* * *
Beth was as excited as her mare who was eager to cover more ground and would canter ahead of Lord's Carlisle's black gelding. Her reins had to be pulled multiple times to stay her so Beth and Lord Carlisle could ride side-by-side. Lord Carlisle did not seem to mind.
The horizon was perfect, the sky was beautiful and the path had been recently cleared. Even though the trees stripped naked by the winter did not compliment it enough, the view was wonderful to behold. Some evergreen laid to the right of their path and Beth could smell them from where they were.
The day was cold as expected, but the sun was warm on her face. Winter was kind to Carlisle and she enjoyed it greatly. Her horse tried to increase its pace again but Beth declined with a quick pull of the reins.
"She is eager." Lord Carlisle said from beside her. He directed his horse and bumped into hers. The mare neighed, complaining. Beth laughed.
