Cinderella And The Duke. Janice Preston

      ‘Then kindly do not behave like one.’ Rosalind nudged Kamal into a trot, leaving Leo behind, but he soon caught up, his huge bay dwarfing the dainty Arabian.

      ‘And now we have broken the awkward silence, I shall allow you to lead the conversation if you will,’ Leo said. ‘That way, I shall not get into trouble for straying into territory you consider to be none of my business.’

      Rosalind cringed inside as she recalled telling him that Freddie was none of his business.

      ‘I am sorry for saying that. I am protective of my brother. I have cared for him ever since he was a child.’

      ‘But he is a child no longer. His body may be damaged, but he appears to be an intelligent, well-educated man.’

      ‘Oh, he is. I am so proud of him... He has such a thirst for knowledge and to understand what is happening in the world. He is always reading, and he paints and plays the piano exquisitely.’

      ‘A true paragon of virtue,’ Leo commented drily. ‘If he were female, I might even consider courting him.’

      ‘Oh...you! You are teasing again. I merely wished you to understand that he is more than a cripple.’

      ‘You have no need to prove anything to me. I understand that very well.’

      Silence reigned once again. As the village came into sight, the sound of crying brought them to a stop. A brick-built store by the side of the road appeared to be the source of the sound and Leo leapt from his horse.

      ‘Mr Boyton,’ Rosalind hissed. ‘Wait for me.’

      ‘It would be better if I check inside first,’ he said, then cocked his head as a shout of laughter erupted from within the building. ‘There might be danger. You should—’