbing back into the carriage and on their way down the dirt path to Westwood.

There was silence between the two brothers for the entire duration of the ride, only when they were back inside did Duncan break the quiet.
"What a perfectly pleasant but curious woman." He said as the butler took his coat and hat. "Also curious that a glass of wine would interrupt a thoroughly illuminating conversation." His brow lifted and he heard Hugh let out a long sigh.
"I do not know what you mean Duncan." It was clear in Hugh's tone that he however knew exactly what Duncan meant. Duncan made a humming noise of interest.
"You present me with a most curious mystery. I shall enjoy getting to the bottom of this." And with that Duncan tipped an invisible hat to Hugh and made his way up the stairs to his room.

Hugh took his time heading to bed. Deciding first that he had earned another drink after the day. He made his way to bed and undressed lazily. He sank into bed, drink in his hand. He sat for a while contemplating his new neighbor and wondered what on earth he was going to do.
He fell asleep, and dreamed of flowers.

 

[Rainelle]

Once her guests had left, Adelaide retired to her room. She could hear Elizabeth's drunken humming from all the way down the corridor, and she shook her head, chuckling. After undressing and getting into her night clothes, she sat at her vanity to remove her makeup. Though Adelaide dreaded it, the bruise once more came into view, now purpling. She touched it gingerly, feeling a dull ache at the contact. Taking down her hair, she got lost in her thoughts as she ran the brush through.

Hugh and Duncan certainly seemed kind. While the elder brother seemed more rambunctious, the younger was gentle. Opposites. She sighed and put the brush down, rubbing the now exposed scar on her neck as she climbed into bed. The pleasant atmosphere and luquier had rendered her painfully close to revealing some ugly childhood secrets. What would her neighbors think of her then? Surely, they would avoid her like the plague.

Tatiana and Oberon climbed into bed beside her and nestled into the covers. She kissed them both atop the head and blew out the candles on her bedside table. She succumbed to a deep, dreamless sleep soon after.
***
After breakfast and her various morning affairs, Adelaide began to ready for her trip to Westwood. It had been about a year since she had visited last, and she admitted to herself that she was rather excited to see it again. Sprawling meadows and gardens flanked on either side by a thick, gorgeous wood.

She dressed in a pastel green gown decorated with ivy, hung her hair up in ringlets and a matching sun hat. Lace gloves and matching shoes completed the look. Since she was going to Westwood, Adelaide decided against makeup, having her hand fan with her should she feel shy enough to cover the bruise. Adelaide also decided to take her old 'secret path' across the river. Taking Tatiana along with her, she began her trek across the yard.

 

[BoneBrain]

Hugh awoke to the sound of the piano being played downstairs. He groaned and wondered what on earth his brother was doing up at this time. Hugh ran a hand over his a face a few times doing his best to wake himself up. He groggily sat up and reached up as a stretch took over him. It took some doing but eventually Hugh was up and dressed in darker pants with a nice white shirt loose around him. He chose a dark green vest as he assumed they might receive company. He looked himself over in the mirror and nodded with approval. It was simple, but comfortable.

He made his way downstairs and was greeted by the house staff. Hugh was informed that breakfast was on the table by the head butler. Hugh thanked them and made his way into the study where Duncan was as chipper as a morning bird. Duncan saw his brother and played a quick little happy note before standing and greeting him.
"Good morning Hugh. I trust you slept well." Duncan wasted no time and moved towards Hugh. He caught his brother on the shoulder and pushed effectively spinning him around and back out towards the door. "I find myself quite famished this morning!" He said jovially. The brothers entered the small family dining room that was next to the kitchens and found their seats. They sat together and immediately dug in to healthy doses or bread rolls and preserves. There was a helping of ham as well as some fruit from the gardens outside.

The chatted about the day ahead and Hugh informed Duncan he would be out for sometime riding.
"I do believe Miss. Lovelocke will be joining me for the ride." Hugh said.
"Well that is quite inappropriate." Duncan said, but he looked quite happy all the same. "What would the fine folk in town think, hearing you went off riding alone with the most eligible Miss. Lovelocke?" He asked the note of humour in his voice.
"I do not think the town needs to know every step that woman makes. You will not be telling will you?" Hugh peered at his brother.
"Of course not!" Duncan lied. "I wouldn't dream of spreading such nonsense."

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide picked up her skirts and took a deep breath. Taking a bit of a running start, she hopped gracefully onto the first large stone in the path. After steadying herself, she hopped to the next, then the third, then the other bank. Once across, she laughed giddily. She hadn't done that since she was a girl, and it made her feel almost as if she was flying. Tatiana simply waded across the running water, shaking herself off on the other side with a huff. Adelaide patted the dog's head lovingly, and continued her trek across the small path. Before she broke the cover of the trees, she stopped, and plucked a small blue wildflower. It looks the same color as Mr. Montgomery's eyes... She thought to herself with a smile, gently tucking it behind one ear. After checking that her choker was still in place, she exited the treeline and made her way up the expansive front lawns of Westwood.

