Chapter 107

The skies were once again heavy with black clouds, the bellies of which hung low enough to touch the distant horizon. Anne gazed at the ominous sight as the gloom of the coming storm settled around her and Cedric. The air was filled with the rich scent of late-blooming flowers and of rain yet to come. Her skin tingled as a warm breeze swirled and eddied about her. The stables were just ahead, the musty aroma of hay and polished leather teased her, reminding her of a past that was still somewhat hazy.

Cedric swung his lion-headed cane back and forth over the gravel path as they walked toward the wide double door entrance of the stables.

"How many horses do you have?"

He flashed an indulgent smile. "You mean how many do we have? They are yours now as well. And we have fourteen, including my four dappled grays for my private coaches."

"And the Arabians? What are their names?" Anne's hand tightened on his arm as they reached the stable doors.

Cedric paused, sweeping his cane over the