The silence that followed Emily’s words lasted for several unpleasant minutes. When Cedric stood up from the table, she was relieved for the opportunity to think of something other than her current situation.
“The sun is out. Fair weather for riding.” Cedric sidestepped around a pair of footmen removing plates from the breakfast table. “Mind if I borrow a horse? Mine was favoring his left foreleg last night.”
Emily stood as Ashton and Lucien took their leave. Charles vanished, but only after casting her a particularly wicked grin.
“The stables are always open to you, Cedric.”
Emily rose excitedly at the prospect of riding. “May I go with him, Your Grace? It has been ages since I’ve been riding.” The memory of her last ride was still bittersweet. Uncle Albert had sold her horse to pay o