She and Tatiana arrived just past eleven in the morn, and Adelaide was sure to dust herself off and do a last once over to be sure everything was in it's proper place. Gripping the dog's collar in one had, she took the grand knocker in the other,a nd rapped thrice upon the wooden doors.

 

[BoneBrain]

When the knock came at the door, Hugh was alone in his study peering over a few papers that had been sent over from the city. The Montgomery business was steadily on the rise, and a few new ships had been added to the fleet to keep up with demand. Hugh's attention from the ship detailing was immediately forgotten when the thought of Miss. Lovelocke being at the door entered his mind.

Hugh stood and made his way out the room and to the entrance hall. His butler Joseph had opened the door and was warmly welcoming the woman into Westwood.
"Ah, Mr. Montgomery, a Miss. Lovelocke to see you sir and her dog." Joseph said spotting his master.
"Thank you Joseph." Hugh bowed to Adelaide. "And welcome Miss. Lovelocke, and Tatiana." He took her hand and found he was looking forward to the moment of greeting with her where he could touch her. Joseph took the opportunity to slide out of side down the hall towards the kitchen, effectively leaving the two of them alone. Hugh bent to let the dog sniff his hand before giving Tatiana a fond scratch behind the ears.

"My brother is away to town this morning. So he will not be joining us, but I have asked the stable hands to prepare you a horse. Shall we commence our ride or would you care for something to drink in the gardens?" He spotted the flower in her hair just then and he wished he was an artist, so he could paint her just as she looked now. She looked almost like a fairy had come out of the woodland kingdom to spend time with humans for a day. He couldn't find the words to tell her, and knew it would be inappropriate of him to speak of her beauty, but he hoped she understood how truly magnificent she was.

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide curtsied as Mr. Montgomery came to greet her, secretly relishing the warmth of his hand on hers when he took it. He looked dashing in his relaxed attire, and Adelaide found herself looking him over much longer than necessary. She blushed lightly at the realization, but the shade deepened when she found the man's gaze on her with gentle affection. She gave him a smile, looking away, flustered. She brushed a strand of hair back behind her ear, revealing the bruise on her cheek. Returning her gaze to his, she replied.

"A drink would be lovely, Mr. Montgomery. I had to dine alone this morning on account of my cousins being righteously hung over." Tatiana strained against the grip on her collar, whining slightly. The dog extended it's long nose out and managed to lick Hugh's fingers, her tail wagging. Adelaide laughed and sighed, looking around the hall. "It's been too long since I've visited. Westwood has been like a second home to me."

 

[BoneBrain]

The bruise appeared from the behind the curtain of her hair and Hugh felt his mood darken a little, but decided not to let it interfere with a potentially lovely day. When Adelaide took up the drink in the garden Hugh nodded and he made a gesture down the hall to Joseph. The butler understood and he bowed deeply before entering the kitchens to rustle up appropriate food and drink for in the garden.
"You are more the welcome any time to Westwood. No one should have to be away from their second home for longer than they desire." Hugh told her. "If you would follow me to the gardens, we can let Tatiana roam." He took the opportunity to help Adelaide with her dog. His fingers slipped next to hers on the collar.

Hugh led them down the halls of the house and out the back. The large expanse of gardens filled up the area directly behind the house. To the left there was a large greenhouse, whose dusty windows let in the light for a few plants. There was a seating area to the right and hedges lined carefully tended grass and flowers. Outside of the hedges and gate lay the river and the thick woods. Hugh let Tatiana free, knowing she that the hedges around them would be a fine fence. As he was pulling out a chair from the outdoor table for Adelaide, Joseph appeared with a tray. Joseph neatly deposited a teapot, cups and some fruits from the garden on the table.
"It is a shame that though you knew my Aunt Lydia all this time, that we have not met until now." Hugh said thoughtfully. "I do remember her speaking quite fondly of you however. It had always interested me to make your acquaintance."

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide smiled as Hugh gently took Tatiana's collar, letting her fingers brush against his own briefly as she slipped her hand away. She took her seat and listened to him speak of Miss Lydia with a smile. The gardens looked so much the same as they always had, and she felt a familiar warmth wrap around her. As Joseph served them tea, she laughed.

