Chapter 210

The voice made Evelyn turn. Gabrielle stood a distance away, holding the reins of a chestnut mare.

Evelyn's brow arched. "Your foot healed fast."

Sophia had gone to another stable to fetch her horse, leaving them alone. Without an audience, Gabrielle dropped all pretense.

"Not completely," she sneered. "But this little injury won't stop me from riding."

Evelyn remembered the dramatic screams in the changing room. Yet here Gabrielle stood, perfectly balanced. The act had been obvious.

A smirk played on Evelyn's lips. "Glad to hear it."

She turned toward the stallion she'd chosen, wanting nothing more to do with this conversation.

Gabrielle's mocking voice followed her. "You should stay away from that one. Even if you manage to lead it out, you'll never ride it."

Evelyn paused. There was more to this warning than mere spite. She studied the horse, then Gabrielle. "Why do you say that?"

Contempt dripped from Gabrielle's voice. "That stallion has one master. It tolerates no other rider."

"Who owns it?" Evelyn asked.

"You're not worthy of that knowledge." Gabrielle tossed her hair. "Pick another horse before you embarrass yourself."

The venom was refreshing in its honesty. Evelyn actually smiled. "Thanks for the advice. But answer me this first."

"What now?" Gabrielle snapped.

"Is this hatred because you want Nathaniel for yourself?"

Gabrielle's laugh was sharp. "Nathaniel, Dominic, and I grew up together. Our families are intertwined. You wouldn't understand such bonds, peasant."

Evelyn ignored the jab. "If not for Nathaniel, why the schemes? The watch at the restaurant, today's little drama - all to turn him against me?"

"Since you're so curious," Gabrielle smirked, "I'll tell you. Nathaniel belongs to my dearest friend. I won't stand by while some backwater hussy steals him and breaks her heart."

Understanding dawned. "Benjamin's sister."

"Exactly!" Gabrielle's eyes lit with fervor. "Amelia is perfection itself - noble, gentle, accomplished. You could never compare!"

Evelyn's lips quirked. "Is that so?"

Gabrielle bristled at her indifference. "Since we're speaking of Amelia, know this - Nathaniel adored her. Family politics forced them apart, but that doesn't make you his rightful wife!"