Chapter 52 The Royal Riding Party

• Daniel
• My mother interrupts my perverted thoughts when she sets her teacup back on the saucer with an audible clink. She looks up at the clock and smiles. “Daniel, Dear? Shouldn’t you be on your way? The riding party is on the docket to set off in a half hour and you still do prefer to tack up Barnaby on your own, don't you?”
• I bite back a frown. I don’t want to leave. But, I must. Instead, I smile. “Of course, Mother.” I lean down and give Annie a quick kiss that isn’t nearly as in-depth or passionate as I’d like and rise, buttoning the top button of my dress shirt as I do so. “I will see you later, Little American. Be sure to behave. I wouldn’t want the women of the court to give my sweet little wife any ideas.”