"Oh, I can't imagine what she told you. She always thought I was too skinny." Adelaide sipped her tea delicately, watching Hugh's smile widen. It seemed to give off its own kind of light. Adelaide was thoroughly captivated by it. "It is a shame. Though she spoke of you fondly, always, telling us how handsome her boys were becoming, and what fine men you would be once she'd gotten you away from the regiment. We were always quite curious to meet you." Tatiana chased after a butterfly, yipping happily and speeding around the yard. Adelaide rested her chin on one hand, giving Hugh her full attention.

She traced the outline of his jaw with her olive eyes, and as they wandered to his face, she found herself wondering just how he'd managed to break his nose so many times. She wondered, too, how he'd gotten that scar on his lip. How many tales he could regale her with of his adventures. The summer sun cast a warm glow onto Mr. Montgomery, he seemed almost angelic. Again, she had the fanciful thought of him being an angel sent to aide her.

 

[BoneBrain]

Hugh under normal circumstances would have scoffed at the idea that someone would find a fault in Adelaide, but the fact that his Aunt had something to say was so true to her form. He reached and took his cup into his hands considering her for a moment. She was leaning forward, her attention on him and he reveled in the idea that he held her company and had her mind engaged.

"She would often speak of you." Hugh's voice raised an octave and he made it squeak a bit in an imitation of his Aunts voice. "That Miss. Lovelocke, with all her charm and grace. A talent like no other, shame her head isn't screwed on right to so that she might find a husband. A woman her age, it just wouldn't do to be unwed." Hugh rolled his eyes heavenward and laughed, his voice then returned to normal. "She would tell me I would do well to find a woman like you, but then she also said any woman with sense wouldn't marry a man whose been to war." He shrugged at the thought.

The sun shone down brightly on them and in the distance a few bird calls and sheep bleats filled the warm air. Hugh extended his legs and relaxed a little into his chair, while normally he was not one to relax in the company of others, Adelaide felt like an exception. She calmed him.

"I love to see the summer beaming forth
And white wool sack clouds sailing to the north
I love to see the wild flowers come again
And mare blobs stain with gold the meadow drain"

Hugh recited the poem, his eyes shifted back to Adelaide and he gave her a sheepish grin.

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide laughed at his imitation, clapping lightly as he finished. "Oh, that's spot on!" He laughed and she felt a warmth spread through her chest. When he began to recite poetry, she felt her heart flutter. Hugh looked almost regal there, reciting verse and relaxed in the garden. Truly, if she had been a painter, he would be her muse. A blush bloomed over her cheek, and a smile danced over her lips. She snapped open her fan and fluttered it lightly. Their eyes met and she giggled like a little girl.

"My my, handsome, brave and recites poetry? It's a true wonder that you haven't been scooped up yet!" She blushed heavily, realizing how brash she had been. Her fan moved a little faster, trying to alleviate the heat from her face. But her eyes softened as she looked at him again, and Adelaide hesitantly recited a poem back, her voice naturally moving into song.

It is the hour when from the boughs
The nightingale's high note is heard;
It is the hour -- when lover's vows
Seem sweet in every whisper'd word;
And gentle winds and waters near
Make music to the lonely ear.

The breeze picked up and her skirts fluttered, her hair moving gently across her skin. Adelaide crossed her ankles, resting her weight one the toe tip. Her fan slowed as she spoke, and her eyes fluttered closed. Upon finishing, her eyes opened and she returned his sheepish smile. "Poetry is so close to song, please forgive my outburst." She looked down, flustered.

 

[BoneBrain]

Hugh enjoyed her laughter. it filled the air with joy and he found he could not stop the chuckle in return. When she called him flattered him he could feel the tips of his ears warm a bit in happy surprise, before he could say anything she had begun own little poem. Her soft voice lilting and turning the sweet words into a lovely tune. He was caught in the moment, her sitting there in his garden singing to him. He had the sudden image of them dancing and he wondered if she danced as beautiful as she sang.

"There is nothing to forgive." Hugh told her once she apologized. "I admire taking pretty words and turning them to an even prettier verse. I do hope that you will preform at the ball here, but if I may I would also greatly be honoured if perhaps we may share a dance?" He asked her.

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide was relieved when he relaxed, glad he took her compliment in stride. When he asked her for a dance at the party, she perked up, sitting a little straighter and smiling at him brightly. "Why, Mr. Montgomery, I would love nothing more than to share my first proper dance with you." Tatiana, having exhausted the butterfly, came round the table and lay under it beneath their feet. Placing her elegant head down on Hugh's ankles, and looking up at him with her large brown eyes. "I've already begun to compile a few songs for the party, worry not. After all, your brother said he wouldn't take no for an answer." Adelaide assured. Looking down at her dog, she laughed, reaching over to pluck a grape from the fruit bowl. "Tati has taken quite a shine to you. She's normally very aggressive around men."

