What About Cecelia? Read Online Free Page B

nuisance.”
    It took Cecelia longer that she thought to get
out of the bed and dressed, at least passably, in her muslins. She
insisted on going downstairs to join in the conversation. By the
time she and Jane painfully made their way down to the parlor, the
Captain was finishing his story. “My regiment, we made the last
charge at Badajoz. Somehow I survived. Most of the rest of my men
are buried there. All that blood and we didn't take the city. What
a waste.”
    Mr. Landor sat close to the captain. He was
almost touching him and listened to his story with a sad and severe
look on his face. “Have you ever told anyone about this
before?”
    “I couldn't, I couldn't tell anyone about
it.”
    “Well it's good that you do. It will help you
heal. Sometime I'll tell you my stories, but they can wait until
you're better.” Heulwen's barking alerted him to something. He
looked up and saw that the two women had joined them. Suddenly
cheerful again, he announced, “We're selling that blasted horse. If
Ionie would throw you, Miss Wood, what chance would poor Julia ever
have of a comfortable ride?”
    “She was sorely provoked, between the thunder
and Captain Wood.”
    “No, my mind, actually Julia's and my minds are
made up and we are of one mind on this decision. Ionie may be a
thoroughbred mare, but she's neither reliable nor comfortable.”
    “You'd best have me along when you go to the
market. Too many horse coper's there and I know most of the
tricks.”
    “We'll wait until you're well enough. I was just
suggesting to George that we all go and make a day of it.”
    Cecelia gave Jane a glance. She was clearly
feeling awkward about horses. “Miss Arnold, I owe you for your kind
care. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye on things. That's my
fault as much as yours. If you'd like, I'll help you select an
excellent mount, and instruct you on riding.”
    Mr. Landor added, “Miss Arnold, that's an offer
you shouldn't refuse. Miss Wood is one of the best horsewomen I've
ever met. You won't regret it.”
    Jane thought for a few moments, then looked at
George. He was looking much better than he had when she first met
him. Life away from the city might have its advantages as well as
its disadvantages. If she were to live in the country with him she
would need to learn to ride well, and even to walk in farmyard mud.
She replied, “Cecelia, I'd be very pleased if you helped me select
a horse. But first I'll need to get some shoes that will stand up
to the mud in the farmyard.”
    Cecelia smiled, she much preferred to be on good
terms with people than at dagger's end. She added, “There's a good
shoemaker in Abergavenny. He may not be the most fashionable, but
his boots are comfortable and last.”
    Jane replied, “I'll have to try him. Can I do
that before we go to the horse market?”
    Mr. Landor interjected, “The main markets in
Brecon are in May and November, so there is plenty of time.”
    Jane responded “I'd much rather not wait that
long. It gets too cold in November for a pleasant ride.”
    Her worries met with some good natured laughter.
George explained that those were only the big county meets. Mr.
Landor added, “Every Friday they have some sort of market, and
there are some others worth the candle. Cecelia, when do you think
you'll be able to help us?”
    “Jane, what did the apothecary say?”
    “He didn't.”
    “I doubt I'll be ready this Friday. My head
hurts. You'll have plenty of time to get your riding clothes.”
    “I know,” Mr. Landor added, “Julia can take you
to Abergavenny tomorrow. She's been wanting an excuse to go
shopping for some time.”
    “An excuse?”
    “I'm not the best company for a female when she
goes shopping as I have no patience for looking at muslins or
trifling things like that. I'd best get back, she'll be wondering
what trouble I've gotten myself into, and George?”
    “Yes.”
    “Don't drink so much. It won't help you get
better.”
    “How do you know?”
    “I