They Dared the Maid to Ride the Duke’s Wildest Stallion—She Shocked Everyone by Riding It Bareback
Chapter 14
Lord Edmund was captured in spring.
He had attempted to flee overseas.
Captain Harrow confessed fully.
The forged documents were destroyed.
The stolen property was restored.
And Thunder became something of a legend.
Visitors came to Blackwood Manor asking to see the wild stallion.
Alexander refused most requests.
“He is not a circus animal.”
Eleanor laughed when she heard him say it.
One warm morning, she found Alexander saddling another horse.
“Where are you going?”
“To the hill.”
“On Thunder?”
“No.”
He pointed toward a chestnut mare.
“I thought perhaps you might ride with me.”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow.
“With a saddle?”
Alexander smiled.
“If you prefer.”
She walked toward Thunder.
The stallion immediately followed.
Alexander sighed.
“I knew it.”
Eleanor laughed.
“You’re jealous.”
“Of my own horse?”
“Very much.”
They rode together across the fields.
At the hill, Alexander stopped.
Below them, the manor stood peaceful in the afternoon light.
“You could live anywhere,” Eleanor said.
“Yes.”
“You could marry anyone.”
“Yes.”
“Why me?”
Alexander looked at her.
“Because you saw the truth when everyone else saw a servant.”
Eleanor’s eyes filled with tears.
“And because,” he continued, “when everyone else tried to control what they feared, you simply listened.”
Thunder nudged Alexander’s shoulder.
The duke laughed.
“Even he agrees.”
Eleanor smiled.
Then Alexander reached into his coat.
He pulled out a small velvet box.
Her heart stopped.
“I had intended to ask you differently.”
“How?”
“With a ring, a formal dinner, and perhaps a dozen witnesses.”
“That sounds dreadful.”
He laughed.
“So I will ask you simply.”
He dismounted.
Then he knelt in the grass.
“Eleanor Reed, will you become my wife?”
She covered her mouth.
“You are a duke.”
“I am aware.”
“I am a former maid.”
“I am aware of that too.”
She smiled through tears.
“Then yes.”
Alexander stood.
He kissed her.
Thunder immediately snorted loudly.
They both laughed.
