"I think you are ready to do this on your own." Étienne announces after we have finished several laps down the street.
I search for the right word. I want an adjective that is kind but slightly ambiguous. I want to see what he will do with it. This desire is new, with the reservation I have held him in since my wedding night, but refreshing. "I had an attentive teacher."
"Don't discredit your intelligence. You are a rapid apprentice." I am slightly disappointed that he didn't take the bait but relish the compliments and reflect on earlier when he held me in his arms to help ease the disappointment.
Étienne leaves my side to mount his own steed. The dark horse is wrapped in muscles, displaying a powerful aura befitting of Étienne. I find myself admiring the duo as they approach.
"What are you staring at?" Étienne smirks, knowing exactly what I am thinking.
"Just admiring your horse. What is his name?" Étienne circles Elene and me to come to face the same direction as us. I turn my head to follow his progress.
"Bernard. He is spirited with everyone but me. We have this mutual trust. If he wasn't so willful I would have you learn on him, as he has a peaceful gate."
"Well I like Elene." I declare as I lean forward to pat her neck. Étienne beams at my declaration, appearing proud of my taste.
"Let's go to the rest of your surprise." The joy and anticipation that he feels boils over into a contagion. I match his enthusiasm, even though I have no idea what is waiting for me. If it makes him this enthusiastic it has to be wonderful.
"Match my pace." He commands as he gives Bernard a gentle kick to begin our journey. The pace is barely a walk, but perfect for my inexperience. We trot along in silence as we admire the nature around us. The birds are chirping, and there is a slight breeze that rustles the leaves of the trees and brush, forming a serene melody.
"Look at the squirrel," he points as we pass a bulky oak. The red furred creature scampers up the trunk and jumps from branch to branch with our approach. We watch for more wild life, and point out anything interesting that we see. I know these trees and this forest, as I have explored it since my childhood, but being so high has provided a new prospective, and appreciation. Those feelings only augment with the presence of my companion.
As we head further into the shadows of the trees, and deeper into the forest I realize the direction we are heading in is where there is a spring, waterfall, and meadow often frequented by lovers. The word "lovers" combined with thoughts of us brings blood rushing to my cheeks. I reason with my own imagination that it is nigh impossible for Étienne to know about that local secluded spot.
Over an hour passes and my anxiety mounts with each clop of a hoof. I try to calm myself, with questions like, what would be the harm in us going there? These help, but don't conquer these feelings.
"We need to dismount here." He instructs as we near the hidden entrance to the path to the waterfall. Does he even have an inkling about the direction of my thoughts? Of course not!
"Okay, where are you taking me?" I pull on the reins, bringing Elene to a stop.
"You should know by now." He says nonchalantly. He knows. I know he knows about this place, and its reputation. He is teasing me with his farce.
"I just want to be sure we aren't lost." I say, feigning innocence, despite my wild imagination.
"I know where I am. I had Jean-Marie show me this place yesterday." He dismounts coming over to me to help me dismount. If Jean-Marie showed it to him, then it might be that he has no idea of its reputation.
"Do you know what this place is referred to as?" I ask, testing his knowledge and reaction.
"No. Now bring your leg over so you are facing me and slid off." I comply, being watchful that my hem remains at my ankles this time. As I slide Étienne grabs my hips, easing my impact with the ground. Once again today I find myself intimately close to this man.
"Lovers spring. It is said that whatever couple drinks from it will be together forever and find each other no matter what separates them." He stiffens at my words.
"Jean-Marie only said that is was somewhere romantic." I laugh at his anxious expression that matches what I felt on our expedition.
"I was sure she left that part out." I manage to say between my giggles.
"Why would she do that?"
"She wants us together. She can tell my feelings for you, and if you were planning a romantic outing, she would have given you the best advice she could."
"What feelings for me?" Étienne asks in a whisper as he caresses my cheek. It is then that I realize how close we are. Why does this keep happening?
"It's a surprise." He pouts as I give him the same answer I have heard tens of times today. "Maybe I will tell you after our date." I tease.