The breeze picked up once more, and Adelaide popped the grape into her mouth, feeling the fruit's tang cover her tongue as she bit down. After swallowing, she looked back over to her host. "Shall we begin our ride then? We should go before it gets too hot."

 

[BoneBrain]

The idea that Hugh would be her first true dance out in society gave him a secret little thrill. The idea that she would always have him as a memory was a nice one. He felt Tatiana's head rest on his books and Hugh peered under the table to to look at the pretty dog. He smiled warmly at the peaceful sight, and did his best not to move as to not disturb the peaceful animal.
"I do believe your performance will make it a fine party then. Duncan is the sort to have his way. Once an idea appears he cannot be stopped." Hugh spoke fondly of his brother, with just a hint of brotherly impatience. "I quite like Tati as well." Hugh said. "Why did you leave Oberon at home? Is he a poor riding dog? My father had a dog that was notorious for getting underfoot of the horses."

When Adelaide suggested they begin their ride Hugh nodded. He stood after giving Tatiana a pet or two and held his arm out for Adelaide to take. "The stables are this way." He led her around the side of the house down a small dirt path lined with fresh smelling lavender. The stables lined the side of the house. It thick dark wood smelled of hay and livestock. The large barn doors were open letting in the summer air, revealing a few horses happily within their pens. Out the back of the bar was a large fenced area for the horses to stroll and run. Hugh walked past his own favourite horse, Hellfire. The dark stallion made a low rumble when Hugh walked past making the man laugh.
"This is Hellfire, he think's I will be riding another horse today. Hence the jealousy. But I wanted to introduce you to your ride for today." Hugh gestured to a pretty grey mare who stood calmly near the gate of her pen. She was a smaller horse, but still big enough to put her head over the gate and peer curiously at them. "This is Aphrodite, but we sometimes call her Love."

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide smiled and laughed gently, linking arms with the man as they walked to the stables. “Oh, hardly! Oberon is more protective than Tatiana. He won’t let anyone—human or animal—that he doesn’t already know get to close to me if we’re outside the estate.”

As they strolled along the picturesque path, Adelaide breathed in the fresh spring air, her skirt sweeping over the flowers. The stallion bickered loudly, and she gripped Hugh’s arm a little, eyeing the horse warily. But taking a deep breath as they approached the mare, she smiled at the horse, gently extending her hand out to the animal. Adelaide was pleasantly surprised when Love presses her soft muzzle into her hand.

“Hello, Love.” She murmured, forgetting that she still held onto her host’s arm.

 

[BoneBrain]

The tight grip on his arm let Hugh know that Adelaide was a little apprehensive. Hellfire was a fearsome horse to be certain, but Hugh and Hellfire seemed to have a certain respect for each other. Hugh waited patiently as Adelaide acquainted herself with Love. The grey mare pressed into her palm and her kind eyes turned to watch the two of them.

A stable hand came up to Adelaide and offered her a handful of carrots. He bowed awkwardly, he couldn't have been older than 14 and backed away again.
"Love really likes carrots." Hugh told her. "If you feed her carrots she'll be your best friend. Here..." Hugh moved his free arm and unlatched the gate. He squeezed his arm tight around Adelaide's arm keeping her anchored to him as he led the horse out into the main part of the stable. "You can get to know her a bit before we ride."

 

[Rainelle]

Adelaide pressed closer to Hugh as he lead the mare out of the stall. Hif firm grip anchored her, and she didn't doubt that he would keep her safe. Thanking the stable hand for the treats, she released Hugh nervously, and separated one carrot into her left palm. Gently, she reached her hand out towards the animal, wary of the horse's large teeth. But the little mare neighed softly and lipped the carrot off her hand, crunching it down happily.

Adelaide turned back to Hugh, her face alight with excitement. "Oh, that was wonderful! She just took it right from my hand!" Adelaide let out a breathless laugh, bouncing slightly on the soles of her feet. Aphrodite nudged the woman's side, and she turned back to feed her a few more treats.

 

[BoneBrain]

The pure joy in Adelaide's face had Hugh grinning like a fool. He laughed as the woman moved back to feed Love. The horse was already saddled and after the treats were all given to Love, Hugh tied off Love's reigns to the closest gate and moved to stand next to Adelaide.

"If I may." He said before taking her hand in his. Hugh took their joined hands and led them to the side of Love. The horse was short enough for Adelaide to reach up to the horn of the saddle, it was a specially imported saddle from the city, formatted for proper sidesaddle riding. Hugh placed Adelaide's hand on the horn and squeezed her hand indicating she should grip tightly.

"You'll want to hold on tight here." He said. "And I can help you the rest of the way up." He told her ready to lift her when she was ready. Behind them the stable hands got Hellfire out of his pen and prepared the devil for his ride.