The tree lined road gave way to open fields and at the end was a large mansion surrounded by gardens. They raced up the winding road. He reached their old finish line, a large tree at the entrance to the gardens, just ahead of her. They slowed and got off just at the stables. He found he was laughing as much as she was when his feet touched the ground. It had been so long since he had laughed so hard.
“You’ve gotten better.” He commented coming around his horse to hers.
She stroked her horse’s nose. “It’s all thanks to Lightning, she’s faster than Brock was.”
Jaden appraised her horse walking around. “She’s a fine animal.” He patted Lightning’s neck. “Where did you…”
“Lilly!”
They both turned their heads as a middle aged man came down the steps of the front entrance to the mansion. His stern expression aimed at his daughter. “What have I told you about racing? A lady does not race nor does she walk around in boy’s clothing and I won’t even mention the mud all over your face!”
“It’s my fault.” Jaden spoke up earning a shocked look from both of them. “You see, I noticed she had a new horse and wanted to test my own against it.“ He bowed his head slightly. “Forgive me old friend.”
Her father grunted in obvious disbelief then sighed hard. “You’re lucky he’s here to take the blame for you young lady. Now go to your room and dress for supper.”
Lilly did a clumsy curtsy and mumbled a quiet. “Yes sir.” Then she ran away, her bare feet slapping against the stone steps up to the manor.
