— "I take it you're off to your new friend again?" Lord Carlston asked with a smile.
— "Yes, I was planning to ride out shortly after breakfast," Alex replied, glancing up from his teacup."
— "I must say, your friendship with the Duke seems to be growing into something steady. I'm very surprised. At first, you seemed quite unsettled simply by his presence in the same room."
— "I suppose so, father." Alex answered briefly.
— "Since you'll be seeing him again today, perhaps you might extend him an invitation."
— "An invitation?"
— "Yes. To visit us here. We had quite the conversation about horses last time — it seems only right to continue it properly."
— "I'll ask him, if you insist."
— "Good. I do believe it's time we return the hospitality you've been receiving all along," Lord Carlston replied, laughing as was his custom.
Alex arrived at the Cunningham estate and left Waterlily by the stable gate to drink her fill. The Duke met the Young Lord and led him to Altiva's stall.
— "Please, Alex," he said with a note of concern, "do not approach her too quickly. She's been broken in, but I fear her independent nature may still surprise us."
— "I'll be careful," Alex promised — and kept his word.
The Duke watched with growing admiration as Alex approached the mare, speaking to her softly. Altiva, to his surprise, responded with gentle curiosity.
— "She's never behaved so amiably with anyone."
— "It's all about knowing how to speak to a horse. And truly loving them." Alex smiled.
— "It seems you know the language of animals and speak it with ease," the Duke smiled. "Once you and she are true companions, dare I hope to see you race on Altiva one day?"
The Young Lord was taken aback. He immediately recalled the Duke's remark after his last victory on the track.
— "I'm flattered by your offer, truly," he said slowly. "But you know I could never betray my father. The races are his passion. He counts on me. Horses are one of the few things that truly unite us."
— "I understand," the Duke said with gentle sincerity. "Forgive me for bringing it up again. Your loyalty does you a great honour. Still, I shall be content — more than content — to see you ride Altiva today. I shall ask for no more."
Nathaniel, now riding with far greater ease, expressed sincere gratitude to Alex for his guidance as a teacher.
— "You have been an excellent teacher, and I am deeply grateful. I would like to find some way to repay your kindness."
Alex, after a thoughtful pause, gave him a sly grin.
— "I want you to grant me a wish."
— "You really don't take losing well, do you? Very well, you've earned it. I accept." The Duke raised his brows and laughed.
They spurred their horses and broke into a gallop. Later, they stopped at a grove near the stream to drink some water and rest. As they sat beneath the trees, the Duke said:
— "By the way, I've decided to host another ball this season. Three weeks from now. Of course, you and your family are invited."
Alex turned to him in surprise.
— "Ah, I know that look," the Duke smiled. "After all I said to you before, I understand your surprise. But hosting such events is a duty of sorts — a tax I must pay for moving among London society."
Alex suddenly remembered his father's request.
— "I completely forgot. My father asked when you might visit us. He'd like to speak with you about horses."
— "I'd be honoured," the Duke said at once. "I'm very flattered by Lord Carlston's invitation."
They fell into a comfortable silence again, drinking from the stream. Then the Duke ventured.
— "So... what is it you so passionately wish me to do?"
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Alex leapt up onto a large boulder, hoping to tease the Duke and perhaps catch a flicker of fear on his face, but a small one. Young Lord declared:
— "You made a terrible mistake agreeing to this. My wish will shake you to your core!"
Just then, his foot slipped on the damp rock and he fell. The Duke rushed forward instinctively.
— "Alex, are you all right? How many fingers do you see?"
— "I'm fine," Alex grimaced, "but my leg hurts a bit."
Without a moment's hesitation, Nathaniel lifted him and sat him back down on the boulder.
— "Let me check. We must be sure it isn't fractured." He knelt, carefully removing Alex's boot and rolling up the trouser leg.
— "Does it hurt here?" he asked, pressing lightly.
— "Y-yes," Alex winced.
The Duke ran his fingers gently along the arch of Alex's foot, and Alex flinched at the unfamiliar sensations. But the pain quickly reclaimed his attention. Tearing a strip of cloth from his own shirt, the Duke carefully wrapped the ankle for the time being.
— "You seem to know what you're doing," Alex said, watching him.
— "I've had the fortune to learn from many during my travels. A few were doctors. There." He tied the makeshift bandage firmly. "It's just a sprain. But I insist you rest and call for the real doctor. Do not ignore me on this."
He slid the boot back on, stood up, and offered his hand. Alex stood, but staggered.
— "Please, forgive me in advance." The Duke smiled.
Alex barely had time to notice what was happening when Nathaniel lifted the Young Lord into his arms.
— "What are you doing?!" Alex protested, blushing furiously.
— "Carrying you to the horse. What else would it be?" the Duke replied sweetly with a hint of mockery.
The Young Lord felt a flicker of irritation, mingled with a growing embarrassment from the thought that had just crossed his mind.
The Duke set Alex down beside Altiva. Then, crouching low, he took Alex under the knees and hoisted him up onto the mare. The Young Lord let out a quiet sigh of surprise.
The ride back was slow. Alex remained silent and flushed the entire way. Upon reaching Carlston's estate, the Duke dismounted from Waterlily and helped Alex down from the saddle.
— "Please, stop treating me like a lady!"
— "And how would you prefer me to treat you in such a situation, my lord?" the Duke asked, laughing.
— "Thank you for your help," Alex said, ignoring the teasing question. "Will you be able to ride Altiva home on your own?"
— "I believe I shall manage."
— "Then go. And don't see me off! Goodbye!" Alex hobbled off, red-faced, not daring to look back and see the Duke's annoying teasing smile.