Fanny folded her gloved hands in her lap. “Eight years ago, I was out riding on my father’s country estate. It was a glorious summer day, and the horse I’d chosen had a bit of a wild streak. I went out anyway, determined. At one of the hedgerows bordering the property, I encouraged my horse to jump it.”
“Did she?”
“Oh, yes. The horse cleared the hedges but then a rabbit darted out on the other side, which spooked my mount. She reared. I couldn’t keep my seat and was tossed from the saddle. I landed hard on my ankle, which turned and then snapped.” Fanny raised her chin so she could meet his gaze and take refuge in those stormy depths. “Even though the bones were reset by a skilled surgeon, they never healed correctly, leaving me with limited movement and a limp.”
“I’m so sorry.” He touched her shoulder, dared to brush his gloved thumb along her cheek before dropping his hand. “Have you ridden since that time?”
“Unfortunately, no. I’m too afraid.”
“Perhaps you and I can work on that when the weather is fine.”
Her heart squeezed and she lost a tiny piece of it to him in that moment. “I’d enjoy that.”
“Good.” For long moments they looked at each other, but something was exchanged in those quiet seconds, something she couldn’t—wouldn’t—analyze right then. “Never become your own worst enemy, Francesca. Life is hard enough. Choose to be a champion instead.”
She nodded. “I’m trying, but it’s a process.”
“I’ll call on you tomorrow.”
“Where are you off to now?”
He patted his chest. The crinkle of a paper beneath his hand in an interior pocket sounded overly loud. “I’ve been summoned out to another crime scene. The notice arrived just as I did.”
“Yet, you lingered. Why?”
A flush rose over his cravat. “I wanted to spend time with you… and question Wainwright.”
“Oh.” How absolutely charming! How many men would have done that? When she would have struggled into a standing position, he shook his head.
“Enjoy yourself here. I’ve already delayed enough, but I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.”
Then he was gone, and she stared at the empty spot he’d vacated for long moments.